EATON — During a Monday, April 17, meeting, Eaton City Council held a public hearing and the first reading of an ordinance which would create a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) in downtown Eaton.

During the public hearing, City Manager Brad Collins provided a presentation outlining the basics of a DORA.

According to Collins, the DORA would make more accessible outdoor dining in front of liquor permit-holding establishments. It would allow establishments to serve alcoholic beverages in a specific DORA-designated plastic cup pursuant to law within a designated area during certain hours. Signage, sanitation, and safety requirements would be established by the city.

The downtown Eaton DORA would give individuals the ability to walk within the DORA boundaries with an alcoholic beverage purchased from a liquor permit-holding establishment between the hours of noon-11 p.m., seven days a week, year-round, according to city officials.

The proposed DORA encompasses 18.75 acres, and in the application is described as “commencing at the intersection of West Main and Beech Streets, thence to the intersection of North Maple and East Main Streets” and “commencing at the intersection of North Barron and Somers Street, thence to the intersection of South Barron and Wadsworth Streets.”

Collins noted, the necessary permit holders have been contacted and are in favor of establishing the DORA. There are over 80 DORAs in communities around the state.

Downtown Eaton Inc. has in the past expressed support of the DORA concept and DEI President Megan Griffis told council during the hearing the organization is very much in favor of creating a DORA downtown.

“We’re a proponent of this,” Griffis said, noting DEI sees this as a way to encourage economic activity. “We can offer more events, we can offer higher quality events, and make Eaton a real destination for tourists to come into. It’s just not the car show, just not what we have now. Hopefully to encourage more businesses to come in. So we are a big proponent.”

Griffis and Collins said they had not received any opposition to the proposal.

Bushrod Brewery owner Bill Washington was also in attendance and is in favor of the DORA.

Following the public hearing, council held the first reading of the ordinance which would establish the DORA. A second reading and vote on the measure is expected at the Monday, May 15, council meeting.

Following the public hearing, council held the first reading of the ordinance which would establish the DORA. A second reading and vote on the measure is expected at the Monday, May 15, council meeting.

Council also held a public hearing and the first reading of an ordinance regarding approval of a final development plan for a proposed planned unit development (PUD) for a residential development which will be known as George Town Village.

Mike Watkins, representing CCC Investment LLC, spoke briefly about the development.

In his report, Collins updated council on various activities which have either occurred or are planned in the city, including updates to Roberts Bridge, and planning board’s approval of a change in zoning for 501 Nation Avenue which will permit a childcare facility.

In other business, council:

•Received an update on the activities of the Public Maintenance Division from Public Maintenance Supervisor Daniel Gray. Gray provided updates on the work staff completed as the weather had allowed, including the addition of enclosed information boards for the parks, the painting of picnic tables and construction of approximately 40 new tables. Gray also reported on activities including crack sealing on several roadways, updates to the Roberts Bridge area, and on the recent Kids’ Fishing Day at Crystal Lake held in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. According to Gray, Wildlife Officer Brad Turner estimated approximately 250 fish were caught during the event on April 8.

•Held the second readings and approved amendments to water service rates, water tap-in rates, water capacity rates, wastewater service rates, wastewater tap-in rates and wastewater capacity rates.

•Awarded the 2023 Municipal Paving Project contract to Wagner Paving Inc. of Laura, in the amount of $463,720.

•Authorized and awarded to execute a Community Reinvestment Area Agreement with Everlast Roofing Inc. Everlast Roofing Inc. is proposing a $11.5 million renovation at the above location and wishes to receive development incentives provided by CRA. The project and production to create a minimum of 35 new, full-time, permanent job opportunities within the next four years. The City will provide tax incentives to encourage the development of the project by granting Everlast a 10-year, 50 percent tax exemption for the project. Everlast Roofing Inc. will be located at 1050 S. Barron St. Council also authorized a Job Creation Tax Credit Agreement with Everlast Roofing Inc. Based on the resolution Everlast Roofing plans to expand production of advanced materials that will create an estimated 35 new jobs within the next five years and create an additional $1.8 million in new payroll.

•Authorized a contract for engineering on phase two of the North Maple Street Project with Choice One Engineering Corporation of Sidney in the amont of $263,235.

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on Twitter @emowenjr.