Michael T. Bivens

The council recognized employees of the year, received a presentation on municipal debt and financial metrics from Baker Tilly, and discussed the vision and implementation plan for the new Department of Neighborhoods. Officials provided reports regarding city management, fiscal operations, and legal matters. Council members debated and voted on legislation, including the funding for the Department of Neighborhoods, and performed a comprehensive review of the council's rules of procedure. The meeting also included public comments and community announcements.

This Strategic Plan outlines the Whitehall Division of Police's approach to achieving its core mission and upholding its values. The plan defines the organization's Mission Statement, Culture Statement, Core Values, and Strategic Goals, which are supported by specific Objectives and Action Items. Building on prior successes in crime reduction, the plan for 2024-2026 aims to effectively and efficiently achieve these objectives and enhance community safety.

The special meeting included an executive session to interview candidates for appointment to the Parks and Recreation Commission, pursuant to R.C. Section 121.22(G)(1). During the executive session, two candidates were interviewed, but a third candidate did not attend and could not be reached. Upon reconvening, the Council discussed options regarding the vacancy, including appointing the interviewed candidate, postponing the decision, or re-advertising the position, which was noted to be costly. The Council ultimately decided to wait until the following day to make a final determination after staff attempted to contact the absent candidate.

The committee meeting began with a presentation by the Executive Director of the Central Ohio Chapter of A Kid Again, detailing the organization's work supporting families with children having life-threatening medical conditions and advocating for collaboration with a potential Department of Neighborhoods. Subsequent legislative discussions included introductions for multiple resolutions honoring 2025 Employees of the Year (Labor/Service, Firefighter/Paramedic, Police Officer, and Administrative/Support), an ordinance for May 2026 Codified Ordinances replacement pages, and the third reading of an ordinance amending appropriations for the Department of Neighborhoods. The Administration and Financial Management committee addressed several ordinances requiring fund transfers and supplemental appropriations, including funding for TIF expenses, city hall renovations via the debt service fund, driver's education classes funded by a police grant, and the transfer of seized narcotics funds to a law enforcement trust fund. This committee also reviewed revisions to the city's investment policy. A lengthy discussion then occurred regarding proposed changes to the Council Rules of Procedure for the 2026-2027 term, covering topics such as rules for absence, agenda deadlines, executive session protocols, debate limits (settling on two 5-minute speaking opportunities per member on motions), and public participation time limits.

The meeting included an appointment of Trevel Balser as the City Treasurer, which passed following a discussion on required qualifications and process concerns. A presentation was delivered by Impact Safety regarding their anti-violence prevention and healing programming. Standing committee reports were received from multiple committees. Officials' reports covered congratulations to community organizations, acknowledgments of snow removal efforts, a Black History Month proclamation announcement, and a notable account of a revival following a cardiac arrest. The City Attorney acknowledged court staff for managing disruptions during the snow emergency. The City Auditor provided a financial update, noting general fund status, recent revenue sources including cannabis tax sharing, and addressed reconciliation matters with the schools. The Public Service Director reported extensive efforts during the recent snowstorm. Legislative actions included the failure to override a mayoral veto on Ordinance 133-2025, no action taken on the first reading of an ordinance standardizing accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and the unanimous adoption of Ordinance 009-2026 authorizing a supplemental appropriation from the Wimpite Fund. A resolution concerning the removal of a councilor was tabled.