The Village of Garrettsville Council met Wednesday, May 14 to address a range of legislation, personnel updates, and public concerns during its regularly scheduled session. The meeting, called to order at 7 p.m., included Mayor Rick Patrick, Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty, Solicitor William Mason, Police Chief Tim Christopher, Police Lt. Keith Whan, SRO Emily Ahrens and all six Council members.
Council unanimously approved the minutes from its April 9 meeting and reviewed April’s financial reports. Councilman Richard Beatty inquired whether the financial data reflected the full month. Council also unanimously approved the payment of village bills, following a motion by Jeff Kaiser seconded by Beatty.
Council held a second reading of Ordinance 2025-12, which amends zoning rules to clarify permitted uses and height limits for accessory buildings. The updated ordinance affirms that such structures—garages, sheds, and similar buildings—may only be placed behind or beside primary residences and cannot be used for business purposes. Height limits were increased to 20 feet but cannot exceed the height of the primary building.
Planning Commission recommended the ordinance and determined that only a public hearing—not three readings—would be required. The hearing is scheduled for the June meeting.
Council conducted a first reading of Ordinance 2025-14, proposing to raise the mayor’s salary from $12,000 to $18,000 annually, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Councilman Tom Hardesty noted the adjustment would apply to the next elected mayor and helps clarify compensation for future candidates.
A separate pay increase proposal for Council members and trustees, Ordinance 2025-15, was also introduced but not approved. The measure, which would have marked the first raise since 2002, proposed increasing Council salaries from $1,800 to $2,050 per year, with stipends for special meetings. Leadership positions such as the Council President and Board of Trustees President would have received $2,550 annually.
Following discussion, Hardesty requested an executive session to further address compensation matters.
Council approved Resolution 2025-16, granting consent to the Ohio Department of Transportation for resurfacing work on State Routes 82 and 88. The project includes minor bridge repairs over Eagle Creek. The Village will assist with right-of-way access and future maintenance, while the state will cover all costs unless Garrettsville requests additional, nonessential features.
Council unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-17, amending Chapter 727 of the Codified Ordinances to permit tattoo establishments within designated commercial zones of the Village.
Previously, Section 727.01(d) prohibited tattoo businesses from operating in Garrettsville. The updated ordinance repeals that restriction, redefining “tattoo artist” to include any individual performing or engaging in the business of tattooing, whether as an operator or practitioner.
Under the new rules, tattoo establishments are now permitted within the Central Business District (CBD), C-2 General Commercial District, and C-3 Intensive Commerce District. All prospective business owners must apply through the Portage County Board of Health using official forms, and must meet all applicable health and safety standards.
“This was discussed at Planning Commission,” said Councilman Tom Hardesty. “We looked at the ordinance with [Solicitor] William Mason and are comfortable with the language.” Hardesty then moved to suspend the rules requiring three readings.
Mason confirmed that a public hearing was not required, explaining that the ordinance concerns business regulation rather than zoning.
Council passed Ordinance 2025-18, which authorizes transferring $4,446.27 from the Village’s “Shop with a Cop/Hero Fund” to a newly formed nonprofit, Shop with a Hero. The fund will be closed following the transfer. Police Chief Christopher noted that all future donations will now be directed to the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) account.
Council reviewed a letter from resident Dolores McCumbers regarding a deed discrepancy tied to a property on Sheneman Court (the short private road connecting Garfield plaza to State Street) and running behind the Cinema, Save A Lot and the hardware store. The deed includes handwritten notes in the margin suggesting that Garfield Plaza was responsible for road maintenance. Hardesty said that there is no compelling public interest for the Village to take ownership or action on a private roadway, mentioning an estimated $30,000 needed for depth repairs to the privately owned road base.
Mayor Patrick reported that Save-A-Lot’s regional manager is exploring bids for parking lot repairs in the plaza, although the company is not the property owner or actually responsible for the repairs as Save-A-Lot is not the owner of the buildings or property.
Fiscal Officer Donna Love announced that Assistant Fiscal Officer Tara Beatty had submitted her resignation. Love recommended switching to Cintas for street and water department uniforms, suggesting an increase in the current $400 allowance to $600–$800 per street department employee. She also proposed a uniform mandate for all Village employees. The BPA is waiting to see what Council does, before making a decision for water employees.
Police Chief Christopher shared that Ford Motor Company will return to film another commercial in the Village on June 12 and 14. Parts of Main Street and private establishments will be used for a few hours on each date.
Roundtable
• Deb Wordell reported that an artist originally selected to paint the railroad abutment mural will not move forward with the project. Interested artists are encouraged to contact the Rotary Club. She also raised concerns about an uneven sidewalk on Wheeler Road, which poses an obstacle for wheelchair users. Wordell asked Solicitor Mason about ordinances that could regulate outdoor cats in response to questions about feral cat populations damaging residents’ outdoor furniture.
• Tom Hardesty discussed a proposed ordinance regarding bow hunting within Village limits. He suggested a survey to gauge public opinion on allowing hunting on private property, depending on lot size and proximity to neighbors. Wordell asked whether the Village should establish a protocol for public surveys first. The matter will be revisited next month.
• Mayor Patrick announced the Memorial Day parade and services on Monday, May 26, with ceremonies at 9 a.m. on Maple Avenue and at 11 a.m. in Park Cemetery. Patrick also noted the retirement of longtime Village employee Randy Crites and named Adam Vanek interim street department superintendent. He praised the school district’s new track and shared that a grant is available from the Ravenna Elks for “bailout bags” containing emergency supplies for first responders.
• Police Chief Christopher added that he had recently sworn in new officer Tom Gedeon and another recruit from Hiram.
Council concluded the meeting with an executive session to discuss employee and elected official compensation.
