Kevin A. Heban

The council received committee reports regarding safety and recreation. Several ordinances were addressed, including an amendment to the zoning code to incorporate adult daycare facilities, the enactment of municipal code concerning drones and UVAs, and an amendment to the annual appropriation measure to fund a feasibility study for electric generation. Additionally, the council authorized a transfer of funds to the law enforcement trust fund and the disposal of surplus municipal property.

The meeting involved several legislative actions, including the adoption of Ordinance #2026-03, which amends the zoning code to include adult daycare facilities. The council also introduced Ordinance #2026-11 regarding drones/UVAs and Ordinance #2026-14 to appropriate funds for a feasibility study on increasing electric generation at the Crossroads. Furthermore, Ordinance #2026-15, a fund transfer to the law enforcement trust fund per court order, and Ordinance #2026-16, authorizing the disposal of surplus property (an old playset), were introduced. Committee reports were received from the safety and recreation committees. Council members offered condolences regarding the mayor's father and congratulated USA hockey teams on their Olympic gold medal wins.

The meeting involved discussions and approvals related to multiple ordinances. Key topics included approving the 2026 budget, which totals $24.5 million in expenses against projected $20 million in revenues, with significant allocations for public safety and infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian beacons and street resurfacing. The council also approved ordinances concerning the transfer of funds for 2026 appropriations, authorizing payments for purchase orders via then and now certificates, amending the 2025 resource budget, and adjusting the general fund cash balance reserve policy from 85% to 60%. Public Works updates covered the Northwestern Water and Sewer District, installation of no parking signs on Jennings Road and Hawthorne, snow emergency procedures, and coordination regarding road closures for the Redwood development project and future underground utility work on Hillrest and Riverside. The committee also discussed safety concerns regarding traffic islands and hydro seeding quality on Jennings Road. Furthermore, an ordinance regarding 2026 compensation rates for non-bargaining employees was introduced to address salary compression issues arising from recent union contract negotiations.

The meeting commenced with an award presentation from the State of Ohio Auditor's office to a city representative and team for achieving the Auditor of State Award with Distinction. The council approved the agenda for the current meeting and addressed a request for an executive session regarding the purchase of real estate following audience remarks. Key discussion points included two permit requests: one for a Girls on the Run 5K event scheduled for May 9th, and another for a Garmin race on September 20th, both of which were approved. Correspondence included thank you notes for sympathy and assistance provided by the Fire Department, including snow removal efforts and specialized training support utilizing SCBA confidence courses. The council also noted the administrative follow-up regarding a Quick Trip request for a carry-out wine permit. Several ordinances were addressed: Ordinance 2026-03 concerning amendments to the Planning and Zoning Code was read by title only; Ordinance 2026-05 was adopted, covering funding for the police department's dedicated fiber network feed, support for the 2026 balloon and fireworks fest, and increased funding for road salt purchase; Ordinance 2026-06, accepting the dedication of streets in the Interstate Court development, was adopted; Ordinance 2026-07, setting new dock fees for the Rosford Marina, was adopted; Ordinance 2026-08, repealing and enacting revised marina rules, was adopted; Ordinance 2026-09, authorizing the purchase of additional sodium chloride rock salt under a previous contract, was adopted; Ordinance 2026-10, authorizing the purchase of an LP35 and Lucas device for the Fire Department utilizing grant funds, was adopted; and Ordinance 2026-11, enacting Chapter 557 regarding drone regulations, was introduced.

The meeting covered committee reports, which included ongoing contract talks for the Fire Department, updates on personnel changes such as retirements and hiring processes, and recent activities like assisting with the polar plunge and completing CPR/AED training. The Recreation Committee reported on several capital improvement projects, including track floor installation, touchless faucet installation, HVAC repair, and shower facility renovation quotations. They also noted grant awards for park light repair and playground installation. Furthermore, the committee is collaborating with Eagle Scout candidates on community service projects, and registration for various youth sports programs is open. Preliminary discussion took place regarding hosting a 'Movie in the Park' event. Legislative items included the third reading and adoption of an ordinance amending the Municipal Planning and Zoning Code to include adult daycares. A second reading occurred for an ordinance enacting Chapter 557 of the Municipal Code regarding drones, with a request for a first reading next time. The council also heard the first reading of an ordinance amending the annual appropriation measure to fund a study aimed at increasing electric generation in the Crossroads area for economic development, and the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the disposal of surplus property following the acquisition of a new playground set. Council members offered condolences to one member regarding the loss of their father.