Council Approves Purchase of Tipp City Plaza

Council members held two Executive Sessions on Monday, Dec. 2, one for purchasing property and the second for collective bargaining. After the two Executive Sessions, a work session was held where they discussed the Hathaway Park improvements project. Council postponed addressing the public records request process. The Hathaway Park improvements project involves the stream running through Hathaway Park, which erodes the stream banks during heavy rainfall. This erosion significantly widens the stream bed.

Tipp City’s Jeremy Bowser, Municipal Services and Engineering, presented to Council members a plan, funded to at least 80% by a Federal Natural Resources Grant. This plan is designed to divert stream overflow into a holding pond, which will then dry out when the stream level recedes. Council member Doug Slagel immediately objected, arguing that the holding pond would be “a mosquito pit” and would surely put surrounding homeowners “up in arms.” Slagel also offered several alternative solutions to the holding pond, and Council members agreed with the alternatives.

Bowser and City Manager Eric Mack explained that they had presented the “holding pond” plan because of the heavy federal funding. He said they would gladly develop other solutions for Council’s review, noting that the alternative solutions would need to be funded by the city.

Council members then adjourned to their regular meeting, which began with Mayor Logan Rogers proclaiming Tuesday, December 3, as “Giving Tuesday” in Tipp City. Mayor Rogers “encourages all citizens to join together to give back to the community in any way that is personally meaningful.”

Council then passed an Ordinance to amend the 2024 Appropriations and Annual Operating Budget for unanticipated expenses. This included refunds of estimated income taxes and costs for Police and Fire/EMS maintenance and engineering services.

Council passed seven Resolutions:

·         Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Woodard Development for the city’s eventual purchase of the plaza properties, known as Tipp City Plaza and Tipp Center, for a cost not to exceed $6,950,000 plus any closing costs.

·         Authorize the City Manager to enter into a property management and listing agreement for the plaza properties with Ascent Real Estate Advisors, a subsidiary of Woodard Development, to act as the city’s agent for listing of space available for commercial/retail lease, collecting rents, and maintaining the properties. The agreement would cover the holding period while the existing commercial leases mature.

·         Authorize the City Manager to enter into a consulting agreement with Woodard Development to help negotiate the purchase of 60 acres of land at the SW corner of 25A and 571. The land has the potential for commercial, retail, and residential development.

·         Authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Tipp-Monroe Community Services, Inc., for recreational program services in 2025, for a cost not to exceed $17,700.

·         Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement between Tipp City, Piqua, Troy, and Miami County to share the annual costs of the Hazardous Materials Response Team, at a cost to Tipp City of $3,200, which is 13% of the total.

Council members then passed a motion to allow the Tipp City Area Arts Council to install, at Canal Lock Park, the “Song Tree Sculpture.” This sculpture is a nearly 12 ft. metal sculpture with chimes by artist Mary McConnaughey (Mary Mack). The sculpture is embedded with glass pieces by artists Mojgan Samardar and Sue Shira. Council then adjourned.