Kenny Ferguson

Key discussions included the acceptance of the Statement of Receipts for the Mayor's Court for December and the authorization of appropriation reallocations for 2026 via Resolution 2026-1. The Council adopted Ordinance 2026-1 concerning Robert's Rules of Order and Ordinance 2026-2 adopting the American Legal Publishing's Ohio Basic Code, 2026 Edition, both declared emergencies. Discussions covered the repair versus replacement of a bucket truck, follow-up on property/road concerns at intersections, and updating quotes for the water tower. The Council renewed the lease agreement for the Municipal Building with the BMV for five years at $800 per month and discussed updating the Title Department lease rate. Chelsea Phelps was appointed to the Landbank board. Committee structures were discussed, including consolidating some committees (like Cemetery and Insurance) for future review, and appointing members to the Fire Dependency Board. Donna Young was elected as President of the Council. Following an executive session, personnel changes to bank accounts were approved, and a temporary hire for 2-3 months was authorized. The Council tabled discussion on employee raises pending the establishment of a personnel committee. Finally, discussions commenced regarding the potential sale of municipally owned property (Barr's Gas Station parcels) subject to deed restrictions, with the Solicitor tasked to research public bidding requirements.

The council discussed and approved electronic recycling at the Village garage and reviewed a cyber security policy. They approved the hiring of a full-time and a part-time police officer. Raises were approved for two employees. The council discussed using Ordinance 2019-01 for the ordinance officer and considered body cams for the Police Department. They also established the position of code enforcement officer and discussed hiring a floater position. The finance committee discussed earnings tax, minimum coverage for the fire department, and new game of chance stores. Resolutions were approved for establishing the Cemetery Grant Fund and authorizing an Interfund Advance for the Safe Streets Program. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters.

The West Union Village Council convened to address the resignation of Shuri Groves. Council members discussed the reasons behind the resignation, focusing on issues such as internal drama and the need for a stronger chain of command. They considered options for retaining Shuri Groves in a part-time capacity to assist with the transition and training of a new fiscal officer. The council also discussed the possibility of hiring a contracted fiscal officer and the importance of maintaining a consistent public presence. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters in more detail. The council decided to post the fiscal officer job position.

The council discussed and approved hiring an EMT, and reviewed reports from the Fire Department and Police Department. A resolution was approved to negotiate a contract for engineering services related to the sidewalk project. Discussions included the sewer extension, junk yard issues, slippage at the sewer plant, and pothole repairs. The council considered a golf cart ordinance and body cameras for the police department. A grant for solar lighting along the sidewalk was discussed, along with Christmas assistance for families in need. Concerns were raised about building permits for new constructions. An executive session was held for personnel matters, followed by approval of bill payments and payroll.

The council discussed removing noxious weeds charges, penalties, and interest from a property, excluding $650.00. They authorized the Mayor to negotiate with Howerton Engineers for a waterline rehabilitation project, prioritizing SR41. The council approved hiring three individuals for the West Union Life Squad. They also discussed purchasing water meters and increasing appropriations for the water and sewer department. Additionally, there were discussions about a Gold Star coming to town, police committee and finance meetings, and the corporation limits. The council approved resolutions for appropriations of funds for the fire station rent and supplemental appropriations for water and sewer expenses. They entered an executive session regarding hiring, firing, and personnel matters.