Shane A. Kremser

The City Council discussed several items, including the authorization of a then-and-now certificate for expenditures related to smart meters and leak detectors. Appropriations for the 2026 calendar year were amended to accommodate block grant funding and the purchase of property. A new debt retirement fund was established for economic development purposes. The Council also approved the purchase of real property located on Claremont Avenue to support future repairs and maintenance of the culvert beneath the building. Additionally, a public hearing was opened to introduce the proposed 2027 tax budget, which serves as an initial estimate for revenues and anticipated expenditures.

The council conducted an executive session to discuss the sale of real estate. Legislative actions included the approval of replacement pages for the codified ordinances, the authorization of a municipal building generator replacement project, the sale of five acres of land in the city business park to a local sports memorabilia company, and an amendment to the purchase price for the property located at 416 Arthur Street.

The Council discussed several ordinances, including the authorization of contracts for the Lincoln Park Playground project, which will include state-of-the-art equipment and a new dog park in partnership with the local Rotary Club. They approved pedestrian improvement projects for US 250, supported by state grants and an earmark for a multi-purpose pathway to enhance safety in a busy retail corridor. A community reinvestment area tax incentive was approved for Jewel Town LLC to facilitate their expansion into a new facility in the local industrial park. Additionally, the Council addressed a liquor permit transfer, concerns regarding property maintenance and trash issues, increased heavy vehicle traffic in the downtown area, and the ownership status of the vacant Rite Aid building.

The council discussed the gas aggregation program, Ohio Edison's smart meter upgrade initiative, and upcoming municipal projects including a new fire training facility, a playground project at Lincoln Park, and the purchase of a street sweeper. Additional topics included generator installation for City Hall to ensure operational continuity during power outages, a land acquisition proposal for the wastewater treatment center, updates on state-funded property demolition grants, and preparations for the city's 250th-anniversary celebration events. Public concerns regarding storm drainage and construction signage were also addressed.

The Council reviewed ordinances regarding contracts for the Lincoln Park Playground project, the advertisement for bids for the US-250 pedestrian improvements project, and the approval of a community reinvestment area tax incentive application for Jewltown, LLC. Additionally, the Council addressed a request for a liquor permit transfer.