FR may consider alcohol zone

Fort Recovery could have an area for consuming alcohol outdoors downtown.

Council members heard Monday from village solicitor Erin Minor that as of April 30 the Ohio legislature allows municipalities with fewer than 35,000 residents to designate areas for people to drink alcohol without violating open container laws.

Council also heard updates on how Community Park updates are progressing.

Ohio allows outdoor refreshment areas for smaller municipalities if there are at least four businesses that hold A, B or D liquor licenses within a certain radius. In Fort Recovery, Trusty Woods, Brick Street Tavern, Northend Bar and Grill and Wayne IGA all have D liquor licenses and are within the 150 adjacent acre limit.

Previously, if businesses wanted to sell alcohol on the street, they would have to obtain special permits. These designated areas would do away with the need for permitting and instead rely on council’s approval for allowing the outdoor alcoholic refreshment area on certain days. Customers would only be allowed to consume alcohol purchased from one of the four businesses.

Village administrator Randy Diller said merchants in the village had previously requested information about allowing alcohol outdoors. It will be up to the merchants to decide if they want to go through with requesting the outdoor refreshment area designation. The proposal would then have to be submitted to council and, if approved, the request would be forwarded to the state.

“We think it’s our duty because they requested that information from us last year, basically, if they could do this,” Diller said. “And now that’s available we think it’s our duty to tell them it’s available, but here’s the steps you have to go through.”

Minor said she will present the information to the merchants at their meeting today, but wanted to get input from council first if they would be open to the proposal, should the merchants choose to pursue it.

Council members raised the question of whether it would be safe to have possibly intoxicated people crossing the streets and navigating traffic. Diller said the area would be closed off during the designation periods, with the possibility of closing additional side streets if necessary. Additionally, if the area proved unsustainable, council could vote to abolish the designation at any time.

Council also heard that updates to Community Park are coming along.

Installation of the benches and trash cans will be completed this week on the Paul Staugler Recreational Trail. A dedication has been set for 2 p.m. on June 11. There will be several speakers, and refreshments will be served.

Fundraising for an enclosed shelter house is about halfway complete after the addition of a $45,250 grant from Fort Recovery Community Foundation. Minor said the goal groundbreaking is set for 2018. Diller estimates that the project will cost $200,000, with all the money coming from fundraising and private donations.

The restroom renovation is moving along, with exterior painting and minor inside work to be completed this week. Diller said park patrons have already been using the facilities for several weeks and have responded positively.

In other business, council members Dave Bretz, Erik Fiely, Dave Garman, Scott Pearson, Cliff Wendel and Al Post:

•Heard that Ohio Department of Transportation will install new lower speed limit signs on the newly incorporated south side of the village on Ohio 49. ODOT expects to place the signs in June, and will also move the corporation limit signs. Minor said they will be reduced from 55 mph to 35 mph.

•Were updated by Diller on utility projects going on in the village. Sharpsburg Road utility extension work has been completed and was under budget by about $4,000. The First Street utility extension specifications have been approved, with construction expected to start soon. Diller said the project is slated to be completed by July 1.

•Learned the village may be able to save money on street light bulbs with a rebate from Dayton Power and Light Company. Fort Recovery currently uses a more expensive type of incandescent light bulb, but switching to an LED light could earn the village a rebate from DP&L. When Diller price checked the bulbs, they cost $52; on DP&L’s website, they offer a $50 rebate. Even if the rebate is not as high anymore, Diller said the opportunity to get money back would be a smart investment.

•Transferred $51,000 to the water capital fund from the general fund and $35,000 to the sewer improvement fund from the general fund.