Carolyn Snodgrass

The special meeting was called to reschedule the January 6th, 2025 Work Session Council Meeting, which was previously cancelled due to inclement weather. Key agenda items included a first reading of Ordinance 1-2025, an ordinance supporting the Ohio Municipal League's challenge of AT&T's tariff application at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and a discussion, deliberation, and potential decision regarding the hiring of a new City Manager.

The City Manager reported on spending a day with McClain High School American Government classes, discussing public policy and receiving student suggestions for local improvements such as a Taco Bell, bowling alley, and downtown renovation. The manager also detailed plans to apply for large ODNR grants for Felson Park modifications and discussed recent Greenfield Railroad derailments, logistics, and meetings with affected businesses like Candle-lite and Adient. Council was asked to assign the review of trash nuisance and abandoned car ordinances to the ordinance committee. Legislative actions included the first readings of several ordinances, the adoption of Ordinance No. 03-2020 concerning amendments to Permanent Appropriations for multiple funds, and the adoption of Ordinance No. 06-2020 amending Section 1 of Amended Ordinance No. 26-12. A motion to adopt Ordinance No. 05-2020 regarding increasing employee pay rates was defeated. In New Business, the Ordinance Committee scheduled a meeting to discuss nuisance complaints, and details about upcoming community events were shared.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on code enforcement actions for a blighted property at 529 N. Fourth, which is nearing final inspection. The City Manager reported on a minor railroad derailment on January 9, 2020, noting that responsibility for the failed track section is being clarified with McCarty and Associates, with estimated costs around $10-$15K. Discussions with APEG focused on rail funding needs and the status of a CRISI railroad grant application. The council received a draft of the new 140-page zoning code for review. Bids for the CIC house at 719 Spring Street were set to close on January 28th. Progress continues on the downtown redevelopment plan funded by the Ohio Network grant, including the formation of an Advisory Committee. A decision was made to remove recycling bins from Mill Street due to blight, leaving only one location. The Police Department was commended for recent efforts leading to the closure of major drug homes and recovery of stolen property. Legislative actions included providing a second reading for two resolutions: one authorizing a contract for the City Hall roof replacement with Platinum Commercial Roofing, LLC, and another authorizing the discarding or salvaging of obsolete village equipment. Training seminar information for newly elected council members was also noted.

The meeting included reports from the Interim City Manager and Village Solicitor, covering topics such as the 137 South Washington Street project, Felson Park progress, sanitary sewer project updates, water tank restoration, discussions with Ross County Parks, and claims against the Village. Communications included the presentation of awards for Citizen and Employee of the Month, as well as winners of Halloween contests. Legislation addressed included ordinances related to compensation for the Mayor and Council, revisions to the Employee Manual, and increases to appropriations for various funds. The council also discussed procuring police patrol vehicles. Public participation included discussions on mobile drug treatment units and addresses from mayoral candidates.

The meeting included discussions on salary changes, updates on the 133 and 137 South Washington Street project, Felson Park progress, Phase 1 Sanitary Sewer Project, Water Tank & Clearwell Restoration, Ross County Parks, and ORDC. The council also presented awards for Citizen of the Month and Employee of the Month. Legislation was discussed, including ordinances related to budget appropriations, compensation for the Mayor and Council, the Employee Manual, and the Natural Gas Aggregation Program Plan. A resolution was discussed regarding the allocation of funds for the restoration of Village property. Public participation included questions about the Jefferson Street project and sump pump inspections. The council moved into an Executive Session to discuss the dismissal of an employee and pending or imminent court action, and later approved allowing the Village Solicitor to retain outside counsel to represent the Village, the Police Department, and the Chief of Police in a federal case.