Council - Regular Meeting

Right. That's what I was gonna say.

Stand for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation under God indivisible liberty and justice for all you call the role please. here. Oy here. Foster Vincent here. Kurland here. Harry

here. Do I have a motion or I'll make a motion. Do I have a second to excuse Jeff Foster um from our meeting tonight? He had to go out of town for an emergency, family emergency. Second. Yeah. Second. Who? Motion. I think Stacey second. Yes. Yes. Billski, yes. Vincent, yes. Thanks. [clears throat] All right. Next, we have a bunch of festivities tonight.

We'll start with Mayor Klein's um presentation of a proclamation for Sarah Corland. So, do you want me to go ahead and start reading while Why don't you start reading because she's gonna be my voice tonight.

V OJ, voice of Jud. Uh, so Sarah Corland, if you want to come on up here while I'm reading, I am very honored to be able to introduce and congratulate OHS senior and Orange Village resident Sarah Corland on being named the Kuanas Club of Lander Circle Senior of the Month for December 2025. The old adage that goes, "If you want something done, ask a busy person," is perfectly applicable to Sarah, who not only gets the job done, but excels in every one of her endeavors. The National Honor Society secretary and highest honor student has earned top scores on multiple AP exams, volunteers with both stage crafters, which she has a show this week, and the Broadway buddies programs, assists with glamour gals, which is a wonderful program where students assist at retirement homes to showcase the beauty of the elderly. and helps Kuanas each year with its annual rummage sale. Sarah serves as vice president of both the OS model UN and mock trial teams, garnering multiple top awards at local, regional, state, and national competitions. Most recently, she was the highest scoring witness in the entire competition at the Kent State Black Squirrel Mock Trial Invitational. Sarah was also selected as a participant in the 2024-25 Denmark Exchange program as both a host and an exchange student. and most recently she returned from Peru where she went with her Spanish class to intimately study the Peruvian culture. Sarah's kindness and positive spirit are contagious as a member of the spirit club and as a two-year varsity basketball cheerleader. Her athletic prowess has served her well as captain and four-year player on the OHS varsity softball team. She has also been a four-year member of the varsity soccer team and lettered each year in every one of those sports. And if she looks familiar, it may be because you have seen Sarah working at our orange artisan and farmers market and other community events as a henna artist in high demand. The young artists painting and drawing skills have been well documented through the governor's national scholastic and

reflections art competitions at the state and national levels. And besides all this, she's just a really amazingly kind, helpful, and beautiful person inside and out. I'm so proud to congratulate Sarah Corland. [applause] [applause] Therefore, [applause] [applause] we present you with this certificate

suitable for framing. It's perfect. Thank you. ations. [applause] I'd like a next I'd like a motion to confirm the appointment of Woo as assistant treasurer effective January 2026. Do I have a motion? Thank you, Stacey. Second. Ryan. Um,

I think uh we can just move on with the uh swearing in. Oh, vote. You probably got a vote, too. But Dana might have Did you want to say anything?

I did. Thank you. Uh Danding Woo began her career at Orange Village as a part-time accounts payable clerk in 2021. Her previous experience includes over 16 years of internal operational and financial auditing for several national and international companies, including living in Germany for about seven years before returning to the United States. She moved to Orange Village and took time off for her family until seeing our job posting back in 2021. We were pleased to hire her as our accounts payable clerk and promoted her to our full-time finance administrator in 2022. Dan Ding has been an asset not only to the finance department but to Orange Village. And I am pleased to recommend her as Orange Village's assistant treasurer tonight.

Before we begin, let's we'll call the role, please. That's a good idea. Ner, yes. Boil here. Yes. Bilski. Yes. Vincent. Yes. Kurland. Yes. Perry. Yes. Thank you. Now we can proceed. Now we can. Dan Ding, would you stand over here so you're fully on camera and repeat after me. It's my great pleasure to administer the oath of office for you to this new position. I state your name. solemnly swear

that I will support the Constitution of the United States Constitution of the State of Ohio, rules, regulations, and charter of Orange Village. I will faithfully, honestly, and impartially charge my duties as assistant treasurer of Orange Village, state of Ohio

during my continuence in said office. Congratulations. [applause]

Yeah, someday we'll have the the proper electronics here to do this. I see her son's here, too. Congratulations. Well deserted.

No, because you have to talk like right into it. Work better if he flips that one. Um, next.

You want? Yeah. Uh, I have a Do I have a motion to confirm the appointment of Michael Doublejack as deputy police chief effective January 16th? I'll make that motion. Thank you. Second. And I Okay. I don't know. They're fighting. Everybody is seconding. [laughter] Thank you. Who would like to speak on Chief Roberts? That guy [laughter] in the wrong direction. Call the focus on other than me. So, Michael front and center. Doublejack is here this evening with his wife Jessica.

