By Paula Scott
The Village of Ada council held a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. on May 16. Council meetings are chaired by Mayor David Retterer who presented minutes from prior meeting and four claims registers, which were approved unanimously.
In addition to two reporters, there was one guest at the meeting. No one came forward during the public comments item.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Retterer updated the council on the “wonderful” groundbreaking event earlier in the day to celebrate construction of a new Wilson Football Factory. He presented a construction helmet with a big red Wilson W that will be inscribed with details from the day as a memento.
RESOLUTIONS
Council unanimously approved an Enterprise Zone agreement between the Hardin Council Board of Commissioners and Wilson Football Factory, by emergency. This document is included in the 33-page meeting packet, available on the Village of Ada website HERE.
OLD BUSINESS
Councilor Bob Simmons reported on an ad hoc group that is looking at Christmas decorations for downtown Main Street. Samples will be displayed at the Harvest & Herb festival for community feedback.
NEW BUSINESS
Simmons reported that Chad Hays is working on July 1 Fireworks with Ann Donnelly. This will be the 3rd annual Pride of Ada Fireworks, which will cost approximately $10K. Eva Wolke is arranging food vendors. Council approved a motion to donate $1000.
COMMITTEES
Bob Simmons reported for the Personnel Committee that four additional lifeguards have been hired for a total of 18; the Village Pool had 22 lifeguards last year.
Councilor Jason Campbell called for a Streets Committee meeting for June 6 after council to review and discuss sidewalk construction standards.
ADMINISTRATION
Fiscal Officer Patty Navin passed bank statements and reconciliations among the council, noting this will be a new feature of council meetings.
A motion was approved to establish a new fund for donations for downtown beautification. Funds can be supplemented by the general fund and community foundation awards. Donations can be earmarked for specific projects.
Police Chief Alec Cooper reported that since the last council meeting, the Ada Police Department had:
- 129 calls for service
- 21 incidents
- 2 accident reports
- 3 outbuilding burglaries
- 1 arrest for domestic violence, felonious assault
Cooper noted that unclaimed bikes are on www.govdeals.com (three lots, search for Ada, OH). Six inquiries were received about bicycles but none matched those being held by the department.
Former police chief Michael Harnishfeger commented that there was a good lead on the outbuilding break-ins, commenting, “we will catch this guy.” As Zoning Inspector, Harnishfeger commented on zoning work done on multiple parcels purchased by Wilson Sporting Goods. He also noted that a zoning case was in the local court system, which is very rare.
Village Administrator Jamie Hall announced a Special Council and public meeting for proposed safety changes to Buckeye Ave. including one way traffic and angle parking. This meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13 at Community Health Professionals, 1200 S Main St.
Hall announced a demonstration on May 26 of concrete cutting to remove trip hazards. The technique is being considered as an more cost effective alternative to other sidewalk leveling and replacement methods.
Hall presented a memo to prepare council for June 6, when the Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG) grant application will require a motion from council and the mayor’s signature that funds are available for the village’s portion of projects.
The village administrator told council that Ada Schools students will be participating in a May 22 Community Service Day. AHS seniors will be at the pool, street barn, and Depot Park. Sixth-graders will mulch Depot Park.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Council adjourned for two executive sessions with no action expected.
NEXT UP
The next regular meeting of the Ada Council is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on June 6.
