The Garrettsville Village Council convened on Tuesday, February 12, for its second meeting of the year. Present at the meeting were Councilpersons Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Jeff Kaiser; Mayor Rick Patrick; Solicitor William Mason; Fiscal Officer Donna Love; and Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty. Also in attendance were Police Chief Tim Christopher, Sergeants Keith Whan and Tim Vecchio. Councilperson Deb Wordell was absent.
The council reviewed financial reports and income tax receipts before approving the acceptance of bills paid. A request from the Portage County District Library for reimbursement of 50% of the Garrettsville branch’s utility costs was approved. The village will cover $4,163.72 for electric and $834.29 for gas, totaling $4,998.01. Hardesty noted that this reimbursement is part of the agreement established when the library established itself in the village.
The first reading of Ordinance 2025-04 was presented, authorizing the acceptance of Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) Energized Community Grants for 2025. The ordinance declares an emergency to expedite funding applications. Hardesty is exploring the feasibility of using these funds to install LED street lighting in subdivisions to improve efficiency and reduce costs. He will prepare a forecast for the potential lighting project.
In related news, the village recently used NOPEC funds to replace the village’s holiday wreathes, with the final batch arriving soon, for storage until next year. These decorations are expected to last for 30 years. The old wreathes will be offered to Windham and Hiram if they are interested in refurbishing them.
A resident inquired about the lack of a regular traffic signal at the intersection of State Route 82 and Center Street, expressing concerns about driver safety. Chief Christopher explained that for a study to be conducted and for any traffic signal changes to be considered, the village would need to submit accident data to the state for review in Columbus. Christopher added that fortunately accident rates are low at that intersection.
Community Updates and Council Roundtable
The annual Chamber of Commerce Garage Sale Weekend is scheduled for May 16–18. Registration opens online at discovergarrettsville.com in March.
Councilperson Richard Beatty provided an update on ongoing studies related to property taxes, noting that while no immediate changes are expected, potential future reforms could impact village revenues if tax rate caps are implemented.
Councilperson Jeff Kaiser raised concerns about vehicles being left in the municipal lot adjacent to the boardwalk for more than 48 hours. Hardesty has recorded the plate numbers of three vehicles consistently violating parking regulations.
Dangerous intersection signage has been placed at the intersections of Center and Brosius as well as Center and Maple to warn of reduced visibility at the intersections.
The next council meeting is scheduled for March 12th at 7:00pm.