Microphone. Bring that closer. first son Vince is unable unable to attend as he is currently a senior at Ohio University. Their son Dominic is also in attendance this evening along with Mike's father Ed, his mother Sandy, and other family members and friends are also present this evening in support of this special occasion. Mike began his law enforcement career after graduating from Kent State University in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. In 1999, he graduated from the Cleveland Heights Police Academy. From 1999 to 2000, Mike served as a special agent with Lake County Narcotics Agency. In 2000, he joined the Orange Village Police Department, where he has proudly and honorably served the community for 26 years. In addition to his law enforcement responsibilities, Mike also dedicated 20 years of his service as a firefighter and EMT with the Orange Village Fire Department, serving from 2000 until his retirement from the fire department in 2025. From 2000 to 2016, Mike served on patrol while also fulfilling the role of detective, conducting complex investigations throughout the village. In 2016, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, where he managed to supervise the detective bureau. From 2018 to 2021, he served as the department's first full-time detective sergeant, overseeing a significant case load that resulted in numerous successful investigations and convictions. From 2021 to 2024, Mike supervised a patrol unit while remaining actively engaged with the detective bureau during large-scale callouts. In 2024, he was promoted to lieutenant, a position in which he currently oversees patrol operations, scheduling, and logistical functions. Mike has been a dedicated member of the Valley Enforcement Group SWAT team for over 21 years and is also a member of the Valley Enforcement Group Missing Persons Unit. His professional training and

certifications include master evidence technician through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, graduation of the FBI Leader Leadership Trilogy Institution, and attendance at the FBI Great Lakes Leadership Seminar. Throughout his career, Mike has received numerous awards and recognitions, including 2005 Shagrin Highlands Rotary Club Officer of the Year, the 2005 Valley Enforcement Group SWAT Officer of the Year, and multiple top seat belt enforcement officer of the year awards. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, working out, fishing with his sons, and restoring classic Mustang cars alongside his father. Mike's dedication to public safety, leadership, and service to the Orange Village community exemplifies the qualities expected of a deputy chief, and the department is proud to recognize him of this well-earned promotion. Members of council, I present Michael Doublejack for your consideration for promotion to deputy chief of the Orange Village Police Department.

Great. Thank you. [applause] Anna, will you call the role, please? Ner. Yes. Boil. Yes. Bilski. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Now, um now the deed indeed. Do you have someone here who will pin the badge on you? My wife Jessica. I kind of thought so. Jessica, if you would please. Before doing so, however, we have to take the oath of office. Watch the birdie. Put this over here so we could all hear this. I state your name.

I, Michael Doublejack, do solemnly swear do somnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the State of Ohio the Constit Constitution of the State of Ohio. Rules, regulations, and charter of Orange Village. rules, regulations, and charter of Orange Village. and that I will faithfully I will faithfully honestly and impartially honestly and impartially discharge my duties discharge my duties as deputy chief as deputy chief of Orange Village State of Ohio as Orange Village State of Ohio

during my continuence in set office during my continuence in set office. Congratulations [applause] You can sign this. And Jessica, if you would do the honors. just took the pen. [laughter]

Congratulations.

Welld deserved. Congratulations. Congratulations, sir. I need a motion to confirm the appointment of Steven Atwell [clears throat] as police lieutenant effective January. That motion 26. Thank you. Thank you. [laughter] Did you get that? Yeah. before you finished. Go ahead. Atwell front and center. Both of them.

Steven Atwell has demonstrated a desire to help all members of this agency in a wide area of responsibilities. Almost every departmental operation and criminal case begins, passes through, or ends in an electronic environment. And his understanding of technology on a high level has proven invaluable to our agency. Steven has begun his law enforcement career with the Orange Village Police Department in 2018. He was promoted to detective in 2023 and then to detective sergeant in 2025. Steven is a graduate, a 2018 graduate of John Carroll University where he studied computer science, forensic science, human behavioral science, and crime scene investigation. Steven studied high-tech crime during his college years when he completed internships with several agencies including the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Kyahoga County Prosecutor's Office, the US Department of Homeland Security, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Following his college internship, Steven joined the Newberg Heights Police Department, where he was assigned as a task force with the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. He continues to serve in that capacity now representing Orange Village Police Department. Steven is joined today by his wife Sam, family and friends, members of council, I present Steven Atwell for your consideration of promotion to lieutenant of the Orange Village Police Department.

Thank you. Hannah, will you call the role? Yes. Boil, yes. Bilski, yes. Vincent, [clears throat] yes. Harry, yes. Thank you. Congratulations, son. Who have you brought with you tonight? Who will? [applause] So, tomorrow I don't expect to see this the sergeant shirt again. [laughter]

Oh, congratulations. Raise your right hand. Repeat after me, please. I state your name. I solemnly swearly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States that I will support Constitution of the State of Ohio State, the rules, regulations, and charter of Orange Village, regulations, and I will faithfully faithfully, honestly, and impartially discharge my duties my duties as lieutenant of the Orange Village State of Ohio State

during my continuence in set office. Congratulations. [applause] [applause] At least she didn't put cake in your face. Are those bars heavy on your shoulder now? [laughter] Sign and then hand one to Anna. You keep the other one. Steve,

right? Congratulations.

Thank you. Congratulations. All right. Next, I need a motion to confirm the appointment of Michael Gorriel as police sergeant effective January 16, I'll make that motion.

