Village of Lexington

The council discussed zoning regulations concerning recreational vehicles and received department reports including updates on a successful audit, administrative hiring for wastewater operations, and pedestrian safety initiatives. Legislative actions included the adoption of ordinances to revise codified laws, the authorization of contracts for the Depot Park and Trailhead project and a culvert replacement with ODOT, and the approval of a lease agreement with the Richland County Park District. The council also held an executive session to discuss the purchase or sale of real property.

The Council discussed the Farmer's Market logistics and planning, including site location and schedule, and received committee reports on personnel, finance, buildings and grounds, and public utilities. Reports were presented by the Administrative Director and Mayor regarding service department activities, local safety corridor work, and state-sponsored safety programs. The Chief of Police provided updates on community events and addressed concerns regarding motorized scooters. The Council adopted two resolutions to authorize agreements with the Ohio Department of Transportation concerning the Fox Road sidewalk project and a culvert replacement on US 42 South.

The meeting included a reorganization session where Councilman Wynn Kearns was elected Council President/Pro Tempore and Councilman Keith Bacin was named Parliamentarian for Village Council 2026. Standing Committee members and chairmen for 2026 were announced. Key discussions involved reviewing and approving the December 2025 Finance Report, and updates on administrative matters such as estimating repairs for deteriorated Village Hall steps and assessing dead trees. The Mayor reported on putting out bids for Lexington Depot improvements and noted the status of the connector road engineering opinion. The Police Chief reported the sale of an old cruiser and the successful arrest of a suspect following an armed robbery at Subway. Furthermore, a resolution declaring the intent of the Village of Lexington to sell surplus property via internet auction in calendar year 2026 was discussed and adopted after waiving standard reading rules. New business included a request for the removal of a large coil from Highridge.

Key discussions included setting the time of adjournment and hearing communications from citizens, although no comments were offered. Committee reports noted that the Rules & Personnel committee is awaiting a date to update the Personnel Handbook, Finance bills for January were approved, and the Safety Service committee forwarded capital budget items to Finance. The Administrative Director reported that the Village's 2023 and 2024 financial audit passed desk review and is pending certification. Discussions were held with ODOT regarding signage requirements along State Route 97 and Castor Roads, including securing quotes for truck route signs. The process for completing the Lead Line Service Inventory commenced with potholing inspections by a contractor at no cost to the Village. Shout-outs were given to Service Departments for snow removal efforts, and updates were provided on mailbox repairs. The schedule for upcoming capital expenditure committee meetings was shared, and concerns were raised about a non-working streetlight and the need to clear snow from speed limit and solar panel signs. The status of the old State Farm building and proposals for upgrading Village welcome signs were also discussed. The Police Chief reported on a successful budget meeting and grant application for police vests. A resolution was adopted to enter into a 2026 contract for emergency protection with the Board of Township Trustees of Troy Township.

The Council meeting included discussions regarding citizen concerns such as a possible water meter issue for a resident, the repair of a snapped light pole, and inefficiencies in salt spreading by plow trucks. Committee reports indicated the Rules & Personnel Committee is awaiting a date for updating the Personnel Handbook, and the Safety Service Committee scheduled a budget meeting. The Administrative Director reported that a new plow truck is in service, safety corridor construction is scheduled to begin on March 1st, and solicitor compliance is being monitored. The Mayor reported on the low bid received for Depot construction, which was higher than anticipated, leading to consideration of project delays. The Police Chief reported monitoring solicitors and preparing to activate the Snow Emergency Ordinance, noting the receipt of $15,000.00 from the Attorney General for officer training. New Business involved discussions about Village rentals and a future CIC meeting to discuss marketing strategies.