Planning Commission Approves Changes to Proposed Civic Center Renovation; Discusses Shade Trees

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 26, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Delaynie Potts

Village Clerk-Fiscal Officer and Assistant to the Executive

Telephone: (740) 742-2121, Ext. 1000

delaynie.potts@villageofrutland.org

RUTLAND, Ohio — The Rutland Village Planning Commission on Wednesday approved changes to its docket, including the Rutland Civic Center Multi-Purpose Revitalization Project, and the Rutland Urban Forestry Project.

The Commission convened for a special meeting called by Mayor Tyler M. Eblin in the Mayor's Chambers at Rutland Civic Center with Chairman Christopher Saber presiding. In attendance were members Mayor Eblin and Councilor and Madalyn Wood.

Eblin informed the Commission representatives from the Meigs County Soil and Water Conservation District would be in attendance during its next regular meeting to provide testimony regarding solutions to flood control in the Village. The Commission approved a motion to amend its schedule of regular meetings to begin at 5:30 p.m. on days at which regular meetings of Village Council are held. This schedule can be located online at www.villageofrutland.org.

The Commission reviewed specifications for the implementation of the Rutland Urban Forestry Project, to be outlined in the project's request for proposal. Among these specifications were bidding processes, implementation dates, and the proposed locations of new shade trees. A request for proposal is a formal document issued by the Village to announce a project and invite qualified vendors to submit bids to provide goods or services.

Eblin presented to the Commission a proposed phased plan for the planting of new shade trees along State Route 124. Eblin's proposal divides the project into four total phases spanning over two years, with Eblin explaining grant funds must be spent by the end of 2027.

According to Eblin's proposal timeline of shade tree planting, phase one would include Salem Street from Davis Avenue to Beech Grove Road, and would take place in the spring of 2026; phase two would include Salem Street from Main Street to Davis Avenue, and would take place in the fall of 2026; phase three would include Main Street from Locust Street to Mulberry Street, and would take place in the spring of 2027, with the final phase including Main Street from Mulberry Street to Salem Street, occurring in the fall of 2027.

The Commission approved Eblin's proposed phased plan; however, could not reach a decision as to the species to be planted. Eblin recommends planting the same type of species together to facilitate uniformity, bolster optimal shade cover, and ensure any adverse interaction among species is avoided. Saber proposed intertwining various species together, creating a pattern that allows all phased areas to have multiple species. This proposition was also supported by Wood.

Saber inquired if a public hearing should be held to gather public input. Eblin indicated a public hearing could be scheduled after the request for proposal is approved, noting changes could always be made prior to executing the final contract.

Some specifications in the draft request for proposal were approved by the Commission, such as the proposal window and implementation dates, however, the request for proposal remains unapproved, with the Commission scheduling a vote on approval during its next regular meeting scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at Rutland Civic Center. Representatives from the Ohio Division of Forestry have been invited to attend this meeting to provide further clarity.

In other projects, the Commission passed a motion to amend the proposed specifications of the Rutland Civic Center Multi-Purpose Revitalization Project. The originally proposed project specifications came at an estimated price tag of $1.1-million. The Village had initially solicited funding through the Abandoned Mine Land and Economic Revitalization (AMLER) Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, who opted not to fund the project.

Eblin explained a portion of the project is eligible for funding through the 136th Ohio General Assembly capital budget, noting an appropriation through the General Assembly's capital budget bill cannot exceed $500,000. This cap has required the Commission to reevaluate its priorities with the project.

Eblin proposed the Commission suspend all renovations except the construction of a new roof and installation of new clerestory windows in the gymnasium, explaining the immediate need at this time is to shelter the building. The Village would then need to secure funding for interior renovations from other sources. The Commission approved Eblin's proposal, downsizing the project to roof and window replacement only. The proposed changes now head to Village Council for final approval.

The Commission voted three to one to remove from the docket proposed sidewalk improvements, following a motion made by Eblin, explaining the Village budget cannot afford the costs of sidewalk replacement this year. The Commission had been evaluating replacing sidewalks in the Village's business district. Eblin informed the Commission grant opportunities for sidewalk replacement are rare, noting federal funding sources seek projects that prioritize pedestrian safety in the areas of intersections and accessibility. Eblin explained the Village does not have a high count of pedestrians in comparison to other municipalities such as Athens and Gallipolis, and securing federal funding for sidewalk improvements would be nearly impossible, cautioning the Village may have to finance its own sidewalk improvements. Saber voted against the motion.

The Commission voted unanimously to remove from its docket the Village's blighted structure abatement program and refer the abatement of blighted structures back to the Mayor's Office for further administration. Also removed from the Commission's docket was a project involving the resurfacing of Main and Salem Street, along with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-upgrades, now that planning for such project has concluded. The project will be administered by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

A ceremonial tree planting and ribbon cutting ceremony was scheduled by the Commission to take place on Earth Day to commemorate the Village's intent to become a Tree City USA, and launch the Village's urban forestry project, for which Eblin will issue a proclamation. Additional details regarding this event will be published as soon as made available.

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