City of Whitehall

The meeting included discussions on significant community matters. The President of the Fraternal Order of Police addressed leadership concerns within the Whitehall Police Department, citing a no-confidence vote against the Chief due to issues such as alleged ticket quotas and a hostile work environment. The Council held an extensive discussion regarding potential amendments to the Council Rules of Procedure for the upcoming term, considering suggestions from multiple councilors concerning agenda preparation, debate timers, and public participation rules. A major legislative item was the discussion of Ordinance No. 008-2026, which proposes zeroing out funding for the Department of Neighborhoods in the 2026 budget, sparking a debate on the department's necessity for resident assistance programs versus cost-effectiveness. Committee reports covered the second reading of Ordinance No. 004-2026 concerning Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), updates on waterline and resurfacing projects, and acknowledgment of a mayoral veto on a previous ordinance.

The meeting included a special presentation by the Mayor proclaiming January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, highlighting the city's commitment to survivor-centered approaches and community education. Standing committee reports were received for Administration and Financial Management, Community and Elder Advocacy, Community Standards and Enforcement, Economic Development, Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Services, Public Safety, and Parks and Recreation. Officials' reports included discussions on the commencement of interviews for the Office of Neighborhoods and recognition for scholarship contributions. Substantive legislative actions involved the third reading and adoption (without the emergency clause) of Ordinance No. 133-2025, which amends rules regarding interference with council communications. First readings and subsequent unanimous adoptions occurred for Ordinance No. 002-2026 and Ordinance No. 003-2026 concerning contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police for police dispatchers, and Ordinance No. 005-2026 and Ordinance No. 006-2026 regarding appropriations and fund transfers. A resolution (Resolution No. 002-2026) to remove Councilor Gerald Dixon failed to gain the required unanimous vote for removal. Public comment periods addressed issues of decorum, support for police officers, and the recall effort against certain council members.

The meeting included a special presentation by the Mayor regarding Black History Month. Official reports were provided by the Mayor, City Attorney, City Auditor, and Director of Public Service. Legislation discussed included the third reading of an ordinance standardizing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), second reading of an ordinance amending the General Fund appropriation for the Department on Neighborhoods, and the first reading of ordinances regarding a supplemental appropriation for pavement management assessment and resolutions concerning a Safe Routes to School Grant, revisions to the Investment Policy, and approval of 'Then and Now' certificates. During committee discussions, there was extensive consideration of the ADU legislation and ongoing debate regarding the necessity and funding of the Department on Neighborhoods. The committee also discussed proposed changes to the Council Rules of Procedure.

The committee meeting addressed several administrative and legislative items across various committees. Discussions included an overview of lawsuits facing the city in 2025, detailing active cases managed through insurance pools and outside counsel. A vote was planned for the next meeting regarding draft ordinances to authorize contracts with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) for both full-time and part-time police dispatchers for the 2026 through 2028 period. The third reading of an ordinance prohibiting interference with council communications prompted a debate regarding the council's administrative authority versus the mayor's charter powers. In the Community Standards and Enforcement Committee, standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) were presented, detailing requirements such as size limits (increased to 65% of primary dwelling size, capped at 1,000 sq. ft.), location behind the primary building, and utility connections. The Infrastructure Maintenance Committee received an update that final paving for Broad Street and Yearling Road would be postponed until the spring when asphalt plants reopen. The Public Safety Committee heard extensive testimony from police department members regarding criticism of the department, ongoing high-profile investigations, and alleged unprofessional conduct by FOP leadership.

The Records Commission meeting primarily addressed the minutes of the previous meeting, which were approved. A key discussion point involved an update on the RC-2 form for the City Council office, which the Secretary will submit to the Ohio History Connection. The date for the next meeting is pending announcement.