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Imagine grabbing a beer from a local restaurant, walking with it in hand on the sidewalk downtown and stopping by some local shops, all while sipping away.
That image could become reality if the Village creates a DORA, or designated outdoor refreshment area, in downtown Yellow Springs.
Village Council briefly discussed the idea during the new business portion of its meeting on April 19. No legislation was considered or votes taken.
In a DORA, those 21 and older can legally consume alcohol on public property. Retail establishments can also allow customers to bring in alcoholic beverages, but the drinks can’t be taken from one restaurant or bar to another.
When the Gaunt Park pool opens on May 29, it will look, in many ways, similar to last year. Masks will be required, and the grassy area will be marked to designate socially distanced seating areas.
But there will be some changes. Gone are both the two-hour session limits and locals-only days. And higher prices will be charged across the board in the first pool rate increase since 2009.
Council passed the first reading of an ordinance amending pool rates at its March 15 regular meeting. A second reading and public hearing for the measure is April 5.
The largest cost increases will affect nonresidents. In another change, there are no longer lower rates for Miami Township residents.
Greene County Public Health, or GCPH, recently announced that it has been alerted to the possibility of scam phone calls, texts and emails from people posing as public health officials. These fraudulent communications are purported to share information on the vaccine or other topics related to the ongoing pandemic.
According to a press release from GCPH, those who are part of Ohio’s Phase 1B vaccination roll-out and who have registered to receive the vaccination through GCPH will receive a call from 937-347-5030. Caller ID will name the caller as “GREENE COUNTY,” and the call will include a recorded message stating the date, time and location of the next available vaccine clinic. If the call is unanswered, a voice mail message will be left. Those who provided an email address on the online registration form will receive an email from bbrooks@gcph.info.
At Village Council’s final meeting of 2020, Council unanimously passed a budget for the new year calling for spending increases amid falling revenues.
The deficit budget, the Village’s first in four years, includes $4.23 million in expenses while projecting revenue of $3.27 million.
Council had been discussing the budget with Village staff since October. Since it was first proposed, staff trimmed some expenses in response to Council member concerns about going in the red.
No citizens spoke at the public hearing ahead of the second and final vote.
Council Vice President Marianne MacQueen emphasized that spending was up in 2021 because reserves have been set aside for years specifically for infrastructure investments.