Ashley N. Combs

The meeting commenced with a public hearing regarding a major amendment to the Havenwood planned development, requested by JA Development on behalf of Revel Properties LLC. The amendment sought to remove commercial uses from 1.9 acres and add three additional single-family attached two-story units, walking paths, sidewalks, and a dog park. Key discussion points included deviations from established site development standards, such as reducing setbacks and requests for architectural waivers regarding facade materials. The Fire Department expressed concerns about emergency access for four units due to proposed private street layouts. The Council conducted a straw poll indicating approval of the amendment contingent upon incorporating conditions, including full compliance with relevant code chapters and addressing fire department concerns. Subsequent to the public hearing, the Council proceeded to citizen comments, where one resident thanked city road crews for effective snow removal downtown following a level three emergency, and another resident addressed safety concerns following a shooting incident near a senior residence, urging increased police presence and media coverage.

The agenda for the City Council Business Meeting included a Public Hearing regarding a Major Amendment to the Havenwood Planned Development, requesting the removal of commercial uses and the addition of 13 attached single-family units, walking paths, and a dog park. The Consent Agenda covered approval of previous City Council minutes and receiving/filing minutes from other boards, as well as confirming conditional appointments for five Firefighter-EMTs and receiving Oaths of Office. Legislation included the first reading of an ordinance to issue notes for acquiring approximately 30 acres of property along Union Road and State Route 122 for economic development. New Business included an Executive Session to consider the appointment of a public official. The meeting also featured reports from the City Manager on the Middletown Connect Youth Data Walk findings concerning life expectancy gaps, chronic absenteeism, emotional and physical health, connections to supportive adults, and substance use among youth. Additionally, an update on the Neighborhood Revitalization Program for infill housing was presented, which included staff requesting Council feedback on owner-occupied requirements.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the election of officers for 2026. Old business items to be addressed are the financial report, trimming of the fence, the viewing box, and the Ohio historical marker. New business will cover the maintenance report, specifically regarding trash/limbs and the military marker.

The City Council meeting commenced with council members offering new year wishes and welcoming newly elected members. A significant portion of the meeting involved citizen comments, specifically a presentation proposing that Middletown become a six-ward community with a seventh elected mayor, requiring a city charter amendment petition drive. Council comments included discussion of the progress of the Butler Tech Aviation Center, which is nearing completion and preparing for student relocation, expansion of aviation pathways, and future community engagement events. Updates were also provided on ongoing activities such as the Reimagine Ice Rink closing, the DMI's Winter Warmup event, Namebrandt Distilling's anniversary, and opportunities for residents to join city boards and commissions.

The Commission convened to address new business, primarily focusing on the approval of eligibility lists resulting from recent written and agility examinations. Eligibility lists were approved for Maintenance Worker, Senior Account Clerk, Dispatcher, Water Reclamation Mechanic, HVAC Building Maintenance Technician, and Patrol Officer positions. Additionally, the Commission received an update on job postings for Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Environmental Health Specialist-in-Training.