Stephen Beros

The agenda included communications from the Police Chief regarding the authorization for auctioning police department vehicles and equipment, scheduled for March 21, 2026. Several proposed ordinances were introduced, primarily concerning financial matters and public works. These included creating a tax incentive district, applying for Ohio Public Works Commission funding, establishing funds for fire truck and auditorium bond proceeds, authorizing workforce position schedules, and submitting applications for Appalachian Regional Commission and State Capital Budget Program funding. Ordinances scheduled for action included amendments regarding the Board of Control, duplex definitions, and sidewalks. A traffic order established a four-way stop at Locust and Myrtle Avenue. Business related to the February 23, 2026 meeting included the passage of an ordinance authorizing payment for Transitions, which involved an amendment to reduce the allocated amount from $30,000 to $25,000 to cover associated personnel costs, specifically the city court advocate's salary, and updates on the organization's metrics from 2025.

The Public Service Committee meeting agenda included the discussion and potential introduction of three ordinances for March 9, 2026. Ordinance No. 2026-19 concerns authorizing the Public Service Director to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) State Capital Improvement and/or Local Transportation Improvement Programs. Ordinance No. 2026-20 authorizes advertising for bids for the 2026 Citywide OPWC Paving Project. Ordinance No. 2026-21 addresses authorizing an amendment to the maximum schedule of positions for the City of Zanesville's workforce, specifically requesting changes in the Traffic Signal Crew Leader/Programmer and Traffic Signal Technician I classifications within the Public Service Administration schedule. There were no discussion items scheduled for this meeting.

This document outlines the agenda for the Zanesville City Council Ways and Means and Budget Hearing scheduled for March 10, 2026. Key discussion items include budget hearings for 2026 covering various departments such as Code/CD, Airport, Parks & Recreation, Vehicle Maintenance, Engineering, Street/Sanitation, Water, Wastewater, and Public Service Director. The agenda also included discussion regarding Ordinance No. 2026-08 concerning financial support for Transitions, involving deliberation on the terminology used (grant versus financial support) and funding levels. Furthermore, there was a review of Ordinance No. 2026-13, which amends Chapter 191 regarding the Board of Control's purchasing policy to align with the Ohio Revised Code, clarifying that only Safety and Service departments require Board of Control approval for purchases between $5,000 and $80,000. A final discussion item involved the Lorena inspection plans, focusing on using donated I-beams and city equipment to construct an in-house dolly system to pull the boat out of the river for inspection, aiming for a March timeline, and allocating the positive balance from the previous year towards this effort.

The Ways and Means Committee meeting agenda included discussions on upcoming ordinances and other items. Key discussions revolved around Ordinance No. 2026-08, authorizing funds for Transitions, and Ordinance No. 2026-13, which amends Chapter 191 regarding the Board of Control to resolve conflicts with state law concerning purchasing policies. A major discussion item involved a proposal to restructure the Engineering Office's funding by removing its General Fund allocation and distributing the cost across the four Enterprise Funds (Water, Sewer, Storm, Sanitation). This restructuring was proposed to offset the necessary funding increase for hiring three seasonal employees and one entry-level Supervisor (Crewleader) for Parks and Cemeteries, based on a staffing analysis indicating a need for increased field supervision and operational coverage. The committee also reviewed the Lorena inspection plans.

The Community Development Committee meeting agenda included discussions and first readings for two proposed ordinances. Ordinance No. 2026-16 seeks to amend Chapter 1137 by adding a new definition regarding duplexes in residential districts. Ordinance No. 2026-17 proposes adding a new section to Chapter 1149 concerning sidewalk construction and repair. A key discussion item was the Deadwood Housing Subdivision TIF. The committee also reviewed information related to Ordinance No. 2025-126 establishing an Economic Development Plan for the Deadwood City Incentive District and Ordinance No. 2025-127 authorizing a Community Reinvestment Area Agreement for the Kensington Village development, which was discussed in the context of 'age in place' housing concepts. Additionally, discussion focused on Ordinance No. 2025-132 for the installation of new seating and acoustic panels at Secrest Auditorium and Music Hall, noting the need to waive readings to meet contract deadlines amidst potential price escalation. Finally, Ordinance No. 2025-128, which establishes a Community Reinvestment Area district boundaries, was reviewed.