Rudolph Hilliard

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on the expanded senior program partnership with Tri-C and Encore, the donation of "Stop the Bleed" kits by University Hospitals to the police department, and reports on reduced crime statistics and increased arrests/parking citations by the Police Chief. The Service Director reported on cleanup efforts post-snowstorm and current salt inventory levels. Personnel hiring processes for service, fire, and police departments were noted. Updates were provided on the sidewalk program and building code complaint resolution status. The Finance Director mentioned preparation for the state audit with a submission deadline in May 2026. Engineering updates covered the CWD Project for water main renewal, which faces minor delays due to defective pipe delivery, and the upcoming sanitary sewer improvements near Belle Oaks, with construction tentatively starting in mid-March. Additionally, the Council approved an ordinance amending the Mayor's contracting authority and passed several resolutions authorizing purchase agreements for fire hose utilizing grant funds, opposing specific state bills regarding federal immigration enforcement, purchasing a new brush chipper, detailing intent to sell obsolete personal property via auction, amending a wheel loader purchase to include a trade-in, and retaining engineering services for site plan review and routine engineering services. Ballistic shields for the Police Division were also approved for purchase.

The Mayor reported on the acquisition of the local hospital by Everwell Health, noting the creation of over 120 jobs. The Fire Chief reported statistics for 2025, including 2,237 EMS calls and 841 fire calls, marking a 12.1 percent increase over 2024, and thanked the Service Director's department for their handling of the recent severe winter storm. The Recreation Director's report detailed ongoing basketball schedules, advertised upcoming events such as the Health & Wellness Fair, Women's Day Luncheon, and various weekly programs, and provided an update on the new Chess Club. The Service Director highlighted the department's 32 straight hours of work during the storm and confirmed current road salt inventory levels. The Economic Development Department reported on submitted grant activity to the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) program, ongoing work to activate the Subsidized Sidewalk Program, advancement of the Streetlight Program pending FirstEnergy response, and the successful hosting of a Business Roundtable focused on small business support. The City Engineer noted weather delays for the CWD Project (Highland -- Trebisky Transmission Main Renewal Phase 2) and scheduled the kickoff for the Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project construction in mid-March. In new business, the Council unanimously approved resolutions authorizing the Mayor to enter into a purchase agreement for Microsoft Office 365 annual licensing and to correct an error in a prior resolution regarding a Fiscal Year 2025 interfund transfer.

The session was a mandated public hearing concerning an application filed for the formation of a new Community Authority named Belle Oaks Marketplace, which is intended to cover the area of the former Sears complex and the Richmond Town Square Mall. The format was quasi-judicial, requiring speakers to be placed under an oath of truthfulness. The initial discussion involved the legal counsel outlining the statutory process under Ohio Revised Code Section 349.03 and the standard of review, which is whether the authority is conducive to public health, safety, convenience, and welfare. The applicant's representative presented information, including the details from the petition covering the property descriptions, zoning compliance, governance structure, a preliminary economic feasibility study regarding financial plans and management capability, and environmental compliance based on a Phase One assessment. Additionally, the presentation detailed findings from a third-party blight study, which concluded the property is functionally obsolete, an economic and social liability, and contains significant building, fire code, unsanitary, and safety issues such as water damage, mold, non-operational emergency systems, and site deterioration. The study also noted the existence of tax delinquencies.

The City Council meeting included reports from department heads. The Fire Chief noted 67 units of blood collected in 2025. The Police Chief reported on open positions and overtime levels, which were lower than in 2024. The Recreation Director detailed youth basketball games, a new park sign, the start of a Chess Club, and hosting an MLK luncheon. The Service Director described continuous plowing efforts during a recent storm, using a thousand tons of salt and extending leaf cleanup. The Human Resources Director is working to fill open Fire and Service Department positions. Economic Development updated the sidewalk ordinance status, and the Building Commissioner noted the opening of an eyebrow salon and a car wash, and progress on Building 1 at Belle Oaks. The City Engineer provided updates on the CWD Project (water main renewal) and the upcoming Sanitary Sewer Improvements Project kickoff. Key new business involved the unanimous approval of several resolutions, including appointments for Rachel Gardiner and Thomas E. Fountain to the Belle Oaks New Community Authority Board, Cherita Shaw to the Greenwood Farm Historical, Cultural & Arts Association, Inc. Board, and Travian M. Atkins as Director of Finance (with one abstention noted). Other resolutions authorized agreements for lawn services, vehicle purchases, a wheel loader, fleet management software, NPDES storm water permit measures, engineering services for road improvements, and an amendment to a transportation service contract. One ordinance regarding the Mayor's contracting authority was held on first reading, and a resolution authorizing an interfund transfer for Fiscal Year 2026 was approved.

The council reviewed reports from several departments, including updates on a voting location change, recent blood drive collections, and upcoming CPR training. The service department provided an overview of recent snow removal, street and facility maintenance, and clarified the city ordinance regarding sidewalk clearing responsibilities. The city engineer discussed upcoming sanitary sewer and road reconstruction projects, as well as pending county reimbursements. Under new business, the council authorized a purchase agreement for park tennis and pickleball court renovations, approved an ordinance to solicit proposals for architectural services for a new service department facility, and entered into agreements for professional engineering services for the 2026 road program, stream improvements, and regulatory compliance assistance.