CENTERBURG — Centerburg council members approved an annexation agreement on Monday for 56 acres on Croton Road.
The Expedited Type 2 annexation request comes on the heels of an 85-acre Johnsville Road annexation that is winding its way through the process.
Whistlestop Properties Inc. wants to annex parcel 17-00675.001 specifically to contract for sewer services with the village.
The village will annex the land under the Estate Residential zoning classification. Whistlestop cannot subdivide the parcel until after it is annexed.
If Whistlestop Properties wants to subdivide the land after annexation, it must submit proposed lot splits or subdivision plans to the village.
The village agrees it has the capacity to provide sanitary sewer service to the property. It also agrees to provide Whistlestop with taps at the same rate offered to all others.
Centerburg will provide fire, EMS, and police services after annexation.
Additionally, Whistlestop must construct any roads within the property. All public and private roads must be constructed according to village standards existing at the time of approval of any rezoning application, development plan, or site plan for the property.
The property will stay in Hilliar Township.
Council members waived the three readings and adopted the resolution as an emergency.
Under an Expedited Type 2 annexation, municipalities and townships may only object to the annexation based on statutory grounds.
The annexation request now goes to the Knox County Board of Commissioners.
80 Miller St.
Keeping with land use, council members waived the three readings and approved the purchase of 80 Miller St. from the Knox County Land Bank for $70,000, plus closing costs up to $5,000.
The Knox County Land Bank acquired the property, the site of the former Canterbury Villa nursing center, in 2022 and demolished the building in 2023.
Schlabach Builders bought the property in April 2025 for $80,000.
The land bank acquired 212 Fairview Ave., the site of the former Centerburg Respiratory and Specialty Care Rehab Center, in January 2025. It demolished the structure in August 2025.
In December, the land bank board approved trading the Fairview Avenue property for 80 Miller St.
Village Administrator Richard Dzik said that during a November executive session, Councilman Dave Beck requested Dzik to analyze the village’s land holdings and potential uses for those holdings.
Dzik said he asked council to pass the purchase legislation as an emergency so the village can improve the green space and have it ready for summer activities.
Architectural proposals to design a new street garage range from $28,000 to $43,000. The village is considering the higher proposal, which uses a wood truss design instead of a pre-engineered steel structure. The village will locate the new garage on the Miller Street property.
16 E. Main St.
Council members waived the three readings and authorized Dzik to enter into an agreement with adjacent property owners to use the green space at 16 E. Main Street.
The green space is the site of the former In Town Restaurant. Both owners have reviewed the agreement and provided input.
Dzik included the emergency clause so that the agreements and improvements are in place before the village finalizes an event schedule for the space.
He said the council could give it a first read, but said he would like it passed in February so that he can schedule contractors.
The agreement allows the village to install mounting devices on the buildings to support an awning and lighting, and to apply or install a vinyl or painted mural on the sides of the buildings.
Quotes for electric, concrete, and metalwork total $70,000. According to Dzik, the land bank approved funding up to $70,000 for the work.
Additional legislative action
Council members waived the three readings and approved several other pieces of legislation:
•Adopted the county’s multijurisdictional mitigation plan. Dzik included the emergency clause to expedite the county getting approval from all jurisdictions. However, he said the council could give it a first reading.
•Approved legislation soliciting bids for a professional comprehensive plan by a 5 to 1 vote. Councilman Daniel Hardwick voted no.
•Approved a pay increase for village employees, none higher than 5%. The ordinance sets the range for hourly employees; Dzik will administer the rates. Dizk will receive $80,000; the fiscal officer will receive $57,844.80.
•Amended section 145.08 of the codified ordinances to allow village employees the option to receive compensatory time in lieu of overtime pay
Council members took the following additional actions:
•Gave a first reading to an ordinance approving a contract with Metz, Bailey & McLoughlin for legal services at a rate of $450 per council meeting, $175 per hour for attorney services, and costs incurred on behalf of the village
•Gave a first reading to legislation accepting the annexation of 85.4 acres on Johnsville Road
•Held an executive session to discuss in detail the purchase of 80 Miller St. and employee compensation increases
•Gave a second reading to legislation vacating an easement on Jerry Street the village no longer needs because the stormwater pipe is now in the right of way instead of on private property
Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area
The council held a public hearing on Mayor Tom Stewart’s application to create a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).
DORA boundaries would extend from Preston Street to Clayton Street and from Houck Street to Church Street.
Proposed hours of operation are 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
No one spoke in favor of or against the DORA. The council scheduled a second hearing for Monday, Feb. 2, at 6 p.m.
COJFD
Chief Mark McCann said the fire truck that was under repair is back at the station. The repair cost was $14,000.
The fire board will place a renewal levy on the May ballot.