Second [laughter] attendance today with Mike Orrella are his wife Grace, his parents, and other immediate family members. Mike and his family moved to the United States in 1999 from Egypt. Mike is fluent in Arabic, his primary language, and English is his second language. He occasionally struggles to understand his wife's Lebanese dialect, so Grace wins all arguments. [laughter] Mike's hobbies include playing basketball, pingpong, and most recently bowling. Mike graduated from the police academy in 2011 and has served as a police officer since 2012. In 2015, he received a service and safety award for saving the life of a resident through CPR efforts. In 2016, Mike joined the Orange Village Police Department and is now has a total of 14 years in law enforcement services service. In 2019, Mike became a field training officer for our police department. Also in 2019, Mike was recognized as DUI task force top cop for the year. In 2021, Mike received a letter of commendation from our department for admin our department administration for his role in helping apprehend a suspect involved in the fatal shooting of an off-duty Cleveland police officer. He also received the the National Flock Safety Award for his work in this violent crime case. Additionally, he received a proclamation recognizing him his efforts from Attorney General Dave Yoast office. In 2024, Mike attended the FBI crisis negotiation course and was certified as a crisis and hostage negotiator. Also in

2024, Mike joined the missing person's unit and became a member of that team. Mike has been an active member of the human trafficking operations task force, participating in multiple operations with the Department of Justice. the Kyoga County Task Force and locally with Orange Village. Members of council, I present Mike Griel for your consideration for promotion to sergeant of the Orange Village Police Department. Thank you. Anna, will you call the role? Ner, yes. Boil, yes. Bilski, yes. Vincent, yes. Kurland, yes. Harry,

yes. Thank you. [applause] Grace, you want to join us up here [applause] and I'll present you with his soontobe mounted badge. Raise your right hand. Repeat after me, Mike. I state your name. You solemnly swearly will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Ohio, rules, regulations, and charter of Orange Village as [clears throat] I will faithfully,

honestly, and impartially discharge my duties as Sergeant of Orange Village, Ohio during my continuence in set office. Congratulations. [applause] Take your time. [laughter] No rush here. Trick is don't stick them. Sign. Give a copy to Anna.

I don't want Whatever night that is. Good. You already did. Congratulations, sir. Nobody told me. Thank you, sir.

Congratulations. you. We have one last matter of um importance until everybody can leave unless you feel like staying for our council meeting. But um I would like to appoint um Kimberly Ner to C as council representative to the planning and zoning and architectural board of review commission for 2026. And do I have a motion? No, you just [clears throat] Oh, I I just appoint. Sorry. Just a point. Y Okay, great. Let's swear you in tonight. One more time.

All right. You can sign it. Wait. You haven't You haven't sworn yet, so you can't sign. You're the attorney. Please raise your hand and repeat after me. I state your name. Do you solemnly swearly that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Ohio, rules, regulation, and charter of Orange Village, and that I will faithfully, honestly, and impartially charge my duties,

planning commissioner and architectural board of review member, If Orange Village, State of Ohio during my continuence and set office, you're official. Congratulations. [applause]

[clears throat] Okay, so did you sign it? That's it. Good luck. Congratulations to everybody who is promoted. You all are so welld deserved and we're so proud of you all. Thank you. So, if you want to leave, you are more than welcome. And if you'd like to stay, you are more than welcome. [laughter] Thank you all. There's a lot of exits. No, not surprisingly, I wouldn't make it to our meeting.

No. We had one guy when I was on They got a real knife for that.

I don't think I don't know that that'll ever happen that everybody works together like that. It's a shame. Yeah. In the hallway. That's all right. They can listen to her. Yeah. Can I have a motion to ratify? You do that. I have a quick question for you. guys are out. There's salt. Yeah.

Yeah. Um, can I have a motion to ratify the purchase of the villages 20126 insurance and risk management program for the January 202 January 1st, 2027 policy period in accordance with the WERT insurance proposal. I don't know if I said that name right. Right. Um, I'll make a motion. Is there a second? Second. It doesn't matter. You got it. Okay. Speak on this. Dana.

Dana. Thank you.

Get the hang of this sooner or later. So, this year we did a um full review of our policy. Our previous policy was for a three-year term with Wickard and selective insurance. So this year we went out for proposals and um selective insurance was um the lowest most responsible bidder. Our total cost is $142,530 for all of our policies. Um which represents about a 7.7% increase over the previous year despite increasing our building values, adding some vehicles, and adding some part-time employees. um which that was significantly less than what we had anticipated. We were looking in at anywhere from 12 to 15%. So we were very happy with our quotes. Um and the policy expired at the end of the year. So we did roll the policy over that. Um that is why we have the ratification. Thank you. Anybody have any questions or comments? All right. Anna, will you call the role please?

Ner. Yes. Oil. Yes. Bilski. Yes. Vincent. Yes. Kurland. Yes. Perry. Yes. Next, I need a motion to appoint two council persons to serve as board members of the volunteer firefighters dependence fund.

But we have to pick newest people. The two newest traditionally given to the newest members of council. So I will nominate Jim Bole. And else want to place a nomination? I'll nominate Amanda Kurland. Second both. Both. Thank you. All right. I eagerly accept. Very fun committee. There's a You received a a little a piece of paper on some instructions on how to enter the website. I guess just explain what it really what it kind of is.

