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Kelleys Island News
By Leslie Korenko
Well, this was a September for the record! We braved what might have been the biggest storm of the year. It hit around 11 p.m. and people reported hearing that classic tornado train sound. High winds brought down over 30 trees. Hardest hit were W. Lakeshore, Division St. and the State Park, along with Titus, and Long Point. Yards were flooded everywhere and more than a few basements too. This was disastrous for washers, dryers, hot water tanks and furnaces located below ground. Trees are still coming down, after being damaged during that storm. The aftermath? One of the sea walls in Seaway Marina pulled away, likely due to the wind pushing large boats away from the wall during the big blow.
Mosquitoes, are still everywhere and swarming like midges. While we have an abundance of mosquitoes, it has been noted that there have been far fewer sightings of snakes this year.
We miss the Life on Kelleys newspaper, but there are hints that there will be one winter issue for the Cleveland Boat Show.
Nice turnout for the Audubon’s 30 year anniversary. Really, has it been that long? Tom Bartlett was the guest speaker.
Fun Events are still happening: Council meets on 10/4 at 10; Harvestfest-10/7; Family Halloween-10/14; Adult Halloween-10/21; and Owlfest 11/4, 5, 6. Be sure to check the Chamber website for additional events.
The end of October marks the last day for the seasonal liquor licenses on the Island. We reluctantly say goodbye to some of our favorite summer places.
The Village website (KelleysIsland.us) needs some updating. Incorrect meeting days are still listed for Council. Legislation is only current through the July 8th meeting; but one new addition is very welcome. A list of meetings and hearings (similar to what is posted at the Post Office each month) appears on the Home page and contains the link for attending the Council meeting online. A copy of the Rules of Council was made available at the meeting with pertinent sections highlighted including: deadlines for scheduling public meetings and for agenda items and supporting information. Also highlighted: Council “member discussion shall be limited to increments of 6 minutes on any single topic” which can be extended and Public Participation shall be limited to one minute which can be extended by the presiding officer. It is highly recommended that topics be presented to the appropriate Council member or committee prior to the meeting as the 1-minute limit may not allow for a full presentation or discussion. We are reminded that the Erie Co. Alert System is available to everyone and includes any KI alerts posted by the Village Administrator. You can sign up by visiting www.eriecounty.oh.gov.
COUNCIL NOTES
The Police Dept. received 3 reports, 382 phone calls, reported 7 traffic violations (OVI, driving under suspension), 3 accidents; and 5 tickets issued (open container and disorderly conduct). The Fire Dept. had 4 runs. EMS had 17 runs and 20 clinic calls. There was high praise for our safety services and their response to the big storm. It was announced that the purchase of the 15.5 acres by the airport is now off the table, as it is being sold to the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. However, the Conservancy is willing to sell ½ acre back to the Village for $15,000 for a tower. Tower locations are limited in our Zoning Code, so a public hearing on the rezoning will be required. Public participation raised an interesting question on drones and privacy. The proposed sewer project was questioned. As no information was shared previously on this project, it was finally clarified that this is a longterm, preliminary plan which will, eventually, involve acquiring property. It is estimated that the grant, which has a 2-year deadline, will be for design, review and acquisition, and there will be a series of town hall meetings to present the plan. One ordinance that was passed on its second reading, authorized the Mayor to enter into an agreement with Deckard Technologies “to provide advanced data analytics and technology solutions for real estate rentals in the Village…” While no reason was given for the ordinance, the company website states: “Over the last decade, the short-term rental (STR) market has overwhelmed and outpaced local resources responsible for properly regulating its growth. Changes in local real estate and local ordinances designed to ensure safety and compliance have not caught up with rapid market and technological changes, which continue to grow unchecked. Unregistered properties, unwelcome changes in the neighborhood’s character, declining home values, and continued squeezing of affordable housing are just a few of the important side effects cities face with the rise of short-term rentals.” It appears they will be using public databases to build an inventory of Island rentals (KI.com, StayonKI, VRBO, KIChamber, Air B&B, etc.) in order to determine if the Village is receiving all the taxes they should be and whether additional regulation is needed.
News From Other Islands
North Bass
Work Begins
The restoration of the old Ellington (Siefield) House at the northwest part of North Bass appears to have begun. The porch has been torn off, plus many of the windows have been boarded up.
Pelee Island
Pelicans on Pelee
On a recent Pelee Island Bird Observatory daily census, observers recorded at least 540 American White Pelicans off the west shore at Fish Point along with thousands of cormorants.
Small Island Charters
Starting October 7th, Pelee Island Charters will offer trips to Middle Island and East Sister Island. Only $50 CND per person. Pelee Island Charters operates high speed water taxi service between Pelee and Leamington, Ontario, and also does charters for research, bird watching, sightseeing and island hopping in its 8-passenger, 24-ft. Zodiac.
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