Present at the September 13th meeting of Garrettsville’s Village Council were councilpersons Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sherri Johnson, Richard Beatty, and Mark Brady, accompanied by Village officials, Mayor Rick Patrick, Solicitor Michele Stuck, and Fiscal Officer Donna Love.
The initial order of business was the acceptance of the minutes from the August 9th meeting. This motion was initiated by John Chambers and seconded by Sherri Johnson, resulting in unanimous approval. Mayor Patrick then provided an overview of income tax receipts, expressing his satisfaction with their status. Subsequently, a motion was made by Sherri Johnson and seconded by Rich Beatty to authorize payment of the bills.
The council proceeded to review several ordinances. Ordinance 2023-19, which involves amendments to the Garrettsville employee handbook concerning reimbursement of training expenses, underwent its second reading. Mayor Patrick expressed his preference for the ordinance to continue through the full process, and there were no comments from the attendees regarding this matter.
Next on the agenda was Ordinance 2023-20, which aimed to amend section 123.01 of the codified ordinances concerning the posting of legislation. This ordinance addresses where and how council-passed ordinances are displayed for public viewing. Due to an expiring Ohio Revised Code (ORC) rule on October 3rd, the council needed to pass this ordinance on the same evening, which led to the suspension of the rules to allow its passage and enactment after the first reading.
Ordinance 2023-22, focusing on amendments to section 1165.08(a) of the codified ordinances to clarify minimum dwelling sizes in Garrettsville, underwent its second reading and was scheduled for a third reading and public hearing at the October meeting, with no comments raised during this session.
The meeting also featured Ordinance 2023-28, addressing the acceptance of tax rates as determined by the Portage County Budget Commissioner and authorizing the necessary tax levies, which was enacted on the first reading, given the time constraints, after the suspension of rules.
Ordinance 2023-29 dealt with authorizing the mayor and fiscal officer to prepare an application for the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) for the Windham Street Water Main Replacement Project. This ordinance was also enacted on the first reading due to the application deadline’s proximity.
Another ordinance, Ordinance 2023-30, focused on authorizing the mayor and fiscal officer to execute an agreement with Arcadis US, Inc. for the Windham Street Water Main Replacement Project’s design and bidding assistance. Similar to the previous ordinances, this one was passed on the first reading after rules were suspended.
During the public comment segment, John, a resident of Fox Hollow, raised concerns about signage along the Headwaters Trail. He suggested that the state might provide funding for signage if the village could demonstrate that the crossing on a state route posed health and safety risks. He provided contact information for a representative at the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) who might assist with the matter.
Jan Boehm presented concerns from Elm Street residents regarding the Jerry Kehoe Used Car Lot. The central business district encompasses properties up to the dry cleaners and had previously granted an exemption to the business to sell and service cars. However, residents now believe that the current owners are misusing this exemption, and the property resembles a junkyard. Stuck recommended addressing the issue through the Planning Commission, and Hardesty emphasized the need to ensure compliance with property boundaries. Boehm agreed to attend the next Planning Meeting to address the matter with the Zoning Inspector.
Sheri Johnson shared concerns from a resident regarding the Threaded Barrel’s opening across from the Silver Crik Saloon, the resident’s concern was the proximity of a store selling firearms to the bar. The resident’s concern was noted; however Threaded Barrel’s location will not violate any codified ordinance in the village and their business goes beyond firearms – encompassing uniforms for first responders and emergency personnel.
Councilmember Tom Hardesty provided updates on the Pickleball Court project, announcing that the seal coating should be completed soon, allowing for a grand opening in October. Sherri Johnson added that at the August meeting, Kim Curry from the Garrettsville YMCA was tapped to manage the village’s new pickle ball court scheduling as the YMCA is directly across the street. Curry and Ben Coll setup an online scheduling system at garrettsvillepickleball.skedda.com, that will allow the public and the Garrettsville Pickleball Association to reserve times on the courts. The scheduling system will allow Curry to block out specific courts for league play — a compromise that should allow maximum use of the courts once they are complete.
Hardesty also reported the completion of road paving projects and requested funds for site preparation in Park Cemetery, which aims to improve the grounds near the new collumbariums with stamped concrete and a flagpole.
Mayor Patrick discussed grant funding for the GFN Fire Department’s tanker replacement, noting that the department’s previous grant application had not been successful but would be re-submitted in the future.
In a staffing update, Tara Beatty was hired as a part-time assistant fiscal officer.
Regarding UH Family Medicine, Mayor Patrick announced that the practice would leave Garrettsville, merging into the Medical Center in Ravenna effective November 1st. This change may result in the Garrettsville building being vacant for some time, as efforts to secure a new tenant are ongoing. The building’s owner, Pete Kepich, has reached out to several medical and dental organizations including Summa and Cleveland Clinic to find a new tenant.
Mayor Patrick concluded by expressing his pride in the community’s positive reputation and the cooperative spirit that characterizes Garrettsville. Additionally, he mentioned that the Street Department is working to schedule a Fall Cleanup, with further details to be announced soon.
