Garrettsville Council
Dec. 13, 2023
7 p.m.
Attendance
Rick Patrick Mayor
Tom Hardesty Council President
Chris Knop Council Member
Sheri Johnson Council Member
Rich Beatty Council Member
Mark Brady Council Member
Donna Love Fiscal Officer
Michele Stuck Solicitor
Absent
John Chambers Council Member
Documenter’s Notes
Mayor Rick Patrick called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council President Tom Hardesty performed the third reading of ORD 2023-31 for public hearing and opened the floor for public discussion. There was none. The minutes from council’s meeting of Nov. 8, 2023 were approved. Finances and income were reviewed, and council voted to accept the bills as presented.
Resident Casey Timmons, a tax preparer, made a handful of requests regarding village tax collection. Timmons requested the village office be open longer hours during tax season. Since Covid, the village has cut staff and shortened its open hours to 12 to 4 p.m. three days a week. Timmons also requested a safer drop box for after-hours tax collection and improved lighting in the parking lot to improve safety. She also suggested an online portal for tax payments. Fiscal Officer Donna Love stated that the village has an active quote to develop an online portal.
Legislation
Following its public hearing, ORD 2023-31, “an ordinance amending various sections of the codified zoning ordinances of the Village of Garrettsville relating to notice of public hearings,” was enacted.
There was brief discussion regarding an ordinance to set forth compensation rates of village employees. Due to Council Member John Chambers’ absence and Council Member Rich Beatty’s recusal, council agreed to revisit this upon second reading at the January meeting. Hardesty suggested that raises should be retroactive to Jan. 1.
An ordinance to amend the Garrettsville Employee Handbook was enacted.
An ordinance approving the recodification, editing and inclusion of certain ordinances as parts of the various component codes of the codified ordinances was enacted.
A one-year moratorium on adult-use cannabis operations was passed.
Council also voted to make appropriations for current expenditures during the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024 after some discussion. Hardesty led a brief discussion regarding staffing, road maintenance and repairs, including the purchase of a roller.
Police Chief Timothy Christopher reported filling two cruisers with non-perishable food goods at the annual “Fill a Cruiser” event. The department collected $1,372 for Shop with a Cop. Christopher reported that the department was able to help 29 children via the program.
Council Member Chris Knop thanked council for serving alongside him. He is retiring from service.
Mayor Patrick thanked council for a good year.
Before dismissal, Love reminded council of insurance quotes included in the evening’s packet. Council voted to retain Ohio Health Benefits.
The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
