February 23, 2026 Minutes passed March 9, 2026
Council President Thad Eikenbary called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
President Eikenbary gave the invocation.
On call of the roll: Ringwald, Johnson, Block, Agler, Roberts, Moore, and Hurless were present.
Agler made a motion to approve tonight’s Consent Agenda and minutes from the February 9th meeting. Moore seconded; all concurred.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC SPEAKERS
NONE.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
MAYOR: Mr. Markward touched on a supplemental that will be prepared and passed tonight.
Reminder that Mrs. Blackmore sent out information on Sunshine Law training.
On behalf of Fleming, Markward touched on the topic of the speed limit on Decatur Road was brought up and Fleming was in touch with County Engineer Kyle Wendel on the matter. At the next meeting, hopefully Fleming will have a recommendation from the Engineer.
SAFETY SERVICE DIRECTOR: Not present.
AUDITOR: Not present.
LAW DIRECTOR: Mr. Hatcher explained that a supplemental appropriation tonight is an amendment of 26-02-009 due to an error on the last one that were not caught before it passed.
Blighted Property #17 was given permission to move their trial to March 31, 2026 due to the owner asking for time to get some work done at the property.
Another property owner was met with last week. This property experienced a fire; the owner stated materials, including windows, were ordered. He agreed that a conversation with the Fire Department will transpire before construction is started for building safety reasons. There is no pending litigation on this property.
A few other properties with nuisances are being addressed.
Several jury trials are scheduled for the month of March.
Block asked Hatcher to explain the process of a property becoming blighted. Hatcher explains properties the city address begin with violating ordinances; additionally there are typically no utilities and the city prefers the property to be abandoned. The mayor explained the process usually begin with a door hanger warning the property owner. The city gives the property owner time to respond or show progress on the situation.
COMMENTS, COMMUNICATIONS & PETITIONS:
NONE.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
FINANCE: Ringwald made a motion to introduce Ordinance Number: 26-02-011. Agler seconded; all concurred.
Ringwald made a motion to suspend statutory rules. Agler seconded; all concurred.
Ringwald made a motion to pass, on it’s first and final reading, Ordinance Number: 26-02-011; AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 26-02-009 TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS TO FUNDS 208, 301 AND 701, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Block seconded; all concurred. Ordinance passed.
Ringwald made a motion to introduce Ordinance Number: 26-02-012. Roberts seconded; all concurred.
Ringwald made a motion to suspend statutory rules. Agler seconded; all concurred.
Ringwald made a motion to pass, on it’s first and final reading, Number: 26-02-012; AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE 26-02-009 TO MAKE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS TO FUNDS 208, 301 AND 701, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Block seconded; all concurred. Ordinance passed.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Johnson continued a discussion from last meeting stating any questions around the Data Center have been remitted to President Eikenbary. Eikenbary plans to remove duplicates, organize, and pass on questions to Brent Stevens for answers. Johnson has intension of formulating a plan to best publicize the answers to these questions for all citizens.
Johnson also shared directly relating the Data Center, a new Hampton Inn is being negotiated currently to house individuals. The location will be disclosed at a later date. Stevens states this will provide more jobs and stimulation within the community.
STREETS AND ALLEYS: Block received a public comment on the Washington/Crawford intersection; street lighting seems to be removed compared to other intersections in the city. Block is proposing to improve street lighting at this intersection.
Block has suggestions on amending a current ordinance that already requires developers to connect utilities; amending the ordinance would require developers to develop sidewalks to other remote locations as well. Examples currently in the county include around Walmart and from Chief Burger King to Dickinson Landing. Hurless agrees with the general idea but points out some areas the example uses are outside of city limits.
Block is suggesting a review/amendment of the current noise ordinance. Currently, there is no other ordinance within the city other than for automobile noise/exhaust.
PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT: No report.
PARKS AND RECREATION: Roberts made a motion to prepare an ordinance to repeal section 32.03(b) which established a Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee in 1975. This committee has not been utilized for some period of time. The current Parks Director is in favor of no committee. Block seconded; all concurred.
HEALTH, SERVICE AND SAFETY: No report.
JUDICIARY AND ANNEXATION: Hurless made a motion to introduce Ordinance Number: 26-02-010. Agler seconded; all concurred.
Hurless updated the city on the project of a public swimming pool. Hurless has been gathering information that was previously obtained/researched from prior individuals. Hurless is also trying to reconnect with the architect who gave original plans on the pool. Efforts are paused until beginning of April. There is potential for an OFCC Grant the city could utilize for this project.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL and PUBLIC: Kirby Kelly, 221 N. Wall St., stated after Roberts repeal of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee to consider also doing this with a Tree City Committee the city has also not been utilized.
Mark Davis, 402 S. Tyler St., addressed the noise ordinance discussed in Block’s report; he reviews current ordinances in place only include Jake Break/Car Stereos. Additionally there is an ordinance for “disturbing your neighbors”. He also made comments on sidewalk development.
Pat McCauley, from the Ohio Treasurers office covered various programs offered by Ohio Treasurer’s office to the community including STAR Ohio, Ohio Homebuyer Plus Program, Buckeye Business Advantage and Stable Accounts.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS: NONE.
NEW BUSINESS: NONE.
RESOLUTIONS & ORDINANCES:
First Reading Advisory for Ordinance Number: 26-02-010. All concurred.
Hurless made a motion to adjourn at 7:36 p.m. Block seconded; all concurred.
MINUTES PASSED AT MARCH 9th MEETING.