Susan M. Cooke

Key discussions included an update on the Conservatory project at Tudor House, targeted for the second week of February. For Old Business, progress was noted on the Sisler package plant and unit purchase, with the bathroom delivered. New Business focused on the 2026 Budget Outlook, confirming no changes from the previous estimate, which projects an estimated carryover into 2027 of $120,000. Specific 2026 projects detailed the installation of two restrooms at Sisler and use of Lockhart for youth sports. For Grill Park, final inspection for electricity ran to the Pavilion was discussed, and approval was granted for the Norton Baseball Association to have Sponsorship Banners, provided a formal process is established. Additionally, the Mayor expressed interest in promoting the Norton Wiffleball Tournament. Finally, the board noted a $13,000 profit for the Tudor House in 2025.

The organizational meeting involved roll call, the election and confirmation of the City Council President and Vice President, and subsequent committee assignments, including appointing Mr. Powell to chair Public Utilities and Mr. Clusty to chair Community and Development. Discussions also addressed setting the 2026 meeting dates, proposing to meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, while skipping the second meeting in June and July. Committee discussions included the adoption of Ordinance 260001 regarding a required cybersecurity policy, with a request for time to review it further due to a recent update and the desire to add a notification requirement regarding the LEECH database in case of a cyber incident. The second reading of Resolution 250008, enacting a revised code of ordinances, was deferred to allow public posting of recent changes. Finally, Ordinance 254 concerning the regulation of short-term rentals was discussed, noting changes made after a public workshop, such as reducing the application fee and removing local geographical boundaries for a local contact, although members expressed concern about neighborhood saturation without a 300-foot separation rule, suggesting review by the law director. The Finance Committee addressed a request for an advanced payment of tax funds for tax year 2025 and an additional appropriation of $5,949.20 to the income tax fund, as well as a fund transfer resolution to cover a deficit in the police budget.

The council meeting included committee discussions focusing on several resolutions. The Community Development Committee addressed the extension of moratoriums on the issuance of permits for public, mini, or self-storage facilities for one year, and the extension of the moratorium on establishing or expanding small box discount stores. The Finance Committee authorized a transfer of $250,000 from the general fund to the police district fund. The Laws and Ordinance Committee discussed an ordinance regulating short-term rental operations, specifically focusing on enforcement challenges, including the need for weekend/night inspectors and the potential inclusion of a 300-foot rule, which generated significant public comment regarding council consensus and the urgency of implementation. Council also approved the minutes from the February 4th, 2026 meeting and the financials for January 2026.

The committee meetings included discussions on supporting a grant application to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for water line extensions and connecting private water systems, which was approved. The Laws and Ordinance Committee discussed an ordinance for regulating short-term rental operations and scheduled a meeting with the law director for further input. Management updates covered the hiring of a new treasurer and clerk, the progress toward the city's first audit, securing commitment letters for the waterline extension project from 14 public water systems, and updates on infrastructure needs discussed with Senator Casey Weinstein. Other topics included outreach regarding clean water initiatives with the Soil and Water Conservation District, planning for capital improvement projects, and updates on sewer and paving work on Route 93 and Cleveland Mass Road. The council also decided to conduct a survey on the city's website and social media to gauge resident interest in a city flag.

The organizational meeting included the roll call, election of the council president (Gary Schaffer), and nominations for vice president. Key agenda items discussed council committee assignments, with changes made for Mr. Powell who became chair of the Public Utilities committee, and Mr. Clusty receiving assignments to the Safety, Finance, and chairing the Community and Development committees. The adoption of meeting dates for 2026 was discussed, agreeing to maintain first and third Wednesdays, while skipping the second meetings in June and July. During committee sessions, discussions focused on adopting a cybersecurity policy (Ordinance 260001), which may be delayed for review by the law director, and enacting a revised Code of Ordinances (Resolution 250008), which requires public posting of recent changes. Furthermore, significant discussion occurred regarding Ordinance 254 concerning the regulation of short-term rentals, including changes to application fees and the removal of local geographical boundaries for a local contact. Several members expressed strong support for adding a 300-foot separation rule to protect neighborhood character, particularly in lakefront communities, and agreed to have the Law Director review the document after revisions. The Finance Committee also addressed routine matters such as requesting an advanced tax fund payment and authorizing additional appropriations to the income tax fund.