McKenna Miller

The board meeting covered various topics including fundraising initiatives, event planning (4th of July t-shirt design, reenactment, car show, picnic, swap meet, and musical performances), and updates on the Village Park Project (basketball court bidding and LED lighting). Discussions included securing corporate sponsorships, naming rights for the park facilities, and coordinating tax-exempt orders. An invoice to NOPEC for a swap meet performance was approved, and a grant application to the HCT for August band performances was planned.

The council meeting involved discussions on various topics including progress with State Auditors, Hiram College happenings, a Service Department worker's resignation, bulk water plans, EPA grants, a lighting grant, ODNR grant funds, and updates from the Fire/EMS and Police departments. Several ordinances were discussed, including amendments to ordinance 2025-02 (posting of ordinances), repeal of Chapter 144 (Economic Development Committee), amendment to the zoning map, amendment to the employee handbook, and establishment of a Maintenance Code. Resolutions covered amending the Continuing Professional Training Fund, accepting a Body Armor Grant, and distribution of interest from Hiram Fund accounts. An executive session was held to discuss personnel issues, contracts, and confidential matters. Following the executive session, actions included authorizing the Mayor to seek Bond Council and negotiate with Huntington Bank, and changing the future meeting schedule to the third Tuesday of the month.

This resolution focuses on accepting a grant and amending the permanent appropriations in the General Fund to the Body Armor Grant Fund. The amendment allocates $2,843.00 to purchase body armor for the Hiram Police Department using a reimbursing grant from the State of Ohio Bullet Proof Vest Program. The ordinance is declared an emergency measure to expedite the purchase and ensure officer safety.

The commission reviewed the timeline for maps and the maintenance code, with updates provided on the council's approval of the mixed-use code and institutional district. Discussions from the Task Force to Revitalize Downtown Hiram were reviewed, focusing on defining the "downtown" area and community engagement. New maps reflecting Hiram College properties were reviewed. The commission discussed adding an external maintenance code using parts of the international property maintenance code, reviewing resources from other municipalities. A recommendation was made to continue reviewing ideas and present them at the next open forum, with plans to post relevant documents online. New permit forms for easier resident access were also discussed.

The committee discussed plans for a new daycare center and the progress of a new corner store owner. A stakeholder meeting was planned for January to focus on downtown development through recreational economy, with identified stakeholders including college representatives, local business owners, township representatives, and village residents. The planned agenda included defining the recreational economy and downtown/main street, and determining next steps. Mixed-use zoning changes were expected for a third reading in January, and updates were given on various conference opportunities.