Student crossing signs on Main St. - Firefighters’ convention request - Preparations for municipal pool season - Police manual updates process - Coffee with a Cop on April 19
By Paula Scott
On April 4 the Ada Council held a regular meeting with all councilors and village officials present.
LEGISLATION
Among items of legislation that were passed was permission for Wilson Football Factory to rezone land from residential to industrial. This item was passed by emergency on its third reading, allowing the company to begin construction this month. All legislation passed unanimously and is listed on in the photo below. The complete packet is HERE.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Dave Retterer noted that he surveyed most village streets following heavy winds on April 1 and found that except for a large tree near the school, the community had come out of the storm well. He thanked the tree commission for their preventative measures.
OLD BUSINESS
Councilor Jeff Oestreich asked Police Chief Alec Cooper for his recommendations on new signage for the area of Main Street where students cross to reach the Ada Schools. He recommended additional information on the signs on Main near Montford saying “caution during school hours.”
CONTINUES
Cooper also noted that a new pamphlet will provide safety tips and recommended routes and that in Fall 2023 the police department will start a program with officers meeting with kids on their way to and from school.
Oestreich also opened discussion on a letter requesting council permission to host a firefighters convention in Ada 2024. Council approved a letter to be written by village legal counsel stipulating that details are yet to be coordinated.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Streets - Jason Campbell requested a meeting to continue discussion of making part of Buckeye Ave. a one-way street to improve visibility and parking. The date of March 18 following the regular council meeting was designated.
Personnel - Bob Simmons called for an executive session at the end of council with no action expected. Simmons requested a motion to hire 14 lifeguards, 22 cashiers, Manager Ashley Sumner and Assistant Manager Alex Morgan for the municipal pool, which was unanimously approved.
Utilities - Sean Beck reported on two rate adjustments, including an exceptionally large one on S. Johnson St. The $1,247 adjustment for unused sewer services was the result of a break inside the foundation; the tenant had difficulty reaching the landlord.
Council granted two waivers of stormwater tap fees to Wilson Football Factory and to Grandview residents.
Fiscal Officer - Patty Navin reported that the Village is working with the ONU assistant swim coach to provide Red Cross lifeguard classes at ONU (with no charge for pool). Earlybird pool pass discounts are available through May 26. She made the reminder that Village income tax filings are due April 18. Last but not least, Navin reported that improved investments have resulted in $60K income above estimates.
Chief of Police - Alec Cooper invited Mike Harnishfeger to review new procedures for updating the department policy manual. The Ada Police Department is now using the Lexipol service to distribute and test officers on policies. Officers receive content electronically, which may include updates required changes in state law. Council agreed to review content and provide input for potential changes after it is first released.
Chief Cooper reported that since the last council meeting, the police department had handled 85 calls, 13 incidents and 1 vehicle accident. One domestic violence incident resulted in a male being taken into custody. Three incidents were related to mental health.
Cooper also reported on the new Ohio “Phone Down” law that allows the police to pull over drivers who are typing or scrolling with a phone or mobile device. For the first six months, officers will be warning drivers of the new law. Fines of up to $500 will be possible after that period.
The department has scheduled a Coffee with a Cop event at Starbucks at April 19. Details will be posted on Facebook.
When the discussion turned to the topic of the upcoming siren test, the possibility of installing a second siren and the effect of wind direction and speed on hearing the single siren was mentioned. The cost of a siren is about $30K.
Village Administrator - Jamie Hall reported on Grandview Blvd. sewer work and noted that U.S. mail delivery is sometimes interrupted. Mail truck drivers are not allowed to turn around in driveways.
There will soon be temporary mail boxes to insure access by carriers.
Hall announced the upcoming Neighborhood Revitalization meeting at the Depot at 10:00 a.m. on April 15, which will review initial cost estimates, priorities and resources.
He also reminded residents that debris created by wind storms can be taken to the village green waste site when you schedule a dropoff.
The public portion of the meeting ended at 7:55 p.m., when council entered an executive session.
