The Ada Icon attended the November 5 meeting of the Ada Council via Zoom and experienced the Village’s new 360-degree camera and microphone technology that improves the viewer’s ability to see and hear all individuals in the meeting. The Zoom link is shared HERE.

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The meeting included final approval of the contract including new, lower refuse collection rates, hiring part-time police officer Justin R. Jackson, a report on 2024 Community Pool profits and the awarding of a grant for the demolition of a fraternity house at Gilbert St. and Lima Ave. The meeting packet is on the Village website HERE.

LEGISLATION
In a third and final reading, by emergency, council approved an ordinance to provide refuse collection. Village Administrator Jamie Hall noted that this is a rare instance where a price for service will be reduced in 2025.

REPORTS
Safety Committee chair Jeff Oestreich presented a motion to hire Justin R. Jackson as a part-time police officer, which was approved by council. A request to dispose of unused and obsolete Police Department equipment was also approved.

Finance Committee chair Linda Mason called for a 2025 budget meeting to be scheduled just prior to the November 19 council meeting.

Fiscal Officer Patty Navin reported that in 2024 the Community Pool had some $50K in excess of expenses that will be reserved for future capital improvements. The majority of the income is from income taxes and can only be used for the pool.

Ada Police Chief Alec Cooper reported that since the last council meeting there were 130 calls for service, 16 incident reports and 2 vehicle accidents. A female wanted on a federal warrant was detained. All Ada officers have completed required minimum training for the year and many will reach 40 hours, the maximum reimbursable amount.

Village Administrator Jamie Hall presented reports including results of the annual Tree Commission assessment of trees on the Village right of way on private property. There are 15 trees that need to be removed and will be part of a bid packet, 7 trees will be removed by Public Works and 10 trees will need to be removed by property owners.

Hall reported that Hardin County Regional Planning has been awarded a grant for the demolition of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity house at 821 S. Gilbert. He noted that this is only the second year this Ohio Department of Devleopment brownfield and demolition remediation program has been in effect for residential properties. Councilor Jason Campbell noted that the fraternity plans to rebuild.

Hall reminded residents not to park near curbside leaf piles so that village crews can provide pickup services.