Cliff Ward

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call. Key discussion points from the Economic & Community Development Director included updates on growing business engagement meetings, first-quarter Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visits with industrial partners, and the official establishment of the Hebron Trailblazers Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). Potential CIC initiatives discussed involved grassroots volunteer activation, façade grants, and housing the Farmers Market. Development updates covered ongoing construction for MI Homes and scheduling a ribbon cutting and groundbreaking event for Microsoft on February 24, 2026. Progress on the Hebron Elementary building, including developer interest, was noted. Community event planning involved confirming the Summer concert series move to Sunday evenings and coordination for the America 250 (April 19, 2026) 5K event, with subsequent discussion addressing traffic concerns. Grant priorities were established for culvert replacements and improvements near Evans Park. Zoning updates included the issuance of 87 permits in 2025, a plan to address junk vehicles via an ordinance-education letter, and setting a goal to begin work on a downtown overlay district. Legislation pending introduction included an ordinance creating an Economic & Community Development Assistant Director position and a resolution authorizing an Amended Development Agreement with Microsoft. Committee updates included planned funding adjustments for municipal complex reconstruction and discussions by the Public Works Committee regarding the Licking County Transportation Safety Plan and municipal building renovation estimates. Concerns were raised regarding the Hamilton trench/overflow channel area concerning spring thaw impacts, which the Director promised to address promptly.

Key discussions during the meeting included the amendment to the Microsoft development agreement, which provided further details on the Canyon Road extension and clarifying language regarding resurfacing Enterprise Drive and High Street due to construction traffic. Council also took action to make audio/video recordings the permanent official minutes, accompanied by an electronically generated word document, addressing concerns about AI accuracy with a disclaimer. Furthermore, the Council approved the creation of a new position, Economic & Community Development Assistant Director, including its job description and compensation. A modification for the Clerk of Council position was deferred to the next meeting pending review with the Mayor. The Village Administrator reported on snow removal efforts by Public Works and recognized Water and Wastewater crews. Updates included the receipt of the Humane Society of Licking County's annual report, noting an anticipated contract increase request for Fiscal Year 2027.

The regular meeting addressed several key items, including the first reading and emergency adoption of a resolution establishing rules for Council meetings. The Council acknowledged receipt and review of the December 2025 bank reconciliation. A one-time adjustment to the vacation accrual and carryover policy was unanimously approved to allow employees to carry over up to their annual eligibility into the following year. The Administrator's Report welcomed new and returning members. Council members reported on committee assignments and expressed enthusiasm for collaboration. The Mayor provided updates on 2026 start-up activities, training opportunities, legal briefings, long-term planning intent, and office closures.

The agenda for the regular meeting includes calling the meeting to order, a motion for the approval of the January 12, 2026, meeting minutes, and a public hearing concerning the Planning and Zoning Board's business. The public hearing specifically addresses a variance application from Lear Corporation to expand their parking lot and extend parking setbacks on N High St and Enterprise Dr. Items requiring action during the regular meeting include acting upon the aforementioned variance application, visitor comments, discussion of Hebron Elementary School Redevelopment, receipt of the Economic & Community Development Monthly Report, the Zoning Attorney Report (including proposed zoning amendments), and general board member discussion/comments. The date for the next regular meeting is scheduled for March 8, 2026.

The meeting included the Police Department Report, detailing Chief Welsh's assumption of duties, facility painting completion, full staffing levels (9 full-time sworn officers, 2 part-time sworn officers, 1 part-time administrative assistant), mandatory training completion, and significant increases in self-initiated activity (497 in the last 30 days following the December 16, 2025 meeting). The department also maintained high call volume (approx. 4,100 in 2025) and successfully passed LEADS, BCI CJIS, and OHLEG audits. Community engagement efforts were also highlighted, along with the relocation of speed radar signs. Councilmembers questioned the effectiveness of Flock cameras and civil protection order procedures. Committee reports noted an announced meeting for the Economic Development Committee, a Public Works Committee meeting, and discussions within the Safety Committee regarding ride-alongs and proposed legislation for safety equipment around retention ponds. A separate discussion addressed the potential preservation or relocation of an old home on Fifth Street (John Shell property).