The Village of Garrettsville Council met on April 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., with Mayor Rick Patrick presiding. Councilpersons Deb Wordell, Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Jeff Kaiser were present, along with Village Solicitor William Mason, Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty, and Police Chief Tim Christopher. Police Sergeant Keith Whan, School Resource Officer Emily Ahrens, and Fiscal Officer Donna Love were also in attendance.
The meeting began with a review of the minutes from the March 12 meeting, which were approved unanimously. The council also reviewed financial reports and income tax receipts, followed by the acceptance of bills paid.
ORD 2025-07 authorizing the village to enter into an agreement with Public Entities Pool of Ohio (PEP) for insurance coverage was presented. Mayor Patrick stated, “I see no reason not to suspend the rules, as it’s for the village employees’ insurance,” and the ordinance was approved and enacted on first reading. This ordinance ensures continued insurance services for village employees through PEP.
ORD 2025-08 engaged the services of attorney Mary Anne Ravis for the collection of delinquent income taxes and as an assistant to the Zoning Inspector. Hardesty moved to suspend the rules for immediate passage, and the ordinance was approved and enacted on first reading. The council determined that contracting separately for delinquent tax collection was in the best interest of the village.
The council reviewed ORD 2025-09 which amends the composition of the police department by changing the language for the number of two full-time Sergeants from “shall have” to “may have.” This change gives the department more flexibility in staffing. Chief Christopher inquired about any additional sections that might require similar amendments and asked what prompted the change. Mayor Patrick clarified that the goal was to provide more flexibility, and the council agreed to move forward with the proposed adjustment.
ORD 2025-10, which authorizes adjustments to the 2025 appropriations, was introduced. The adjustments included a $50,000 allocation for additional paving and a $3,000 state training grant for the police department. The ordinance was approved and enacted on first reading.
RES 2025-11 authorizing the village’s participation in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Road Salt Contracts for winter 2025 was presented and approved on first reading. This resolution ensures that Garrettsville will have access to lower cost road salt for the upcoming winter season through the state’s contract.
Council discussed ORD 2025-12 which amends sections of the village’s Codified Ordinances related to accessory uses and height limitations for buildings. Hardesty explained that the amendment would permit accessory buildings to reach up to 20 feet in height, provided they are not used for business purposes. “This is in response to numerous applications where the height of out buildings exceeded the current 15-foot limit,” he noted. The ordinance will undergo a public hearing at its third reading. The council emphasized that this change would provide residents with greater flexibility in constructing accessory buildings.
The council accepted the low bid of $205,991.75 from Ronyak Paving for the 2025 paving project, which includes Garfield Drive, Center Street, Shawnee Trail, Village Hall, and the Street Department. Hardesty stated that the village would likely not need to use much of the additional $50,000 allocated for paving, as the BPA is covering a portion of the costs for repairs to the Bill Phelps park driveway and parking lot, which was damaged by the staging and equipment for the Windham Street water main project.
Councilman Hardesty provided an update on the ongoing efforts to potentially allow tattoo parlors in Garrettsville. A survey conducted by the village gathered overwhelming support, with 89% of respondents in favor of amending village ordinances to permit tattoo parlors. Many of the comments expressed optimism about the potential economic benefits of allowing such businesses in the downtown district. One survey respondent commented, “Quality artists will bring in patrons that have booked their appointments well in advance, and these patrons, in turn, will be introduced to our wonderful community and be inclined to spend money at our shops and restaurants.”
Another resident voiced support, saying, “I think almost any business for our downtown district is a good idea! The policy forbidding tattoo parlors is an archaic one and should be changed. They will still be required to adhere to the building codes and other requirements, just as any other commercial business in town. We shouldn’t be losing local dollars to Newton Falls, Streetsboro, or Kent as those municipalities permit it and our villagers go there.”
Additional feedback highlighted the desire for diversity in business offerings. One comment read, “We need a business that’s not a parts store, pizza, or bar.” Some residents emphasized that the time for change had come, with one noting, “It’s the year 2025. Not 1825. It will be fine.”
Hardesty indicated that the next steps would include the Planning Commission reviewing sample ordinances for tattoo parlors and determining which of Garrettsville’s business districts would be the most suitable for such establishments. After clearing the Planning Commission, an ordinance would require three readings and a public hearing, which would fall in August or September at the earliest (for those who want to mark their calendars).
The council also reviewed and approved a renewal request to keep certain properties within the agricultural zoning district. Hardesty pointed out that only two of the parcels were within the village boundaries, and the council agreed to approve those accordingly.
Police Chief Christopher provided updates on the hiring process, noting that two candidates are currently being considered. He also gave a report on the success of the “Shop with a Hero” program, which raised approximately $2,400 through a pancake breakfast. The program has expanded and is now forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Christopher requested that the village council approve the transfer of funds from the village’s account for the program to the nonprofit once the bank account is established. Fiscal Officer Donna Love requested that this be formalized through a resolution or ordinance. Village Solicitor Mason will prepare a resolution for the May meeting.
Donna Love shared that the Rotary Club had invited the council to an informational event.
During the round table portion of the meeting Councilman Hardesty informed the council that the state may provide funding for a flashing bike crossing sign for SR 88 as part of the 2026 resurfacing project. Councilwoman Johnson inquired about the upcoming community cleanup event, which is scheduled for May 22, 2025. Councilman Beatty wished everyone a Happy Easter.
The meeting adjourned to an executive session for purposes of discussing personnel.
After the executive session, police Sergeant Keith Whan was approved for a promotion to Lieutenant.
The next council meeting will be on May 14.
