Mayor Dave Retterer chaired the Ada Village Council Regular Meeting of March 15, 2022 beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance.
The agenda included approval of bill payments, a resolution for advertising for bids on street paving (approved unanimously), and reports from committees.
In New Business, council approved $1,500 to support Ohio Northern University’s Patriotic Pops concert scheduled for July 2, 2022. Mayor Retter, Bob Simmons, and Jamie Hall reported on an Enterprise Zone Meeting with Associated Plastics and Harvest Pride.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
In his Personnel Committee report, Bob Simmons requested a motion to hire Connie Ziegler as groundskeeper, a temporary, part-time position. The motion was approved unanimously.
In her Buildings & Grounds report, Shelia Coressel suggested that the village needs to unify its use of Village seal and logos. Followup plans were discussed. Coressel also called for an executive session at the end of the meeting regarding the purchase and/or sale of village property. The Beatitudes thrift shop has requested village assistance storing some 20 bunk beds; the Amburgey Building was named as a potential storage location and an initial 6-month storage period was approved.
ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Fiscal Officer
Patty Navin reported that interviews for pool positions have started.
Police Chief
Chief Michael Harnishfeger’s report included:
- Identifying suspects in several thefts
- Identifying 2 young men suspected in damage to a fence behind Quest Federal Credit Union, 232 N Main
- Apprehending a 16-year old from Findlay selling drugs
- Two drug overdoses; both survived
- A mental health incident with transportation to the hospital
Harnishfeger also noted that Governor DeWine has signed the permitless concealed carry bill into law, going into effect June 15. He urges gun owners who concealed carry to practice at a shooting range and to work with an instructor. He said, “it is a huge responsibility” and that individuals need to know the law in detail.
Zoning Inspector
Turning to zoning, Harnishfeger reported that two homes are under construction, one on Gilbert and one on Edwards. He has received a quote of $3,800 for tearing down the condemned trailer at 312 Liberty.
Village Administrator
Jamie Hall presented a memo on rising diesel fuel prices and their effect on the village refuse fund. The program is designed to accommodate fluctuation prices but has a cap of $5.39/gallon with prices currently at $5.25/gallon. He noted that the fiscal officer may be coming to council for direction if it reaches negative cash flow.
Hall also presented council with a map of proposed street paving for 2022 that includes a stretch in the industrial park and S. Simon. Paving is planned to be done by October 2022.
The village has received a petition by Ada Boyz Holdings (Old Route 69 Brewery) to vacate a north-south alley between the parking lot and the building at 120 E. Buckeye.
Legal Council
Jane Napier noted that the state attorney general has released a yellow book on Ohio sunshine laws, and that she would distribute a digital version to council members.
NEW BUSINESS
Council member Sean Beck called for the village to form an Eclipse Task Force to help the community prepare for an influx of visitors at the time of a total eclipse on April 8, 2024. An area centered in Forest, Ohio has been identified as the best viewing location for this event.
