Greenville Council eyes gas, electric proposal

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GREENVILLE — Proposed ballot questions regarding natural gas and electric services received a first reading during the Greenville City Council meeting Tuesday.

Two ordinances being considered would allow the city to enter into a Municipal Aggregation Consulting Service Agreement, by which the consultant — in this case, Affordable Gas & Electric (AGE) — to enter into service agreements to facilitate the sale and purchase of natural gas and electric on behalf of the city.

In short, if the ordinances are approved by council after second and third readings, the measures will appear on the November 8 ballot. If approved by voters, the measures would allow AGE to negotiate community-wide bulk gas and electric rates for eligible city residents and small businesses, who nonetheless would retain the ability to opt out of the program.

Council also approved an ordinance authorizing appropriations in the amount of $11,000 to be used for third and fourth quarter maintenance, including fall cleaning of the city building and potential elevator/HVAC repairs.

A resolution authorizing the safety/service director to advertise for bids for an explosive fixed gas mitigation system was approved.

The fixed gas system has been mandated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to expel excess methane gas from the ground near the city’s old landfill. A study indicated that methane from the landfill was leeching across U.S. Route 127 toward the Olwine Trailer Park. The project will cost approximately $66,000.

In other business, Council heard proposals from two citizens during the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Brian Fisher of the Darke County Horseshoe Club asked council for a variance to allow food service trucks to operate at Greenville City Park during its regional and state competitions. Fisher requested that the vendors be allowed to operate during the hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 2 and 3, and on September 2, 3 and 4.

Though the request was made on short notice, Council agreed to the variance with Fisher expected to appear the following day to sign off on the agreement.

Geoff Surber asked Council if it would consider annexing a portion of his property, currently in Greenville Township. Annexation of the 6.819-acre parcel, located northwest of Greenville, would, in the words of Surber, “square off” the city limits at that location. Surber said the annexation would result in “zero” city services being expected. Council agreed to consider legislation for the proposal at its next meeting.

The Greenville City Council meets the first and third Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public. For more information, visit the city’s website at www.cityofgreenville.org or go to the “City of Greenville, Ohio” Facebook page.

If approved, would be on Nov. 8 ballot

By Erik Martin

[email protected]

The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com.

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