Village officials commend safety services and resident response

By Alec Keller

The Ada Village Council met in session on Tuesday, February 3rd. All council members were present with Mayor David Retterer conducting the meeting. The meeting packet is HERE.

During the mayor’s comments, Retterer recognized firefighters and those involved Tuesday night for their response to extinguish a downtown fire on Main Street on Monday evening. Retterer said the 10 crews were well-trained and dedicated.

“I was so impressed with them all for knowing what was the right thing to do,” Retterer said. “It was just an unbelievably positive experience to watch these people do this thing in the face of this not very positive situation.” He also mentioned the efforts of local businesses and organizations, including McDonald’s, Ohio Northern University and Beatitudes.

“It really is a remarkable community, and people paid attention to the cops and they paid attention to the firemen,” Retterer said.

Village administrator Amanda Sears echoed these sentiments. “I’m just really proud of our team,” she said. “And the way that everybody pulled together. Not a great situation. But, definitely I would say the best outcome we could have. Nobody was hurt and everybody worked together.”

NEW BUSINESS

Council appointed ONU student Daja Barrett as a one-year alternate to the Board of Zoning Appeals. A request from village employee Michelle Chambers to join the Planning Commission for a 2-year term was tabled pending review of residency requirements by legal counsel Jane Napier, due to Chambers not being a resident of Ada

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Safety
Report by Sheila Coressel: Council approved applying for the Ohio Law Enforcement Bulletproof Vest Program. Police Chief Alec Cooper said the department plans to seek funding for four new ballistic vests, which are replaced every five years.

Buildings and Grounds
Councilman Sean Beck presented the 2026 pool operations plan, including pay increases for the head lifeguard and head cashier positions, which carry added responsibility when the manager isn’t present. Opening day is set for May 23, with a projected closing date of August 8. A proposal by councilman Xander Wells to raise base employee wages to match the state minimum was discussed but not approved. Council went on to approve the plan as presented.

Utilities
Report by Xander Wells: A water bill adjustment of $265.71 was made for a property on S. Johnson due to a pipe fitting leak.

MEETINGS
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for February 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building.