Lima council approves floodplain regulations [The Lima News, Ohio]

March 26--LIMA -- City Council approved new floodplain management regulations Monday, the first step in making residents in the floodplain eligible for flood insurance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires municipalities to pass management regulations.

New floodplain maps have been drawn, meaning some people are now in the floodplain in Allen County and some people now are out. Council needed to approve the regulations by May 2. Those will now be forwarded to FEMA for approval.

Few residents in the city are affected by the changes. Many more live in the surrounding townships. Residents now in the floodplain have been notified. Maps of the new floodplain are available at the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission and its website.

Residents who live in the floodplain now are eligible to purchase flood insurance at the current rate for two years, Public Works Director Howard Elstro said.

Those wanting to build or expand in the floodplain must complete construction to a higher standard and build their building two feet higher than the floodplain, Elstro said.

In other business, council:

--Approved an application to the Ohio Department of Transportation's large project funding committee for $3 million for right of way purchase for the east side underpass project.

--Approved a resolution of support for the South Main Street zoning overlay plan. The City Planning Commission and City Council will see specific ordinances for the plan at a later date.

-- Adjourned into executive session to discuss building security. City officials have been discussing staffing the reception area of the Municipal Building and other security measures for the building.

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