Jennifer Hammond

The council discussed the renewal of Class C and D retail permits, cyber security policy updates, and mandatory training requirements for elected officials. Reports were provided on water and sewer projects, park maintenance, and street repairs. There was a deliberation regarding property tax issues and their potential impact on local government and school funding. Additionally, the council addressed administrative additions to the meeting agenda and reviewed upcoming ordinance and resolution readings.

The session began with roll call and procedural formalities, including a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comment from a resident who raised concerns regarding safety compliance for railroad crossings near the US68 SR31 roundabout project, citing federal mandates stemming from the Fox River Grove tragedy. The resident asserted that required hazard identification and railroad coordination did not occur. Administrative reports included the Chief discussing the weekly test of the tornado siren system, noting that tests are suspended during severe weather and during winter months due to equipment freezing. Further discussion touched upon upcoming fire contracts with townships in June and the delivery timeline for a new truck funded by the state, which has been pushed to late June or July, alongside the expected delivery of a new tanker purchased by the townships in August or September.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Prior meeting minutes were approved as submitted, with no public comments scheduled. Communications included a discussion regarding the organizational chart and the designation of committee chairs. Administrative reports mentioned the absence of Police Chiefs and a delay in reports from some departments due to ongoing snow response efforts, including continuous work on snow removal from the square and alleys, and management of parking restrictions under a snow emergency. A detailed update on income tax declarations for 2025 highlighted several large declarations that were unpaid or underpaid, with discussions on the expectation versus actual collection timelines. Committee reports indicated that the Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on February 23rd to discuss the income tax matters further. The Public Utilities Committee reported on finalizing tenant accounts.

The City Council meeting, identified as the third regular session of 2026, included reports and discussions across several departments. Administration reports covered the hiring of a new officer, Garrett Warner, and the receipt of significant grant funds (between $150,000 and $200,000) for new body cameras and radios. Discussions also addressed utility matters, including initial findings from rate studies to be presented to the utility board, and delays in street work such as the sanitary sewer installation on Perry Street and Main Street closing. Tree removal on Detroit Street for a roundabout project was noted due to endangered species bat protection regulations. The council also discussed advertising for engineering services related to $6 million in EPA funding for water treatment plant updates. Committee reports indicated that the Legislation Committee is working to update the M1 and M2 manufacturing policy (dating back to 1968) and revamp the Architectural Review Board ordinance. Members also commended the fire department and city services for their handling of recent weather conditions and a fire incident at Viva Maras. A significant portion of the meeting addressed parking issues downtown due to courthouse entrance changes, with a plea for all-day parkers to use alternative lots.

The session included roll call and opening prayers. Key discussions covered administrative reports, including the introduction of the new Superintendent of Public Works, Theren Gam, who reported on handling recent water breaks and snow removal efforts. Economic development discussions addressed income tax reports. The Council addressed traffic control by announcing no parking on the south side of the 200 and 300 block of Smith Avenue and implementing a four-way stop at the intersection of Leighton and Grove. Utility matters involved signing a 36-month aggregate agreement for electrical services with Direct Energy, transitioning from Dinery, and discussing the expected increase in natural gas settlement prices. A mandatory 3% utility rate increase for water and sewer was confirmed, effective March 1st. An EPA asset management audit for the water treatment plant was scheduled. The Council also discussed scheduling for various committees, including Finance, Public Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Cemetery boards, and announced an upcoming Resolution to finalize an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the Columbus Street sidewalks improvement project.