City of Clayton

The council meeting included a special presentation on the Age Friendly Initiative in Clayton, managed by the development director, detailing access to AARP grant funding and the proposed community needs assessment timeline. Key legislative actions involved the approval of an ordinance establishing a graduated penalty structure for snow emergency parking violations, clarifying enforcement, and another ordinance aligning fire hydrant spacing requirements with the Ohio Fire Code. The council also approved a resolution authorizing staff to pursue collaboration with the AARP network of age friendly communities and extended a moratorium on accepting applications for certain residential care facilities. Finally, resolutions were passed authorizing the city manager to enter into professional services agreements for the Main Street State Route 48 pedestrian improvement project (Phase 2) and accepting a proposal for the Metobrook carpet project.

The primary focus of the meeting was the formal swearing-in ceremony for several new personnel. This included Officer Eric Santos (a U.S. Marine Corps veteran), Sergeant Ashley Schuman, and Lieutenant Aishan Shudy. Additionally, Fire Chief Garver introduced new Fire Department employees: Firefighter Paramedic Andrew Goss, Paramedic Only Amanda Michael, and Paramedic Bryant Williams. The proceedings involved administering the oath of office to the police personnel and official introductions for the fire department staff.

City Council members and members of the Planning Commission held a joint work session to discuss residential zoning districts.

The meeting focused significantly on the appointment of a Ward 1 Council Member following the expiration of the 30-day period for Council selection, resulting in the Mayor appointing Leanne Bustos. The new Law Director and City Manager were officially sworn in and thanked Council for their appointments. New business included the approval of resolutions to employ the City Manager and Law Director, approve a wage agreement for Maintenance Workers, and consent to several Ohio Department of Transportation projects concerning resurfacing US 40 and bridge repairs on SR48. Additionally, approval was granted to engage an engineering firm for construction inspection services related to pedestrian improvements on Main Street and to renew an engineering services agreement. Old business involved the successful motion to elect Kenneth Henning as Vice Mayor and President Pro Tempore. City Manager updates highlighted post-snowstorm operations, including a proposal for ordinance amendments regarding parking during snow emergencies, and plans to pursue an age-friendly community designation for Clayton.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting involved the swearing in of a new member and the appointment of the Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary for the 2026 term. The primary item of business was a public hearing on application number V2601, which requested multiple variances related to the height, size, and placement of an accessory structure, as well as the location of a gravel drive at 5186 Philipsburg Union Road. The applicant justified the variances by detailing the demolition of an old, non-functional accessory structure and the need for a larger, modern replacement suitable for storing equipment like an RV, and by addressing drainage issues related to the proposed gravel driveway location. Staff recommended approval of the request subject to specific conditions regarding the accessory structure's location, height (not to exceed 16 ft), size (not to exceed 1,920 sq ft), and the non-alteration of the proposed gravel drive after installation. The board concurred with the staff's findings of fact and voted to approve the variances with the recommended conditions.