Garrettsville – The Garrettsville Village Council convened on the evening of August 9, 2023. Present at the meeting were Councilpersons Chris Knop, Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Mark Brady, alongside Village Solicitor Michele Stuck, Fiscal Officer Donna Love, and Mayor Rick Patrick.
A public hearing was held to deliberate on Ordinance 2023-15, focused on enacting section 1139.06 of the codified ordinances concerning construction and site plan inspections. The ordinance, which had previously undergone two readings, garnered no comments from attendees.
The minutes of the previous meeting on July 12th were reviewed and approved without any changes. The financial reports and income tax receipts underwent examination. A motion by Councilperson Knop, seconded by Johnson, saw the acceptance of these reports.
Ordinance 2023-15, was approved on third reading, and will allow the village to hire an inspector for commercial and residential construction – to head off potential design issues down the road.
Further administrative matters encompassed Ordinance 2023-18, addressing vacation time accrual as detailed in the village handbook. The ordinance successfully passed its first reading and was then enacted. Similarly, Ordinance 2023-19, involving the reimbursement of costs incurred through mandated employee training, secured a first reading. A query by Police Chief Tim Christopher prompted a discussion on whether the Police Department would fall under this ordinance. It was clarified that all employees not under the Board of Public Affairs (BPA) would be subject to the ordinance’s provisions. The Council chose to table the ordinance for potential modifications, including exemptions for the police department or case-specific applications under the purview of the Safety Committee.
In response to recent legislative changes, Ordinance 2023-20 was introduced to amend section 123.01 of the codified ordinances, focusing on the posting of legislation. Solicitor Stuck explained that the state had repealed the “Post in 5 Places” requirement, favoring postings in newspapers, online platforms, social media, or the state’s website. Further considerations were deferred to the next meeting to allow for more information gathering.
Deb Wordell’s appointment as an independent contractor for the role of part-time assistant fiscal officer under Ordinance 2023-21 was approved on its first reading. The village, meanwhile, is actively accepting applications to fill her former role.
Amendments to section 1165.08a of the codified ordinances, as outlined in Ordinance 2023-22, were proposed to provide clarity on minimum dwelling sizes. Solicitor Stuck clarified that the proposed changes would distinguish between the “Global” category and homes within R2 zoning areas.
Ordinance 2023-23, which pertains to membership composition of the Garrettsville Planning Commission, was approved following a motion by Hardesty and a second by Johnson. This change adheres to state guidelines by allowing a single non-resident on the commission.
Ordinance 2023-25, the annual appropriations measure, was approved; as was Ordinance 2023-24, concerning the establishment of rules and regulations for the Dog Park, was approved on its first reading. The ordinance, a necessity due to the village’s liability insurer, mandates the posting of regulations at the Dog Park once enacted.
Ordinances 2023-26 and 2023-27, which authorize the certification of delinquent water and sewer charges and sidewalk repair charges, respectively, to the Portage County Auditor’s office were approved.
The public participation segment featured Chief Christopher’s presentation of an official quote for the speed trailer discussed in the previous meeting. Additionally, the Police Department brought the new cruiser to the meeting for Council to view after the meeting.
Councilperson Knop relayed concerns raised by South Street resident Helen Louise Bouts regarding the crosswalk at the South Street crossing of Headwaters Trail. The discussion expanded to address crosswalk visibility issues and potential solutions. Councilperson Hardesty reported on ongoing paving work on Center and Water Streets and the received approval of additional funds for full-depth repairs. He also shared that the pickleball project is on schedule. Hardesty urged that discussions should be held at an upcoming meeting to discuss employee raises and emphasized the importance of maintaining competitive wages.
Mayor Patrick announced the official Trick or Treat date, set for Saturday, October 28th, from 5-8pm. He also addressed inquiries regarding nearly $51,000 in delayed grant disbursements from the state and ARPA.
Councilperson Brady provided insights into inquiries from Rotary, including a request for village support for a culvert replacement within South Street park. The Council is exploring the feasibility of assistance. Further consultations with the village’s engineer will be required to assess drainage and culvert size. Brady also raised questions about ownership of the Windham Street bridge abutment and shared discussions with a muralist for potential projects.
