ROAMING SHORES — Roaming Shores Village Council opted during a Tuesday, Aug. 18, meeting to move forward with a comprehensive rewrite of its building code.
The building code draft, which was tabled at an earlier meeting at council’s request, was discussed during the meeting, as well as during an earlier public hearing.
Councilor Joyce Misinec said the rewrite represents work underway for several years, with the latest revision made in 2022.
Misinec said the proposed code is intended to modernize village regulations and clarify the respective responsibilities of the village and the Rome Rock Association (RRA).
Among the proposed changes is elimination of a point system and architectural review requirements.
Misinec said aesthetic considerations are better handled by the RRA, while the village should focus on matters of safety.
The draft also clarifies permitting responsibilities. Building permits and certificates of occupancy are handled by the county, while the village is only responsible for zoning permits.
The revised code is intended to clarify the separation of responsibilities.
The rewrite also addresses several lake-specific responsibilities for property owners, including requirements for seawall installation, materials, maintenance and replacement.
It contains provisions governing docks, boatlifts and boathouses, restrictions on permanent driveways to the lake on properties without a house, as well as for fences and erosion control.
Misinec said some provisions were identified as no longer relevant by the zoning administrator, while other changes have been under consideration since the spring.
The proposed code will be reviewed by the Planning Commission, any necessary changes will be made and the final draft submitted for council’s approval.
Misinec said the process could include communication in response to the review, another meeting and possible changes before council considers un-tabling the legislation.
In other business:
Fiscal Officer Kevin Huff reported the village has $2,928,157.85 in its STAR Ohio account earning approximately 3.86 percent interest, or about $10,000 a month in income.
Huff said moving the funds to STAR Ohio has been beneficial to the village and called it a responsible decision for the community.
Council moved forward with legislation creating a police cadet position and establishing a pay rate for the position.
A related ordinance approves a police cadet training and Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy reimbursement employment agreement between the village and Administrator Mark Reed II.
Council also approved the village’s certificate of estimated resources for fiscal year 2027 on first reading.
Reed reported that DLZ’s representative, who was slated to make a presentation on the Lake Roaming Rock dam, was unavailable because of a family emergency and is expected to address the council during its Tuesday, Sept. 1, meeting.
The next regular meeting of Roaming Shores Village Council is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Village Hall, 2500 Hayford Road.