You want Do you want me to explain it? Sure.

Um so this is um it's the technical name is the volunteer firefighters dependent fund run through the department of commerce state fire marshall's office. Um every municipality um forms their own board. Um two elected officials uh two members from the department and then one member of the community at large. Um when a firefighter is killed in the line of duty or has become disabled while discharging the duties, uh survivors may file a claim uh request requesting the benefits uh with our local board. Um and the board will meet and either approve or then deny the claim. Um and the once that is done, an approved claim is then sent to the state fire marshall's office for payment. um disabled member would receive $300 per month um in perpetuity. Uh any surviving spouse would receive a 1,000 lump sum plus um $300 per month and then uh dependent children receive $125 a month as well. Um while it says volunteer firefighters dependent fund uh because we are part-time paid department and our membership does not pay into a state uh pension fund uh that is why we are still members and qualify for these benefits through the fire marshall's office

board never has to meet agreed the balance of the fund out of curiosity is anybody is that public information it probably is I I don't know I'd have to make an inquiry with the money is contributed to it or is it just was it like a onetime lump sum injection and then it's like set to grow based on there earnings or something? You have an annual it's like a $100 a month due for each individual. Excuse me. Annually. Annually. Got it. 125 bucks. Just curious. Any other questions? I mean,

sorry, one last question. Who Who else does the board consist of? Two council, two fire, and then one, myself, uh Sam Boura, who is our uh firefighters association president. Um the community at large is Dennis Gritten. He is a former uh member of our fire department, but um I've still yet to touch base with him to reconfirm if he'd like to still serve, which is uh something I'll have done by the end of the week. If not, the four members uh by the rules uh would select a community member at large to participate. Santa Claus has [laughter] wondered who was Santa.

Thank you. Great. Any other questions? Yes. Boil. Yes. Bilski. Yes. Vincent. Yes. Hland. Yes. Perry. Yes. I need a motion to approve the treasures report for November 2025. Thank you. Did you get that?

Dana, take it away. Okay. So, you have the cash account summary for November and our bank account balances is 19,425,523.31. That's for all of our bank accounts and investment funds.

Our summary of our monthly and year-to- date activity for November, November revenues for all funds is 1,810,16510 for November. and our expenditures for November were $2,298,58847. Those normal operations, the uh tax increment financing uh fund um had an expenditure of 200,000. That was a reclassification of buil uh road improvement costs out of the 406 that the TIF fund can you is is an allowable expense for the TIF fund. So, we did a transfer for that. Um, you have the revenue and expenditure report for November for the general fund. Our total revenues of $889,19.78 for November. And our year-to date is 103% of budget, which is what you want. You want our revenues to exceed our budgeted revenues. And our general fund expenditures for November was $1,693 869 I'm sorry1,693,869.32 which is just over 83% of budget which again you want your expenditures to be less than budget. So we're on track with that. Um, and the there was some variances in in some of the line items for the workers comp which will be corrected next month when we pay our bill. That's all I had.

Any questions?

Yes. Bole. Yes. Yes. Foster. Oh, sorry. Vincent. Yes. Kurland. Yes, Harry. Yes. Thanks. Next, I need a motion to approve the tax administrator's report for November 2025. I'll make a motion. Anybody want a second?

Second, Amanda. Okay. Um so the tax administrator report uh for November includes um our income tax collections from Rita and the state and our gross collections for November was $621,346.56 which is just under $16,000 from compared to November of 2024. Year-to date, we're about 98,000 higher than we were year-to- date in 2024. You have a monthly cumulative report showing from 2022 to 2025. And then you also have the monthly gross collection showing each month um what was collected for each month for 2023 2 through 2025.

Any questions or comments? Anna, will you please call the role? Boil, yes. Bilski, yes. Vincent, yes. Kurland, yes. Perry, yes. Thank you. Next, I need a we we have a discussion of the bills to be paid for the month of January in the amount of $812,44963 and additional December expenses in the amount of $275,358.50. Does anybody have any questions or concerns, comments?

Comments relating to agenda items only. Does anybody have any comments tonight?

No. Okay. Um, we have one piece of um old business. It's ordinance 2025-26, an ordinance authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Steven El Byron and Singerman Mills, Desburg and C Company for LPA for legal services beginning January 1st, 2026 and ending December 31st, 2026. Confirming the appointment of Steven El Byron as repealing ordinances 123.01 1 of the codified ordinances and declaring an emergency. This is on third reading. I'll make that motion.

Thank you. Who did that? Stacy and Amanda. Amanda. Amanda seconded it. Sorry. Amanda. Thank you. Yes.

