With a temporary council president running the session, council was told that the former president had requested legislation to reduce that very position...but it can't be done.

Human Resources chair Alicia Gray related that information from her Wednesday committee meeting, saying the city can't do it because of state law. 

After his Sunday resignation, Gray said Alan Davis' replacement will be made by his party, the Republicans. 

But another cost-cutting measure requested by Mayor Everson may be possible.  Reducing council from nine to seven was tabled until the next committee meeting to get more information, but they already know it would have to be voted on by Chillicothe citizens. 

Gray said it might be brought up in the next council session. 

She also wanted to be sure the public knew that progress is being made on revising pension pick-ups for the city bargaining units and police and fire chiefs. 

hear Gray on possibility of changing council numbers

Development chair Nancy Ames brought up possibilities for local development. 

The city and county needed to change their priority rating for a road extension - in fact, to even list it - in their thoroughfare plan. This will improve the chance of getting a grant for it from the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission. 

The $450,000 grant would extend the service road at the Gateway Industrial Park.  Chillicothe is already number two on the list of possible recipients. 

The project might also help fill the large, empty, spec building there off State Route 104 north. 

And, the controversial "Flying J" mega truck stop at the east end of Main Street is gliding along. 

It will be the subject of the  Development Committee Meeting 4:30 Tuesday in the first floor conference room at 35 South Paint Street. 

Flying J will be presenting, as well as listening to public comments. Once the zoning gets to council, they will also have a hearing on it before the final vote. 

Menard's also deeded the land for two turn lanes along Bridge Street, because they have sold their two front lots - and one is about to be developed. 

hear Ames on zoning and truck stop developments

Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils