WADSWORTH: A resolution by City Council to oppose HB5 now in the Ohio General Assembly was forced to a second reading Tuesday when a motion to suspend the three reading rule on that resolution failed to obtain six votes.
Councilpersons Susan Hanlon and Beth Workman voted against the suspension ordinances and resolutions are required by law to go through three readings before the council makes a decision. However, if six of the seven members of council vote to suspend the three reading rule, a decision can be made without the required three readings. Since the motion to suspend the three reading rule for the resolution on HB5 only got five votes, the resolution was forced to a second reading.
The resolution opposes HB5 because it is expected to have an adverse financial impact on the city. According to city auditor Catherine Fix, Wadsworth may lose up to $100,000 yearly and have a one-time loss of up to $380,000 if the legislation is adopted. Fix also noted HB5 lessens home rule and increases state administrative control.
The council also held a public hearing on a recommendation by the city's Planning Commission to rezone less than one acre of land behind the Sunoco Station on High Street from residential to commercial. If the council agrees to rezone the land, that land is expected to be combined with the land on which the Sunoco Station sits for another use.
In keeping with its policy of not making a decision at the meeting at which a public hearing is held on an issue, the council made no decision on the rezoning.
