Chillicothe Council also agreed to pay the loser's costs to the Ross County Water Company
The proposed truck stop on East Main cleared another hurdle in Chillicothe council.
Council also accepted paying $125,000 to the Ross County Water Company after the water line fight.
With an audience watching - a few of whom who spoke in opposition - Nancy Ames explained the procedures the city used, and the accommodations the developers made to requests by the city and neighborhood residents.
After the 45-minute hearing, council voted to ratify rezoning part of the property, with only two "no" votes - by Dave Tatman and Beth Neal.
Council member Beth Neal explained her reluctance, saying she travels frequently through those traffic lights, and was unconvinced that changing their operation will more than balance out the increased truck traffic. She said she regretted having to vote against the jobs and tax revenues it will bring.
Construction of the Flying J / Pilot truck stop and restaurant is hoped to begin in March at 1111 East Main Street.
hear Neal explain her reservations
After discussing it previously in executive session, the settlement for the water line fight finally came to light - and paying the $125,000 bill was approved.
After the city started extending a water line along Hospital Road in 2004, the Ross County Water Company sued the city in 2006. After four years the city lost, and then lost an appeal, so the city was stuck with paying the lawyers fees for the Ross County Water Company.
Council approved paying the bill on first reading, an amount which was actually lessened by city Law Director Sherri Rutherford's office after negotiating with Ross County Water Company attorneys.
Rutherford says, at least the two payments to be made in the first quarter will use funds already in hand - but now the city will not get any more new water meters.
hear Rutherford give context
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils
