By Paula Pyzik Scott
Village of Ada held a regular Council Meeting on February 18 with the attached agenda and packet of materials.
During the public comments portion of the meeting, Ada resident Kevin Wagner commented on new water rates established at the February 4 meeting, saying he would like to see one price for one unit of water, rather than providing bulk discounts. He said that he wants the Village to emphasize conservation and that he was considering running for council.
LEGISLATION
Council approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a memorandum of Understanding with Jason Minich DBA Keith’s Hardware for use of the storage building known as Wilson’s Storage Building. (Pages 15-16 of meeting packet)
NEW BUSINESS
Bob Simmons reported that Ohio Northern University will pause the Patriotic Pops concert, which he described as one of the most popular events in town.
COMMITTEES
Safety - Jeff Oestreich presented a motion to hire Justin Jackson as full-time police officer, which was approved by council. Officer Michael Bollinger is retiring from the department after 25 years of service.
Utilities - Bill adjustments were approved for two customers with water line breaks inside foundation.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief Alec Cooper reported that since the last council meeting there were 107 calls for service, 10 incident reports and 4 vehicle accidents. A male was arrested for persistent disorderly conduct. He also noted scam activity was being reported and reminded resident to be be careful about who you are giving money to. Beware if the message is “you send me money, I’ll send you more.” He also advised that you should not leave your social security number laying around.
The police department will have a new ADA compliant call box in the lobby that will auto dial dispatch in Kenton.
Council approved a new billing policy for requests for body camera and dash cam footage. Ohio House Bill 315 will allow charging up to $75/hour for processing of footage beginning April 3. Cooper explained that it takes approximately 2 hours to prepare each hour of footage. Village legal counsel Jane Napier noted that this is not the process used by victims and attorneys in discovery. Council approved a charge of $75/hour of preparation time, to be estimated and paid in advance.
Village Administrator Jamie Hall presented reports from the water treatment and waste water treatment plant operators. He also shared a letter sent to 78 property owners with business, industrial, educational or commercial use regarding inspection for possible cross connection or water backflow potential. (Page 38 of packet.)
Council entered an executive session to discuss employment at 7:25 p.m.