Um, great. We We've discussed this Does anybody have any comments or questions? If I may, um, just briefly, we have had lots of conversations about it and and some were more, um, productive than others, but, um, I do a couple pieces that I I am going to vote in favor of it and I want to make sure that I make my comments known about some of the issues that we had and I've discussed this with the mayor and some others as well, so this should not come as a surprise. Um, one, I it it bothers me that the first count the first contract that that I'm going to vote as a member of this body is already expired and that's bad practice and we should aspire to be better than that and I know that it happens. We'll all deal with that. Emergencies happen etc. But um we need to be better than that. I mean this contract's already expired and I don't take my vote or my colleagues votes for granted and I and I don't think that that's what happened here but but nonetheless we have to be better. Um, the second of the of the things that I do want to at least put into the record is that I think it's important that like every other contractual relationship, we see what's out there um in the world to see whether or not there are other people that want to do this work that can do this work that can do it for um for for for a price that is better or services that are better. I'm not saying that there's out there, but it's always important to do that. That's why I know that this is exempt from bidding as a professional contract, etc. But all that being said, it certainly doesn't hurt. The last thing is that I think would be helpful as we move forward is not to have an expiration date at the end of the year. Um there's [clears throat] certainly latitude to have a contract that would have a different expiration date so that new council members or council members that are coming up on expiration are not dealing with that lag

time between former council members and incoming council members. having an expiration date in uh a middle of the year, for example, might be helpful to do that. Um, but in any event, look, the the issues Steve Byron does good work. I'm I'm confident in his skill set. Um, and that's why I'm going to vote in favor of this. Thank you. Thank you for your comments. Any other comments?

I mean, I've I've previously made similar comments to what Mr. Royal recognized and I think that again uh this is not even the first the only thing on tonight's agenda which is um something that's late because we've motioned to ratify the purchase of the insurance um policy which began on January 1st. So to the extent that anyone has any contracts uh for anything, I do prefer that they come in in advance. So there's no never a question because if we didn't ratify it, I don't know what happens, but I suspect that we're supposed to do that. So, you know, I I just again that's and with respect to this contract. Um, you know, everything needs to be brought a lot sooner so that if there are discrepancies, if there are members of council who have concerns that there is time there's time to deal with that and we're not under the gun and under a time limit to get something passed. Um, and I think that that's been made abundantly clear. Um, so I just want to reiterate that for the record.

It makes sense. Um perhaps we should have professional contracts brought to council in October um to give us enough time to deliberate if we wanted to about those contracts.

No later than or no yeah [clears throat] no later than 90 days before any but maybe even sooner. But I think we did talk about this a lot and I think we all have thoughts as to how we can refine the process going forward. Uh I don't disagree with anything that either of you said. Um and I you know comfortable proving today and you know but I think this is a good lesson for all of us the new the new folks and the old folks. So

yeah. So note tosselves, let's remind each other that summer we need to have contracts from the professionals started in October and uh that gives us 90 days more than actually how many fall into this category there. I don't even know what the universe is of the Brian Blair Melville. Prosecutor engineer the law director prosecutor. Not Blair. Not Blair. Blair anymore. Shire. Sorry. Yeah. Yeah. All of them do. Yeah. And um

just the employment ones. There's not like a slew of other things out there that uh are on similar appointment that you do annually about that time of year is the planning and zoning member. Okay. All right. Citizen member. Got it. Okay. Legal contracts. Um maybe starting in the fall the same thing if we have an insurance contract. We're at the mercy of the insurance insurance. You know, they they have a process where the insurance company waits until the last minute to provide,

right? December last. I mean, we could have called a special meeting for you. The insurance renewals that I received, I received them basically um about a week before year end. Um, and I have been filing applications and completing applications since August. In my professional, thank you. Okay. You're excused. [laughter] But all the other contracts

I'm hoping maybe next year it'll go a little smoothly since we, you know, unless we go out to the whole market again. And you know, we literally filled out, I would guess, 50 applications for insurance. And that's obtaining quotes from all the department heads that I would then have to um copy, scan, send. Then they would ask for clarifications or additionals and then I would have to redo a lot of them. So it was a a large, cumbersome, timeconsuming process that went on for many months. I can just say from my own professional experience, my professional liability insurance shows up on my sto doorstep um the beginning of or middle of December when the the uh term is over at the end of December and I don't get the policy till the beginning of January. So it it's all retroactive. So I

obviously it was we're doing obviously a bad example on my part, but I I will say that in the two years I've been on council, there have been other times where we've asked to retroactively approve something and that's what I'm trying to avoid. Anytime that it can be done in advance for anything, that's my preference. I think it's a better it's a it's a better way to operate. I will do my best. Okay. Thank you. Yes. Boil. Yes. Bilski. Yes. Benson. [clears throat] Yes. Kurland. Yes. Harry.

Yes. Thanks. Uh, next is ordinance 2026 point- one, an ordinance appointing a charter review commission pursuant to article 11 of the ordinance of the Orange Village Charter and declaring an emergency. This is on for first reading, but I'm going to uh request that we suspend the rules. So, I have a motion to suspend the rules, please. Motion. Thank you. Thank you, Stacy and Kim. Okay. Thank you, Amanda. Not those two over there. I don't know. You shouldn't put them together. Making the same mistake.

