Development News for New Philadelphia, Ohio

Council Approves 'Then and Now' Certificates for Expenditures

Several resolutions (9-14-2026) were presented and passed by the council, all related to approving 'then and now' certificates for expenditures. These certificates allow payments for expenditures that occurred before a certificate was approved. The council voted to suspend the rules to pass these resolutions, indicating a need for prompt approval. The auditor was thanked for working to correct an issue identified in the audit related to these certificates. The intention is to ensure such issues are not repeated.

City Council Approves Application for NatureWorks Grant

Resolution 5-2026, authorizing the mayor to apply for financial assistance under the NatureWorks grant program, was approved by the council. The resolution was presented for a second reading and passed after the rules were suspended. This action indicates the city's initiative to secure funding for potential environmental or recreational projects through this grant program.

City Approves Alley Vacation and Two Annexations with Municipal Service Agreements

The Zoning and Annexation Committee discussed and approved three items related to land use. First, Ordinance 13-2026, to vacate an unnamed alley adjacent to Springbrook Drive. Second, Resolution 7-2026, indicating municipal services for a type two annexation at 1854 Hillandale Road Northeast. Third, Resolution 8-2026, indicating municipal services for three parcels at 1767 Hillandale Road Northeast, also a type two annexation. All three items were approved by the committee for inclusion on the evening's agenda with a request for suspension of rules and passage on first reading. Council subsequently passed all three items. The alley vacation had unanimous agreement from neighbors and prior approval from the planning commission. For the annexations, the property owners are responsible for the cost of extending services, and the city is required to confirm service availability. The property at 1854 Hillandale Road has an imminent septic system failure, necessitating timely annexation. The property at 1767 Hillandale Road is closer to existing city infrastructure, making service extension easier for the owners. The committee recommended passing these resolutions as emergencies to expedite the process.

City Council Approves 12-Bay Hangar Construction with State Loan

The Public Works and Economic Development Committee discussed Proposed Ordinance 12-2026, which concerns the construction of a 12-bay hangar at the airport. The committee voted to add this ordinance to the evening's agenda and requested a suspension of rules for first reading passage. Council later approved this ordinance. The hangar project is funded by a 3% State of Ohio loan, and projections indicate that rental income will fully cover the loan payments without city subsidy, with an anticipated surplus. Demand for hangar space is high, with a waiting list of pilots. Concerns about potential vacancies were addressed by mentioning reserve funds from existing hangers and projected rental income covering loan repayment. The project is described as net-neutral to the city's expenses. The construction of a related taxiway is fully covered by FAA and state funds, incurring no cost to the city. The hangar is a pre-engineered steel building with low maintenance requirements. The project is expected to generate significant free income after the loan is paid off, contributing to future airport projects and subsidies. The loan term is 20 years with 17.5 years of payments, including a 2.5-year grace period. The loan is a SID loan with no prepayment penalty. Funds generated at the airport must stay within the airport's fence and cannot be used for general fund expenses like the bucket truck. The airport commission plans to increase the maintenance fee in January 2027. The 12-bay hangars are projected to generate $45,000 annually in free income each once paid off, totaling $90,000 for the two new hangars.