Meeting Minutes 

St. Albans Township/Village of Alexandria Merger Commission 

January 17, 2024 

Present: Jeff Baer, Sean Barnes, Ann Lodder, Cari Meng, Elaine Robertson, Dean Schiller, 

Stephanie Taylor, Craig Thorpe 

Absent: Dawn Burton, Ben Zanks 

Attendees: Pam Hills, Andrew Bottar-Dillen, David Lees, Bruce Lane, Jenna Baer, and one other 

The third meeting of the Merger Commission was called to order at 7:01 p.m. 

Minutes of the second meeting, held December 20, 2023, were read by Elaine Robertson, temporary secretary for Ann Lodder 

Sean Barnes (Zoning Committee): Last meeting we set out to create our research categories. From the zoning aspect revolves around what needs to be done to come together as to what the community wants, which seems to be what we have now. We will probably have to seek legal advice on that. We’ve seen some examples in the Pataskala/Lyme Township merger like hunting allowed in the township zone so have an overlay map of gun discharge and other aspects so everyday life doesn’t change for the residents. 

He will be contacting Bernie Brush regarding the Pataskala/Lyme Township merger and the challenges and hurdles they experienced. Open to suggestions for further things to investigate. Do have statement that annexation would be stopped and need to get clarity on that. 

Elaine Robertson (Zoning Committee): Mentioned specific things regarding farming and keeping agricultural open in both. Concerned about height of barns so wants to make sure there is some provision for that. Encouraged audience members to fill out cards to share questions or concerns. 

David Lees asked about taxes. 

Ann Lodder (Finance Committee) shared that spreadsheet created last year showed that property taxes that would be lost would be made up by village income tax. David Lees was concerned. 

Dean Schiller (Finance Committee) will be creating a spreadsheet. 

David Lees asked who is on the board and how long they have lived here. Commission members shared a little and reiterated that they are all interested in controlling growth and maintaining the area the way residents want. 

Andrew Bottar-Dillen asked what the difference is between a JEDD and a TIF and which is better. Jeff Baer said they are 2 different things but both generate development. A JEDD is driven by development and you have to have a developer and a municipality. A TIF can be put over the whole township and the money goes to improvements needed because of development. Property owner does not have to sign a JEDD. David Lees asks if the TIF continues if there is a merger. Language can be changed and be applied to Village. With a JEDD it is not known if it would continue. 

Jenna Baer asked about financial information. Ann Lodder replied that the committee will be looking at the assets of each entity, how the taxes will merge and would the amount received be the same, can we afford to do this. The committee is also looking at employees, is there duplication, would employment costs be reduced by consolidating, what new employees are needed. Looking at properties owned and are they being used to best use and at assets and would all be needed. 

Jeff Baer said that merger commission will be creating the new council and commissions to be in place until first elections. 

Jeff reiterated that the only agenda we have is to keep New Albany out. 

Elaine Robertson (Zoning Committee) reiterated that the committee will be looking at merging the village and township zoning to keep the best of both. Jenna Baer mentioned that township comprehensive plan is new but village’s is old. Recommended building off township comprehensive plan. 

Andrew Bottar-Dillen said we are 2 very proud committees –  Alexandria and St. Albans – and asked what’s in a name. Is one going away or being combined? Both have history and isn’t sure Alexandria should take over. Jeff reiterated that first we have to make sure it makes sense financially but acknowledged that could be a question down the road. 

Cari Meng (meeting chair) asked committee members to share what they will be working on before next meeting. 

Finance: Ann Lodder said the committee will be drilling down on what it is going to cost us. Cari asked whether there could be a formula for people to figure out what it would cost them based on their taxes and income. Jeff suggested a spreadsheet on the website. Dean mentioned there is a tax estimator on the auditor site. The committee will be looking at what will be dropping off, what will stay, and how to calculate the income tax. 

Services: Stephanie Taylor said the committee is looking at what a merged entity would be responsible for. She met with the school superintendent and shared notes from that meeting. Schools can take about 300 more students across the elementary, middle and high schools. Area superintendents are meeting regularly to discuss growth.  

Ben Zanks’ homework is to look at the services compelled to provide, like public safety. 

Bruce Lane mentioned that you can contract with ODOT and the county for snow removal. 

Zoning: will be getting updated village zoning code from Stan Robinson, village zoning inspector. Sean Barnes recommended meeting with Mr. Robinson in person. 

Dean Schiller asked if Southwest Licking Water & Sewer District would still be able to lay lines if there is a merger. Sean Barnes said if they don’t have lines in the ground it can keep them out or an agreement would need to be worked out if they are already in the ground. 

Next merger commission meeting will be Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 7 p.m. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. 

Submitted by Ann Lodder 

Secretary, Merger Commission