Voiceovers, [clears throat] but not ventriloquism. [laughter]

So, um should I call roll on that? I would like to um before that uh just read out loud the um people who have offered to serve on this committee and I have had conversations with the first two people about chairing and um vice chairing the committee. So the chair is Scott Lewis. Um the co-chair is um serving on the committee is Jeff Neil Calvin Sha I said his name right. Um, Angela Ugrren, Josh Goldberg, John Loftess, Sta Stacy Manila, um, Michael Glance, Ty Patio or Patillo, and, uh, Edward known as Ned Vanvulenberg. Um, we thank all of these people very much for giving of their time for such an important committee. Um, So the first meeting is February 9th and um

call for a suspension of the rules. Do we read the role? We did not re roll yet. I'm so sorry. Can you call for the suspension of the rules and then we'll talk further. Okay. All yes. Boil. Yes. Bilski? Yes. Vincent? Yes. Kurland. Yes. Perry. Yes. And now, can I have a motion to adopt uh ordinance 2026-1? I'll make that motion. Thank you, Kim. Thank you, Signs this way.

Okay. So, I'm sorry. I should have waited to read the names um [clears throat] after that. Um other they are ready to meet on February 9th for their first meeting. Uh members will at 7 p.m. members will be sworn in by either the mayor or um or the uh law director whichever one position uh on on that first meeting. And if people aren't able to make that first meeting out of this list, they'll be sworn in at their at their next meeting.

Just mention um how if other people are interested in coming, are they permitted to? Can council members come? Yeah.

Can you please talk? I'm not even near you.

Participate in the discussion. Um but shall have no vote on the commission action and commission deadline then this was decided um you know council made the determination that the deadline should be May 31st in order to get it comfortably on the ballot you're going to want to take action um at least by the first Wednesday in in August um you actually technically have until 60 days before the election under the Ohio Constitution but that runs a file of federal voting laws that you have to you know mail overseas ballots and to um uh uh our armed services uh 75 days out. So, we don't want to mess up the board of elections timing. So, you'll need to act by the first week in August. The deadline for the commission to act is going to be May 31st. Um so, the council will have um June, July, and August to deliberate proposed changes if any. They could always get it in early if they wanted to.

Yeah. Council could pass an ordinance extending the deadline if they ask if the commission asks. And also to your question, Amanda, uh people can, but it's okay. We can all uh attend the meeting because it's an open meeting, but it'll be up to the chair when um people from the audience can participate or not. Okay. All right. Any other discussion?

Just just briefly, and I know this sounds really nerdy, but I I served on two charter review commissions, and I loved it. I mean, it was a lot of fun. It was a lot of uh reading, analysis. Um it was actually it was really helpful, and I and I'm glad I got an opportunity to do it. and I I know the the majority of the folks on the on you know that are going to be on this and I I honestly I'm really looking forward to it. So for whatever that's worth and thank you for your time and willingness to do this. It's it's important to our community and um I appreciate your work. Anna, will you call the role? Yes. Yes. Yes. Vincent [clears throat] Kurland.

Yes. Harry. Yes, thank you. Uh I guess the Ohio Division of Liquor Control is asking for if we have objections to a uh liquor permit. Is that this is on the uh so for a restaurant called New Social Cleveland LLC. It's the New Pinstripes Pinerest.

Yes, it is the Pinstripes location. Uh New Social Cleveland. Uh that's what they're doing business under. Um, I spoke to our partners at Pinerest, uh, Tanganger, and there's no intention of rebranding it. Uh, they're going to continue working as, uh, Pinstripes. Um, I also talked with, um, people that worked with the new owners of New Social Cleveland. They owned Punch Bowl Social downtown,

which did cause me some more questions to be asked. And I was assured that although sometimes the flats gets a bad uh you know name in the in the media, Punch Bowl Social ran a very professional business and Pinerest is welcoming these new owners there. We did our due diligence as the law allows for this background check and we have no objection to this uh permit. It actually changed ownership. Yes. Yeah. I I believe there was a bankruptcy involved with the the um brand and these are the people who picked up this particular Thank you. They have a liquor they had a liquor license.

They did. And this is this is a new one under the new ownership. It's the D5 which allows them to sell until 2:30 in the morning. 2:30. They they don't keep those hours generally. There's no money in it. So keeping it under the name pinstripes or they're changing the name. They're going to keep the brand of pinstripes. Uh, and they're just doing business as um New Social Cleveland among other names because I saw the the building commissioners report and it was yet another name, but that that's pretty common in these things. Chief,

um, moving on to audience comments relating matters which advance the good of the village. Any comments tonight? All right, then we'll go to the comments by to the of from the mayor.

