GAMBIER – At its May 3 meeting, Gambier Village Council approved three variances for Kenyon College as they embark on the South Campus Housing Project over the next few years.
Kenyon plans to build three new residential buildings on the south campus that will be more than 67 feet tall when completed. Gambier zoning code limits structures’ height to 50 feet. The Planning and Zoning Commission had already approved Kenyon’s zoning application for the new student housing at the Commission’s April 20 meeting, pending Council’s approval of the height variances.
In other action, Council President Betsy Heer said she is working with Phil and Mary Samuell to coordinate a Fourth of July parade in downtown Gambier this year. Council members Alec Wood and Alison Furlong expressed interest in helping plan the event this year as well.
Council approved the parade and authorized $500 to pay for incidentals related to the celebration.
Committee meetings this month were moved ahead to Monday, May 24, to avoid conflict with Memorial Day.
Council also learned in the Village Administrator report that parking tickets and utility bills can now be paid online through an arrangement the Village has with nCourt. Administrator R.C. Wise reported that those choosing to pay online will incur a $2.95 convenience fee for parking tickets and a $4.95 service fee for utility bills.
Wise also reported to Council that May is the month the annual escalator charge on sewer rates is imposed, which will raise the cost of sewer in the village from $11.55 to $11.77 starting with the next billing.
The next Council meeting is 7 p.m. on June 7 via the Zoom platform.
