CITY OF LENOX

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on July 10, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Bowman, Adams, Vogel, Borland and Custer. Staff present included City Administrator, Allison Kitzman and City Clerk, Dawne Bowman. Other visitors were Jesse Sheley, Karen Zabel, Shari Burger and Coleen Larimer.

Bowman made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Adams, all aye, motion carried. Adams made a motion to approve 6/26/17 meeting minutes, seconded by Vogel all aye, motion carried. Vogel made a motion to approve the payment of the bills, seconded by Borland, all aye, motion carried. Custer made a motion to approve June 2017 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Vogel, all aye, motion carried.

Discussion was held on Ordinance 373 regarding on- site storage containers, stating no containers are allowed in residential areas and anyone that currently has a container has 60 days to remove it. Custer made a motion to approve 2nd Reading Ordinance 373, seconded by Adams. Roll call votes: Custer and Adams- aye, Bowman, Vogel and Borland- nay, motion did not pass.

A discussion was held on Ordinance 376 regarding on- site storage containers, stating no containers are allowed in residential areas and anyone having a container is allowed to keep it, as long as they own the property. Adams stated her concern that Sheley was not in compliance, as he was told he would need a building permit and failed to get one at the time, instead he waited until after the 6/26/17 council meeting. Sheley defended his actions by stating he was told there was a possibility he may have to get rid of it, so he did not see the need to pay for a permit if he wasn't allowed to keep his container. Sheley's building permit has not been approved; however, Vogel discussed that Sheley should not be penalized for the City's lack of attention to the building permit. Bowman discussed situations in which residents are not aware a building permit is needed. Zabel discussed that many years ago an ordinance was passed, which requires publication in the newspaper, that would require any building over 8 foot x 4 foot to have a building permit. Zabel also stated that this situation is going on in other towns, and they are not allowing them, adding that she is not in favor of storage containers in residential areas. Bowman commented that we have a family that moved to town and purchased a home, upgraded their home by putting on a deck, has bought a business in town, as well as this storage container prior to any discussion on whether they are allowed or not. Custer disputed that everyone should be held to the same standards. Adams agreed and added that this also becomes an ethical issue when Borland, who is Sheley's sister, sits on the Council. Borland commented that she is not the only person voting and there are no laws stating she could not vote. Bowman made a motion to approve 1st Reading of Ordinance 376, seconded by Vogel. Roll call votes: Custer and Adams- nay, Bowman, Borland and Vogel- aye, motion carried.

Shari Burger presented the Council with the annual report for the library.

Vogel made a motion to approve Resolution 17- 12 Tax Abatement for Josh Horton at 704 East Temple, seconded by Borland, all aye, motion carried.

Borland approved liquor license for The Office, seconded by Custer, all aye, motion carried.

Bowman made a motion to approve Resolution 17- 19 Tax Abatement for Charlie Young at 400 East Ohio, seconded by Borland, all aye, motion carried.

Adams moved to adjourn the meeting, Custer seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:15 P.M.