Thank you. I may cover some of the comments that some of the those in the audience might already have. Uh to begin with, um I was honored to swear in our officers. I can't be more proud of our our police department and the staff that we have there. It was a great honor for me to be able to elevate our three uh officers, um deputy chief, uh lieutenant, and sergeant. They're all great people and uh I look forward to continuing to work with them as in the the great work that they do. In fact, I'll get on to this a little bit later. Um holiday tree collection will be Tuesday, January 20th, and last one will be on Monday, January 26th. Please note, we are not branch chipping. This is only for holiday trees. Our equipment is not set up to chip branches. Uh, I want to thank the charter review commission members who have volunteered their time to u work with the the village and in revisiting our charter. It is a it is a a wonderful task and I want to thank in particular Scott Lewis and Rifka Clayool for assuming the roles of chair and vice chair and all the people that they will work with. Uh, remember to register your dog with Kyhoga County. The deadline to get your dog's license is January 31st. It is the law, but it will also assist you if your dog is lost or gets pulled over for speeding. If someone finds a dog with a license number on their collar, the county has the ability to identify the owner. Um, just as a reminder, I'll be undergoing knee surgery on uh February 2nd. Will not be at the planning commission on the 3rd and council on the 4th. Um, [clears throat] Lisa will be acting mayor during that time. and uh I will hopefully be able to participate the following uh meeting for councel.

If anyone wants to get married during that time, I'm very happy to accommodate.

Everybody seems to want to do that. You um I met today with Pinerest um team to discuss three areas of benefit to the village. Um, and while there they pointed out to me how pleased they are with Joyce Sherwood, who's taken over the role of uh coordinator and uh for the vill's police department at Orange Village. She's doing a wonderful job and has already built a great relationship with the leadership at Tanganger. Uh what I wanted to do was coordinate events and programs so so we both can better serve our community uh both in terms of planning events and having people uh attend those events. I also raised the issue of resources for creative funding of Orange Village activities through an orange fund with Tanganger Properties and they're very interested in doing this. Um it will enable us to use those funds. So, we have to figure out what we're looking for and what we'll do um for some of our events, including concerts. We want a concert series that will include both um what we have here at the village and what they have at Pinerest or planning at Pinerest for the summer. And then the last thing I spoke with them about is security management. and they were very receptive to the idea of having um Chief Roberts and whoever else he feels is appropriate, whether it might be um Lieutenant Adwell or someone else to talk about security measures that tenants can take on their own behalf to better protect themselves from some of the um issues that come up at Pinerest. In the planning commission meeting recently, we discussed a need to update our code to eliminate extraneous or outofdate code issues and clarify language. In that regard, I've asked our village planner, Fred Guerrera, to use some of his contracted service time to

review and redline the code with recommendations for edits. Steve Byron will then filter those alterations um through his work and the outcome will then come back to council for whatever legislative action is appropriate to more streamline our code and get rid of things that we don't need to have that are either antiquated or nonfunctional for for code purposes mayor and that'll be considered routine services under Steve's contract. I I just said that that under his services that would be routine services.

Um I had last night played uh a tennis match between the sustainability and resilience committee and the um orange cares committee. I wanted to report on some of the things that came out of those meetings that I think are important for the village. um the sustainability and resilience committee that's now chaired by John um Loftess and uh he invited Aaron Marovi of NOPEC to come and make a presentation last night. Uh he made the village and me in particular aware of grant opportunities that we might pursue including some that could be a benefit for the village hall remodeling. In addition, I asked if he would be willing to put together an educational program for residents to become more knowledgeable of renewable energy strategies and opportunities that could be deployed in the village and u he indicated that he would do that uh and and get something together for us. Um the orange cares committee on the other hand um met in here and they reviewed what they've done over the last year. They're going to continue to do some of their programs including their bike tuneup, um continuing to make wellness calls and assisting elderly residents in their homes. Um they've returned the the task of the new member new new resident packages to uh consult to deliver. So you guys pay attention. There's lots of those that go out. Um uh they also came up with a what I thought was a really interesting idea. Last year they hel hel held a program with the assistance of our police department and in association with the [cough] internet crimes against children uh task force on uh internet safety for kids. And they decided this year they were going to do something that was, [cough]

excuse me, no senior left behind and having a program to educate seniors on the use of their uh devices and electronic devices to be more fil with the use of those devices. and they're looking to work with either uh Verizon up at uh Pinerest or Spectrum over here at the Orange Plaza uh as the facilitator for that program. Uh observance of Martin Luther King Day uh administrative building and service department will be closed on Monday, January 19th. Police and fires will be staffed. There will be no change in trash pickup. Trash and recycling will be picked up on Monday as usual. We honor Dr. King's legacy of service, equality, and justice this day, and it reminds us to reflect and serve our communities and continue working toward a more inclusive and compassionate society. Orange Village is committed to an ethos that supports and provides for fair and equitable legislation, rules, and policies. training and education for our community leaders, administration, safety services, and service workers to eliminate social injustice and racial inequality. Furthermore, reaffirm our promise to uphold the words we collectively stated as we completed the pledge of allegiance this evening in refor reinforcing the ideal of liberty and justice for all. We also call upon our residents to join together with us in building a stronger and united place where all people regardless of race, faith, sexual orientation or country of origin are valued, respected, and treated with

dignity and humanity and compassion. Thank you. The end of your report. That concludes my report.

