Garrettsville Village Council met Oct. 8, approving a new social media policy for village offices, ratifying the county solid waste management plan, and discussing several ordinances ranging from emergency siren purchases to allowing bow hunting on large parcels.
Present were council members Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, John Brachna, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Jeff Kaiser. Also attending were Mayor Rick Patrick, Fiscal Officer Donna Love and Solicitor Bill Mason.
Before the business portion of the meeting, Police Lt. Keith Whan and Chief Tim Christopher unveiled the department’s newest vehicle — a Chevrolet Tahoe — recently added to the fleet.
Council reviewed September financial reports and income tax receipts. Hardesty noted that village revenue is down about 1.75% compared to the previous year.
Council passed Ordinance 2025-25, establishing a formal social media policy for all village departments. The policy outlines rules for creating, maintaining, and monitoring official social media accounts and stresses compliance with Ohio’s public records laws. Brachna asked whether email should be included in the policy, but other members agreed it was unnecessary since only the mayor, village hall and the police department maintain official email accounts.
Council also approved Ordinance 2025-26, adopting the Portage County Solid Waste Management Plan. Beatty said there was no additional cost to residents. The ordinance was a ratification of the county’s plan, which is available on the Solid Waste District’s website.
Ordinance 2025-27, authorizing the purchase of two used federal electronic sirens from Vasu Communications, was introduced on first reading. Mayor Patrick said the sirens will require additional funding to convert from solar to electric power and to extend electrical service to their installation sites. The purchase amount was amended from $20,841 to $19,461.
On first reading, council also discussed Ordinance 2025-29, amending Section 505.11 of the village code to allow bow hunting on parcels of 20 acres or more. Beatty said he reviewed comparable regulations in nearby communities and suggested adding a 500-foot setback around parks, schools, cemeteries, and churches, as well as removing the existing permit fee. Hardesty voiced support for both changes. The ordinance was approved and enacted.
Chief Christopher reported that a recently hired full-time officer has completed training and begun solo shifts. The department remains one full-time officer short but has added a returning part-time officer. Another candidate has accepted a conditional offer pending completion of background and psychological testing, which could soon bring the department back to full staffing.
Mayor Patrick said the additional part-time help “will sure help” with coverage.
Round Table Discussion
Brachna said he attended a Headwaters Trail meeting and suggested pursuing grants to improve the trail, including a flashing crosswalk light where it meets State Route 82. He also proposed adding QR codes along the trail to promote local attractions.
Love said the Ohio Auditor of State is now requiring municipalities to adopt cybersecurity policies. Mason recommended waiting for the state to release a model ordinance before drafting one locally.
Beatty praised the growing number of applicants for police positions, calling the trend encouraging.
The meeting was adjourned following the roundtable session.
