CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Chillicothe City Council will convene tonight at 7:00 PM for its regular meeting at City Hall, 26 South Paint Street. Alongside a proposed ordinance to impose a moratorium on adult cannabis dispensaries within the city, the council will address a variety of other legislative items impacting Chillicothe’s finances, parks, and public programs.

Key Items on the Agenda

Marijuana Dispensary Moratorium
At its first reading, council members will discuss an ordinance to temporarily prohibit adult cannabis operators within city limits. This proposed measure, categorized as an emergency ordinance, seeks to address local concerns about the placement and regulation of dispensaries following the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Ohio.

Yoctangee Park Improvements
Another notable item, also at its second reading, involves authorizing the mayor to enter a contract with a Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) firm. This firm would oversee planned upgrades to Yoctangee Park, which could include facility renovations, expanded amenities, or other community-driven enhancements.

Victim Witness Assistance Program Extension
In its first reading, council will consider an ordinance to extend the Chillicothe Municipal Court’s Victim Witness Assistance Program. The measure includes provisions to accept grant funding through the Victim of Crimes Act (VOCA) and the State Victim Assistance Act (SVAA), along with establishing pay and benefits for the Victim Advocate position.

Additional Legislative Items

  • Insurance Reimbursements and Donations:
    A third reading is scheduled for an ordinance allowing the city to automatically accept and allocate insurance reimbursements, grants, and donations under $10,000 for specific purposes.
  • End-of-Year Budget Adjustments:
    Council will hold a third reading of an ordinance appropriating funds to address various end-of-year expenses.
  • Cooperative Purchasing Program:
    A second reading is set for a resolution enabling the city to join a Cooperative Purchasing Program with the Equalis Group, which could streamline procurement processes and reduce costs.
  • Transit Program Grant Applications:
    In its first reading, council will consider a resolution to authorize applications for grants from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) through federal programs, including funding for rural transit and bus facility improvements.

What’s Next?

Public attendance is encouraged as council members deliberate on these matters, many of which carry implications for the city’s economic growth, community services, and infrastructure. The meeting will also feature opportunities for public comment on agenda items.