Rocky J. Bangert

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance. Key financial discussions included the Finance Director presenting the January financial report, noting normal activity and timely submission of annual information statements, and the welcome of a new finance clerk. The council addressed several items added to the agenda as emergency legislation. These included repealing and replacing the ordinance regarding massage establishments (Ordinance 2225-26). Other emergency items involved approving base salary adjustments for the City Manager and Director of Public Safety (Resolution 8219-26), confirming the appointment of the Law Director with a compensation adjustment (Resolution 8220-26), and authorizing an application for a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant, committing the city to a 20% match if awarded (Resolution 8221-26). Business items included certifying unpaid charges for grass mowing and weed cutting to the county auditor (Ordinance 2219-26), and approving supplemental appropriations for current expenses, including funds for health insurance claims, pistols for the federal law enforcement fund (Ordinance 2223-26), and reappropriating funds for the splash pad design and Old Splash Marine buildings demolition (Ordinance 2224-26). Further supplemental appropriations involved moving funds from contractual services to part-time wages, pension, and Medicare tax for the Wald (Ordinance 2226-26). Resolutions were also passed approving increased EMS billing rates to cover rising costs (Resolution 8217-26) and authorizing the disposal of surplus municipal items (Resolution 8218-26).

The meeting commenced with a roll call, followed by the approval of the minutes from the February 12th, 2026 meeting. Key business discussed involved the improvements for Mott Kettering Boulevard (PID16879), including recommending an award to Barrett Paving Materials Incorporated for $1,129,626, with funding mostly covered by ODOT and OPWC grants. The second major topic was the acquisition of portable restroom trailers for events and emergencies. Staff presented detailed research on various trailer options, comparing models based on stall capacity (including ADA compliant and family stalls), features like HVAC systems for climate control, durability (industrial style vs. pressed wood), and associated costs, noting that purchasing might be more cost-effective in the long run compared to high daily rental fees. A request for an executive session regarding litigation matters and public employee compensation/terms was also made.

The meeting commenced with the nomination and unanimous election of a new chairperson for 2025. The minutes from the previous meeting on November 5th were approved. The primary focus was the public hearing for Board of Zoning Appeals Case Number 2025-01, submitted by Dave Williams and CAP signs concerning a property at 2770 East River Road in an M1 district. The appeal requested variances related to freestanding sign area, the number of freestanding signs allowed (requesting a second sign), and sign height, as current ordinances restrict signs to a maximum height based on the building or 18 ft. The appellant proposed two pylon signs, one being 174.44 square ft and the other 100 square ft, with one proposed sign at 35 ft tall. Testimony was heard from proponents regarding the signage's necessity and comparison to other highway corridor signs. The board confirmed that the revised proposal was in line with adjacent signage standards. Following discussion, the board voted to approve the sign variance request for BZA 2025-01.

The meeting included a motion to add Resolution 8210-26 regarding the Owendale ditch to the agenda. Key discussions involved first readings of several ordinances: Ordinance 2215-25 concerning the amended city of Marine personnel policy manual; Ordinance 2217-26 to add a new section 901.22 regarding right-of-way minor maintenance permits; and Ordinance 2218-26 to prohibit vehicle parking on Fuya Avenue, which was adopted under emergency rules. Resolutions were passed to authorize the purchase of a tractor, loader, and tiller for the street division (Resolution 8205-26), and to authorize the purchase and upfitting of a 2027 Kenworth dump truck for the street division (Resolution 8206-26). Appointments were approved for Erica Grooms to the Parks and Recreation Board and Tree Board (Resolution 8207-26), Kevin Howard to the Planning Commission (Resolution 8208-26), and Mary Westy to the Merit System Commission (Resolution 8209-26). Finally, Resolution 8210-26, approving an access agreement with Miami Township, Ohio, concerning Owendell Ditch, was also approved. Department reports included Mayor's Court revenues for October and November 2025, and several council members offered commendations to the Street Department for snow removal and cleanup efforts, congratulated Officer Jerome Clemenson on retirement, and extended New Year's greetings.

The City Council meeting included the roll call and pledge of allegiance. Previous meeting minutes from November 13, 2025, were approved. A proclamation was presented honoring Council Member Don Bashett for his dedicated service. Key business involved adding a resolution (R 8189-25) to accept the proposal from the Planners Group for survey and design services for the Ora Ever Park splash pad at a cost of $242,000. Council unanimously approved emergency legislation (Ordinance 2214-25) for year-end budget adjustments for 2025. Other approvals included Ordinance 2216-25 to update codified ordinances. Resolutions were approved for entering into a contract for indigent defense services for 2026 (Resolution 8184-25), renewing insurance contracts (Resolution 8185-25 for medical/dental/vision via Anthem, and Resolution 8186-25 for employer stop-loss insurance), approving council travel for 2026 (Resolution 8187-25), adopting an AED action plan for parks (Resolution 8188-25), and approving the Planners Group's proposal for the splash pad design. The council also voted on liquor permit transfers at two locations without objection or request for a hearing. The meeting concluded with public comments regarding the splash pad and an announcement for a 'Christmas Smiles Pickup' event.