Olney City Council Meeting October 13th

The Olney City Council met in regular session on Monday (October 13) with all members present.

After approving the consent agenda, which included a Resolution to Rescind Resolution 2024-R-80 authorizing a tourism grant application & program, the council voted to approve and authorize payment of accounts payable including an invoice to Tri-M Plumbing in the amount of $120 for backflow testing; with Councilman Miller abstaining from the vote.

During presentation of ordinances and resolutions, the council heard from Ami Smithenry who was seeking a permit to hold dog behavior training classes in the city park. Smithenry, a dog trainer who specializes in PTSD as well as other behavior training, stated that she does hold liability insurance; however, she requires anyone attending the training to sign a waiver. The vote passed with unanimous approval.

The Richland County High School Head Fishing Coach spoke requesting fishing tournament & boat permit requirement waivers for the RCHS Bass Team for a 60 boat field tournament to be held on Saturday, April 11^th and a 30 boat field tournament for Saturday, May 2^nd. This vote also passed with unanimous approval.

In call for the submission to the electors of the City of Olney the question of whether the City of Olney shall allow cannabis dispensaries within city limits, the council heard from both Councilman Eyer and City Attorney Zuber about exact wording that would be used on the ballot. There was some reluctance from some council members about the timing of the vote, as well as the opening of a dispensary in general. However, the general consensus is that a vote would allow for the residents to be heard before the council makes a decision. There was a motion to amend the date for the vote from the Primary Election on March 17th to the General Election on November 3rd to allow for a larger potential voter turnout, but the amendment was struck down 3-2. In another 3-2 vote the council did approve the original motion to be placed on the ballot for March 17th’s Primary Election.

City Manager Barker presented a quote to replace the 24 light fixtures at the tennis court complex with LED lights, dropping the wattage from 1500 to 500 watts each. The quote was from Ekhart Supply in the amount of $14,425.61. The new lights would be the same fixtures as used in last years renovation of diamonds 1 through 4 at the ballpark. Barker’s request would waive formal bidding procedures. The council approved the bid.

The Council was addressed by the President of the Richland County Soccer Association for consideration of a new soccer field complex location. RCSA has been playing at Olney Central College, but due to OCC starting a soccer program RCSA will lose access to the fields after the 2026 season. RCSA is seeking between 12 and 15 acres to build a new complex for high school boys and girls soccer. After discussion of a few different possible locations, the council has agreed to work with the RCSA on finding a suitable location.

The council also approved amending the 2025-2026 tourism budget for the Little League ballpark upgrade, and authorization of the sale of items of an old SMCI Crack Sealer, amendment of the 2025-2026 Street Department & Parks and Cemeteries Department budgets, and the renewal proposal for liability, property, workers compensation, auto & miscellaneous coverages for 2025.