Jonathan Curry

The meeting involved administrative actions, including excusing one member and passing motions to waive the three-day receipt rule, elect a Council Clerk (Kennedy Moss), elect a President Pro-Tem (Ms. Preston), and amend an agenda item. A finance committee meeting was announced to discuss making the street levy permanent rather than temporary. Legislative actions included the adoption of an Ordinance establishing maximum 10-minute parking spaces in Downtown Chillicothe and the adoption of an Ordinance making appropriations for current expenses for the 2026 fiscal year. The second reading of an Ordinance concerning a 0.2% municipal income tax levy for street maintenance and an Ordinance updating Fire Safety Inspection Fees were moved to the next agenda.

The council meeting included committee reports from Development, Parks and Recreation, Safety Service, Utilities, and Community Affairs. The Auditor reported on the upcoming budget hearing. New business included discussions on the skate park. The council approved an ordinance to update the Chillicothe Codified Ordinances. Other items included resolutions and ordinances related to a liquor permit, a lease agreement for telecommunications equipment, water rate provisions, and legal services for PFAS contamination. The council also discussed and approved an ordinance appropriating funds for various expenses.

The council meeting included committee reports from Engineering, Development, Finance/Technology, HR, Parks and Recreation, Safety Service, Utilities, City Services, and Community Affairs. The Auditor provided a budget update, and the Law Director announced a new Assistant Law Director position. Audience members commented on pedestrian and bike lanes, snow removal, and concerns about toxicity at the Wearever site. The council discussed appropriating funds for speed humps and a new vehicle for the Municipal Court Probation Department. They also considered ordinances related to parking zones, a Safe Haven Baby Box, and grant funds for the Municipal Court. An ordinance establishing designated 10-minute parking spaces was amended.

The council meeting included committee reports from Development, Finance/Tech, Parks and Recreation, Safety Service, Utilities, and Community Affairs. The Mayor commented on a property tax decrease and the start of leaf pick-up. Audience participation included discussions on a proposed revolving art wall and unsafe intersection conditions. The council addressed the third reading of a resolution for a liquor permit, an ordinance to amend a lease agreement, an ordinance to update water rate provisions, and an ordinance for legal services related to PFAS contamination. Additionally, there was a first reading of a resolution to reduce tax levies and an ordinance appropriating funds for speed humps and signage.

The meeting addressed building demolition and revitalization efforts, including the receipt of a grant agreement from the State and the progress of asbestos surveys. Soil excavation work on the CSX Transit property was discussed as part of the Brownfield Grant. Updates were provided on the tax foreclosure process. The board discussed engaging Bricker Graydon for legal services and authorized the Land Bank to enter into an agreement with them. The board also discussed property acquisitions, including expressing interest in several properties after the tax foreclosure process. An upcoming Demolition and Brownfield Grant opportunity was discussed, and the Board was encouraged to identify potential properties for grant applications. A property on US 50 in Bourneville was discussed regarding its eligibility for the Expedited Foreclosure process.