By Paula Scott

Following Ada Police Department lifesaving awards (reported HERE), the February 21 regular meeting of the Ada Chamber of Council commenced at about 6:48 p.m. All councilors were present: Sean Beck, Jason Campbell, Sheila Coressel, Linda Mason, Jeff Oestreich and Bob Simmons.

Two claims registers were passed unanimously following some discussion, which included an inquiry about and EKG stress test bill--which proved to be for the new police chief, Alec Cooper, the need for new gutters and downspouts on the Public Works barn, and staffer Michelle Hall attending the upcoming Hardin County Leadership course.

There were no ordinances, resolutions or old business.

NEW BUSINESS
Councilor Linda Mason brought up a recommendation by the Ohio Municipal League that local municipalities advocate for Local Government Funds to return to the the rate of 3.68%. Fiscal officer Patty Navin noted that the village has lost $330K from that distribution during the recent years. Village Administrator Jamie Hall noted that funds had been diverted to bolster the Ohio rainy day fund.

Council approved drafting a resolution to present to Representatives Robert McColley and Jon Cross for their background on House Bill 33 (Establishes operating appropriations for fiscal years 2024-2025)

Also in new business, Navin reported that funds would note be disbursed from the Catherine and DeBow Freed Fund, which last year included some $3K for flowers in the downtown. The display of petunias in hayracks on light poles have cost $125 each. This is currently the only fund to which the village receives donations.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Cooper reported that since the last council meeting the department had responded to 99 calls. Among the incidents were:

• Citation for possessing alcohol in a vehicle
• Sexual assault
• Disorderly conduct
• An arrest out of Hardin County

Cooper also reported that he had discovered an Owens Community College consortium that provides a variety of training for $500/year. He proposes giving officers 40 hours of training per year. The department would save on transportation and hotels. The membership agreement was approved by council.

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR
Jamie Hall reported on the reassignment of snow clearing and ice treatment equipment from from the wastewater treatment plant to the street department.

Hall also proposed the purchase of mechanical trailer-mounted valve exerciser and hydro-excavation vac system, which was approved unanimously.

The Ohio EPA water cross connection survey which residents were requested to return by February 15 is the first step in complying with Ohio Administrative Code requirements. The village will be developing a contingency plan for the water plant including an emergency budget and emergency authorization for the plant administrator to approve expenses if the mayor and village administrator are absent. Council approved these changes.

Next, hall presented a letter from the homeowner at 405 Oak St. requesting the village pay for moving a shed in the easement where utility work will soon begin. The work requires that the shed be moved and the concrete pad be removed.

Zoning Inspector Michael Harnishfeger found that there was a permit for the shed placement on the easement. Council approved a motion to reimburse the quoted $1,900 cost of relocating the shed.

Council adjourned at 8:10 p.m.