City of Cortland

The meeting commenced with the election of a new Vice President of Council, who was Alan McGregor. Key actions included the approval of minutes from the February 10th, 2026, special council meeting and the February 18th, 2026, council meeting. Council passed motions for the approval of a schedule of bills totaling $75,446. Old business involved the third and final reading and approval of an ordinance authorizing the purchase of a Ford police interceptor utility vehicle. Second readings and approvals were given for ordinances concerning an agreement with Trumble County Commissioners for indigent defense services and a contract with Alexander's Pest Control, Inc. or Mosquito Control. A first reading occurred for an annual appropriation ordinance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026. The mayor's appointment of Trish Fatabine to the Parks and Recreation Board was confirmed. Department reports included a note from the Police Department regarding support for recent legislation, and the Mayor reported on a revised schedule for the stone project, with demolition starting the week of March 23rd. The Mayor also announced a guided tour of the fire station for March 7th to highlight the need for a new station. Public comments addressed concerns regarding the frequency and structure of Planning and Zoning meetings, leading to a discussion about potentially allowing board members to meet virtually in the future.

The primary agenda item for this special meeting was the appointment of a council member to fill the vacancy in the office of the mayor, which was confirmed to be vacant following a recall election confirmed by the Trumbull County Board of Elections. The council also moved to go into executive session to discuss the appointment of a public official. No other substantive agenda items or discussions were detailed before the recess for executive session.

The meeting resumed after an executive session. Key discussions focused on the appointment of a new mayor to fill a vacancy, resulting in the nomination and subsequent roll call vote confirming Jim Bradley. Following the confirmation, the council planned to post the temporary council position vacancy and thanked the City Clerk for her efforts. The Mayor outlined immediate priorities, including collaborative work with department heads to revise the safety service complex plans to reduce the cost from $12 million to a target of $9.5 to $10 million, with a work session scheduled for the following Thursday. The Mayor also committed to fostering a positive work culture, ensuring collective decision-making, and involving council committees earlier in the process. The meeting concluded with a motion and roll call vote to adjourn.

The meeting commenced with a pledge and prayer. Old business involved the third and final reading and approval of an ordinance authorizing the yearly subscription fee payment for LexisNexis to the Police Department. The council also approved the second reading of an ordinance to change the zoning classification for property in Walnut Run estate Phase 2 from R15 to R12 residential district. Furthermore, an ordinance amending the city's business facade grant program to roll over unexpended funds annually was approved. New business included resolutions adopting meeting rules based on Robert's Rules of Order, appointing a temporary Clerk of Council, authorizing the advertisement for sealed bids for gasoline and oil for city vehicles, and authorizing the sale of obsolete municipally owned personal property via internet auction or direct sale to other public entities during 2025. The finance director was authorized to advance $200,000 from the general fund to the police levy fund temporarily. Administrative appointments and reappointments to the Planning Zoning and Building Commission, Parks and Recreation board, and Board of Zoning Appeals were approved. The council also voted to adjust future meeting dates due to 2025 holidays. Department reports covered Finance, Police, Fire, and Service departments. The Police Chief detailed the successful sale of an older vehicle under the fleet plan. The Finance Department noted that the Auditor of State's office will no longer handle the GAP conversion, necessitating emergency legislation approval at the next meeting for a new firm. The Mayor made several announcements regarding office closures for MLK Jr. Day and reminders about snow removal ordinances. The session concluded with a motion to enter executive session to discuss employment contracts.

The meeting began with the invocation and pledge. Key discussions included the approval of minutes from the November 3rd, 2025 council meeting, the approval of scheduled bills totaling $100,521.98, and the approval of the bank reconciliation ending October 31st, 2025. Old business involved the third and final reading of an ordinance prohibiting review or access of city email accounts without consent or lawful approval. New business included resolutions authorizing consent legislation with the Ohio Department of Transportation for crack sealing on State Route 305, and authorizing the Mayor to place her signature on a replat of lots in Stonewood Plat Number One. An ordinance adopting a policy prohibiting nepotism and conflicts of interest in city employment received its first reading. Department reports included the Police Chief thanking the community for levy support, the Finance Department reporting on final grant reimbursement submissions, and the Mayor reporting on Delbert road transitioning to a private road with gates, and seeking feedback on proposals from Republic Services for waste management, including a five-year contract option with new recycling carts.