Garrettsville – Garrettsville officials present at the September village council meeting were: Councilpeople Chris Knop; Sheri Johnson; Tom Hardesty; Tara Beatty; John Chambers; and Mark Brady. Village Solicitor Michele Stuck and Assistant Fiscal Officer Deb Wordell were also in attendance.
Discussion was held regarding the tree removal program for the village, and the fees associated for residents. Wordell informed council that the rate had been set at $200 for a considerable length of time, while the cost of tree removal has gone up significantly. Knop proposed changing the policy to split the expense 50% with the homeowner. Stuck was asked to write up the change for the October meeting.
Ordinance 2022-24, an ordinance amending various sections of chapter 1171 of the Codified Ordinances as they relate to minimum side yard widths in the residential to zoning district, received approval on its third and final reading. The ordinance sets the minimum side yard width for new construction to 10 feet (from 5 feet). Properties in the Fox Hollow development were grandfathered in by parcel number. The change was made to ensure that the village could access utility right of ways (sewer, water, etc) with minimum disruption to the properties.
Ordinance, 2022–28, an ordinance amending chapter 945 of the Codified Ordinances as they relate to columbarium interments and cemetery burials, was approved on third reading. Hardesty shared that he had met with Randy Crites, and the Village Sexton about the changes which were provided to council. He explained that it has been a long time since rates have been updated, and the cemetery committee based the recommendations on rates in surrounding communities. The rate increases cover crew, equipment, and time spent maintaining the cemetery and attending to burials.
The rates were as follows:
Grave Lots – Village Resident: $250; Non-Resident: $500
Columbarium Niches – Village Resident: $1500;
Non-Resident: $2000
Interment – Adult: $500; Baby: $100; Child: $150
Ashes in grave lot: $200
Ashes In Columbarium: $100
Additional adjustments were made for weekend interments.
Resolution 2022-36 approving and accepting the Portage County Budget Commission’s alternative method of apportioning and distributing the local government fund was enacted. Solicitor Michele Stuck explained that three years ago, the budget commission met with officials to develop a formula to allocate local government funds. Garrettsville would receive about the same amount using the new formula, which will be in effect for 10 years.
Ordinance 2022-37 was made to decrease appropriations for current expenses and expenditures. It is a necessary modification to enable the village to handle the funds for payments made for the columbarium.
Round Table
Hardesty shared that road paving projects were completed, including the portion worked on with Windham Township on Liberty Street. In mid-September Woodford Excavating was to begin work on the detention basin behind Energizer, the North Street drainage project, and the Fox Hollow storm sewer project. There was a slight delay while the village waits for the contractors to become available, but they should still have the projects complete this year.
Fall Community Cleanup day is scheduled for October 20th.
Trick or Treat will be scheduled at the October council meeting.
In 2024 the time capsule at the clock tower will be opened. Start thinking about what you’ll donate for inclusion for the next 100 year capsule!
Community Comment
Two residents were present to inform council of an issue with the owner of “Place & Thyme”on Windham Street, Randall Berry. Complaints were made about his dogs, not being on a leash and pursuing them across the street, verbal assault by Berry for “being on his sidewalk”, and other issues. Council was provided with a print out of a Facebook thread where others had made similar complaints. Police Chief Tim Christopher and Sergeant Keith Whan encouraged people who encounter similar issues to file complaints, especially if they are being threatened.
The meeting was adjourned after hearing from those in attendance.
