During the first moments of their May 17 meeting, Ada council members approved a motion to excuse the absences of Jeff Oestrich and Jason Campbell. There was a quorum, allowing voting to proceed.
The council approved minutes from the May 3 meeting, as well as transfers and bill payments.
OPEN FLOOR
In the open floor segment, Icon Editor Paula Scott noted that historical photos of Ada in 1938-39 were recently posted on the Facebook page “Old Photos of Forgotten Ohio,” including one of a railroad tower at Main Street. Mayor Dave Retterer noted that the metal supports for the tower were actually bent iron rails.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS
Mayor Retterer noted that commencement at Ohio Northern University on May 15 seemed to go smoothly without the parking difficulties of past years.
STREETS COMMITTEE
Village administrator Jamie Hall presented information on the Ada Area Chamber of Commerce plans for beer sales via a F2 permit at the August 27 Made in Ada Wilson Football Festival. The Village would be required to sign the application as owner of the Depot property and the Ada Police Chief would be required to sign indicating that he has been notified of the plan.
With Councilor Linda Mason abstaining (as owner of the Center on Central, which will be involved in the event), the motion was passed unanimously by councilors Beck, Coressel and Simmons.
UTILITIES
Council approved a grant agreement with H2Ohio for $13K supporting the mapping of water lines in the village.
FISCAL OFFICER
During the report by Patty Navin, council discussed beautification funds coming from the Community Foundation and their interest in identifying this support by the late Debow and Catherine Freed.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Michael Harnishfeger reported that Ada officers and EMS staff were selected as Medical Run of the Year by Lima Memorial Health Systems. Sgt. Aaron Crawford, past officer Victoria Sturgill and the Ada Liberty squad were recognized at a May 15 banquet. CPR and defibrillation were used by these first responders, saving a life.
Harnishfeger also reported that a key fob door lock system has been installed at the police station. He mentioned the variety of calls that have been answered since the last council meeting, including drug possession, an overdose, domestic disputes and unruly juveniles. He commented on the wide variety of outreach being done by Officer Penny Keller-Clark, including water safety, a preschool police academy, distracted driving reminders and the SAFER Zone at Ada Public Library.
ZONING INSPECTION
As Zoning Inspector, Report: Harnishfeger noted that a zoning variance granted earlier that evening, allowing the resident to build a garage with a reduced setback.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR
Jamie Hall reviewed details of work to be done by Ada High School students on Community Work Day, May 23, which will include staining welcome signs, painting steps to the caboose at the Depot, and more. On May 25, the 6th grade class will mulch the park.
Hall said ways to increase parking on Buckeye Ave. are being discussed in connection with development of the Old Route 69 Brewery.
He also mentioned that donations are being accepted to support the flower baskets that line Main St. each summer.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:20.
