Kenton City Council Approves Several Ordinances During Recent Meeting

Kenton City Council met Monday evening, addressing a wide range of topics. 

During public comment, Ward 2 resident Thad Gardner addressed the council regarding the proposed U.S. 68/State Route 31 roundabout, submitted 17 Federal Railroad Administration crash reports into the official record, and urged a full railroad safety review before the project proceeds.

The Tree Commission also presented upcoming Arbor Day plans. Gary Whitmer and Tara Meyer invited the public to a free Arbor Day event at the Mary Lou Johnson–Hardin County District Library on April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon. The event will include tree plantings, educational materials on tree care, and a pinecone bird feeder activity.

Also at the meeting, Michael Kasler, candidate for Hardin County Commissioner, provided a brief campaign update ahead of the upcoming primary election. He also highlighted his background, noting that after retiring from the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 2010, he attended law school and later became a trustee of the Highway Patrol Retirement System, where he also serves as chairman of the healthcare funding committee overseeing retirement and healthcare benefits for retired troopers in Ohio.

Ordinance 26-007 was approved, authorizing a gas pipeline easement for East Ohio Gas/Enbridge for installation and relocation of natural gas facilities in connection with the roundabout project, with the work scheduled to occur at the same time as underground water and sanitary sewer improvements.

Ordinance 26-008 also passed, updating city parking regulations to restrict large vehicles from downtown parking spaces and establishing an overnight parking restriction from approximately 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. for maintenance and snow removal. The new regulations apply to portions of Columbus and Franklin Streets between Market Street and Wayne Street, as well as Main and Detroit Streets between Carrol Street and Ohio Street. These areas are also now designated as two-hour parking zones.

Under the ordinance, vehicles may not remain parked in designated areas for more than two hours within any 24-hour period. In addition, overnight parking is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.

The legislation also restricts the parking of large vehicles in these zones. This includes commercial vehicles exceeding 25 feet in length or 7 feet in height, as well as trailers, buses, campers, and similar vehicles. Exceptions are permitted for commercial loading, unloading, deliveries, and passenger pick-up, provided the vehicle does not remain parked for more than 30 minutes.

Violations of the updated parking regulations may result in a $25 fine if paid within 72 hours. Failure to pay may lead to additional penalties or further enforcement action.

Ordinance 26-010 was introduced and handled under emergency timing due to bid response deadlines, with the three-reading rule suspended and the ordinance adopted at the same meeting. The measure provided additional 2026 appropriations, including $65,000 to cover higher-than-expected bids for the sidewalk project extending toward Walmart and $1,000 for the city fireworks fund.

In addition, several appointments were made and updates were provided on ongoing street work and upcoming community cleanup events.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and hear all of the details by viewing the full meeting in the video posted on the City of Kenton Government Facebook.