Jesse Valdez

The council authorized expenditures and passed several ordinances, including creating an Unclaimed Monies Fund, an ODNR Nature Works Grant Fund, and an OWDA Grant Fund. Discussions included the establishment of sanitary sewer regulations, the review of administrative and committee reports, and progress on various maintenance projects such as removing trees from lakes. The council also addressed new business, including a liquor control transfer request, the purchase of laptops for staff, the approval of a rope purchase for lake maintenance, and the renovation of a kitchen door at the community building. Additionally, the council approved the development of brochures for the clubhouse and village.

The council addressed various administrative and operational matters, including the passage of ordinances and resolutions regarding employee residency, interfund advances, blanket purchase orders, energy service agreements, and equipment purchases. Key discussions focused on storm recovery efforts, property maintenance enforcement, and upcoming seasonal operations such as beach management, fishing permits, and community building rentals. Committee reports covered fish and chemical procurement for lakes, park improvements, and a 5-year community planning project. The council approved the installation of security camera systems across multiple facilities, the purchase of a trolling motor for lake maintenance, and the hiring of summer staff, including groundskeepers and lifeguards. Additional items included the review of ADA website compliance and discussions on dependent health coverage.

The committee meeting covered a range of maintenance and operational topics, including the confirmation of HVAC permits, payments for the Pontiac drain project, and the status of tree removal work. The committee discussed future projects such as the shore clean-up, obtaining quotes for a leaking wing wall, scheduling necessary safety training for maintenance employees, and plans to purchase a pontoon within the $5,000 budget. Additionally, the committee reviewed the status of the beach's Turbo Chute project, coordination for the upcoming 'Spring Clean Weekend' including a potential partnership with Trash Bash, and a review of dumpster rental quotes.

The Council Meeting included the third reading and adoption of Ordinance 2025-11-5-001 concerning the addition of an Assistant Maintenance Supervisory Position, and Resolution 2025-12-02-005 authorizing membership in the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) and related agreements. The 2026 Annual Appropriation Budget was adopted as an emergency measure after waiving the three-reading rule. Other actions included the first reading of Ordinance 2026-01-20-001 regarding the Village Administrator residing outside Village Limits, and the emergency adoption of Resolution 2026-01-20-001 to amend appropriations for the 2025 Fiscal Year Audit. Resolutions were adopted for 2026 pay rates and establishing an account with Infiltrator Water Technologies. The Mayor administered the Oath of Office to Susan Hyatt. Key committee discussions covered lake restoration and weed control priorities, updates on the community building, sewer infrastructure needs, plans for maintenance staffing and OSHA training, and Tree Committee activities including an Arbor Day tribute. The Council approved the purchase of salt and moved the review and purchase of a pontoon to the Maintenance Committee. New business included accepting a proposal for tree removal from Pontiac Lake, and the purchase of a Bobcat Compact Track Loader and a Danuser Intimidator Tree Puller. Following an executive session to discuss compensation, the Council voted to increase the Village Administrator's weekly hours and the Maintenance Manager's hourly pay, and to offer employment to Christopher Blumenstock as Utilities Supervisor.

The meeting addressed old business concerning the commencement of tree planting activities within the current year. New business focused on the allocation of the $20,000 budget, which covers portajohn cleaning, tree removal, maintenance, and replanting. A proposal was made to dedicate $5,000 for tree planting and $15,000 for removal and maintenance. Furthermore, a proposal was discussed for an Arbor Day tree planting event near the shelter house on April 24th as part of the process to achieve Tree City status, including seeking community input for a dedication recipient. Information regarding these activities will be published in the newsletter.