By Alec Keller

The Village of Ada Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 21. Emergency action passed on a resolution to prepare plans and specifications to advertise a Street Paving Project at an estimate of $172,377. 

Village Administrator Amanda Sears said that the initiative covers the paving of South Gilbert from Lima to Dobbins Ave.; Dobbins Ave. from South Union to South Simon; and East Montford St. from the west end of the road to Industrial Lane. The plans also include the overlaying and restriping of the village parking lot. 

Council also approved a resolution authorizing participation in the ODOT Road Salt Contracts awarded in 2026. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS
Hardin County Commissioner Tim Striker and Deb Phillips with the Hardin County Chamber and Business Alliance brought news of the festivities for America’s 250th Birthday. Striker said that the commissioners passed a resolution to donate $3,500 toward fireworks displays in the villages of Forest and Ada. 

Bryan Marshall of Ada informed the council of a fundraising campaign toward the return of the Patriotic Pops concert performed by the Lima Symphony Orchestra. Marshall said that the expenses for putting on the event total $31,000. As of April 21, some $13,100 has been raised from area businesses and the general public to create a free event for the community. The date for the concert is Sunday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ada Schools on the east lawn. 

OLD BUSINESS
Council member Sheila Coressel reported that the Ada-Liberty Ambulance District made 229 runs during the first quarter of the year with 224 involving patient care. She noted that the district provided 13 mutual-aid runs. 

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Council entered executive session to discuss terms of employment with Lydia Fountaine of LaFayette being hired on as the village’s new fiscal officer beginning May 26. She will train under current fiscal officer Patty Navin until her retirement in early July.

Council entered a second executive session discuss contract negotiations with the village’s two police unions with no action following.