Garrettsville Village Council
Jan. 10, 2024
Attendance
Rick Patrick Mayor
Tom Hardesty Council Member
John Chambers Council Member
Sheri Johnson Council Member
Deb Wordell Council Member
Richard Beatty Council Member
Mark Brady Council Member
Donna Love Fiscal Officer
Michele Stuck Solicitor
Documenter’s Notes
Mayor Rick Patrick called the meeting to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Solicitor Michele Stuck swore in reelected Council Member Sheri Johnson. Stuck then swore in Benjamin Cole to the board of trustees of public affairs. Patrick nominated Deb Wordell to the vacant council seat. There were no other nominees, and Wordell was approved by roll call vote. She was sworn into office and took her seat. Council Member Tom Hardesty was elected as council president. Minutes were then approved, and financial reports and income tax receipts were reviewed. The council voted to pay the bills. Mayor Patrick recommended roles and responsibilities to council members. Patrick’s recommendations were accepted by roll call vote without comment.
Legislation
An ordinance was approved to accept the compensation rates of village employees following a vote to make the ordinance retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024. Council then approved the conversion of the balance of an advance from the general fund to the cemetery fund as a permanent transfer. The monies will be used to cover the cost of a columbarium installation. A resolution was passed to honor recently retired Council Member Chris Knop for his outstanding years of service. Council authorized the sale of obsolete properties and, in a similar motion, designated a 2010 Ford Ranger for disposal by internet auction.
Public Comment and Round Table
County Commissioner Sabrina Christian-Bennett briefly addressed council, welcoming its calls and emails. Hardesty made the motion that council agree to fund two-thirds of $18,500 for a used roller; the board of public affairs has agreed to pick up the remainder of the cost. The motion was seconded and approved. The last roller owned by Garrettsville was manufactured in 1998, Hardesty noted. He then laid out potential plans for road repairs totaling an estimated $240,000; council approved Hardesty’s request to seek bids. Stuck announced her upcoming retirement in June. After discussion, council advised Stuck to announce the opening to the Portage County Bar Association. Patrick addressed reports of a potentially faulty safety siren. A police officer in the audience advised council that the offending siren is property of Hiram Township. Council approved the purchase of a monument block on the Buckeye Block in the amount of $200. Christian-Bennett announced the construction of a new MARCS tower in Garrettsville beginning Jan. 22.
The meeting adjourned at 7:34 p.m.