Great. Um, next on to my report, I'd like to um let everybody know in my new role that I've asked Ryan Bilski to chair finance committee and uh he has agreed. So, he's re he's assuming these duties starting tonight. And uh Kim Ner to continue as planning and zoning um representative. And thank you both. And you serve us very well. So, we we all appreciate that. Um, next, I I asked um in order to help move our meetings along, I've asked uh Stacy to please not give a school board report in her committee reports. And um she asks if you have any questions about what's going on at the school board. she is happy to take questions any time um about that those matters. I recommend that a better place for that report might be in our Orange Village newsletter. It's up to you if you would like to put something in there or not. Um I know it's sometimes confusing that we're not part of Orange Schools, but our business is what I'm hoping. So, thank you, Stacy. And um that con Oh, no. One more thing. I'm going to ask for an executive session tonight. Um a brief executive session to discuss pending and perspective le litigation. Um and we'll take no further action after that. So, my report.

Let's go on to where's my list? I think it's ner first. Yes, Kim. Okay. First, I want to thank everybody for the um opportunity to serve again on the planning and zoning commission. I do appreciate it and I I enjoy it. Um and I'm always I I try to keep it brief, but I am always happy to answer any questions that anyone has uh regarding anything that's going on with PNZ. Um, congratulations again to all of our new uh, police department appointments. We've just have a fabulous uh, staff re really for all of our departments and it's it's a pleasure to to have all of you guys. Um, it has now been confirmed that Tanganger uh, or Pinerest is going to be coming to the next planning and zoning meeting which is t Tuesday, December 20th at 6:30 p.m.

December 20th

January. January. I I'm even looking at it and it says January even in my notes. Thank you for correcting me. January obvious and I'm not I what's going on? Um January 20th. Um and that is related to the issue that I discussed um at the last at our last meeting with respect to green space. So if anyone wants to see what their new they're going to come in with their new plan. We we sort of we said go back and work on it again. So they'll come again to PNC with their next uh iteration of that plan. So it's open to the public if anybody wants to come or if any of you all are interested, please know that that is going to happen on the January 20th meeting. Um and finally, the Kuanas next Kuanas meeting is Wednesday, January 21st at 7 PM at the Orange Senior Center. Great opportunity to get involved in our community. That's it. Thank you. Um, let's go on to you, Jim.

Are we just going in order? Um, as I settle in here at council, I I think it's appropriate to thank the department heads. I've asked a lot of questions. They've been very helpful. Dana has been great today. I asked her a bunch of questions about the finance stuff. Um, and obviously it it I think it's a reflection of the the work that the the city or the village leaders do. and I I'm very grateful for all the help and assistance they've given throughout. Um I will be brief, but there was something and and actually talking to Ryan today about his Dave Matthews band sticker on his water bottle joged my memory um that and and it does have relevance to Orange Village, by the way. Um over the weekend a uh particular individual passed away uh Bob Weir who was a uh founding member of the Grateful Dead, a band that meant a great deal to me but but not just their music but their social consciousness that that I think really mattered. And I went back to the last meeting when uh Councilwoman Olner mentioned, you know, we need to get more people involved and and all those other things. And those are the type of social justice. And I I looked up because I, you know, I've seen a million interviews with Bob Weir over the last, you know, week past Saturday. And I pulled up one of the quotes that I thought was appropriately um relevant is, I think if people value democracy, they had damn well better get out and exercise their right to vote while their vote still means something. It's a little harsher than I think we expect from from from you know the leader of the grateful dead but nonetheless I think the words do matter and it just says that there's it's an important time for all of us to be involved in the work that goes on for all of our leaders and our communities and we all function as a community and it's important for us to be involved. So, in any event, good luck. Godspeed for uh for the I think the last of the founding members of the Grateful Dead.

I told you it would be relevant to Orange Village. It's going to take a while, but I got to it. Thank you, Jim. Go ahead. All right.

Um it's really cool to see all the people here. Uh folks getting promoted. It's it's very nice to just It's heartwarming to see all the wonderful people we have working here at the village and we're committed to committing their lives and their safety uh to our safety. So, uh means a lot. Uh, we have an economic development meeting scheduled for next Tuesday the or I'm sorry, next Thursday the 22nd here at 7 p.m. Uh, I have now have the dates scheduled for the physical wellness session that I mentioned about in the previous meeting. that is on the 14th here in this building from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. And then the uh following weekend on Saturday the 21st, I'm going to have a financial wellness session here in the building as well uh from 2 to 4 p.m. and working to get my uh my next session uh arranged for mental wellness, mental health here. So uh stay tuned for that.

Uh I have a question regarding the financial wellness. Yes. Um, is that something that we can invite um high school and college? Anybody, anybody at all? I think we should um make an effort to advertise that especially because I really feel like that generation especially, you know, they need some education about that.

No, it's uh it's there's some information I put together for Anna to share on the website that's up there now or the one of them is up now. The other one's going to be up. Uh but yeah, we're going to kind of touch on all the basic pillars and depending on the audience kind of be open to questions. You know, kind of the goal and the structure of the agenda that I've developed leaves enough time for Q&A, but hopefully it'll be the right size audience where we can field questions along the way. But for all ages, all groups, all levels of uh you know, the most sophisticated to somebody who's just trying to figure out what to do with like the next dollar they have in their pocket. So, because it was about that

important. Thank you. Thank you, Ryan. Next, Stacy.

Good evening, everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to present Sarah earlier tonight. Our first arts and culture meeting for 2026 will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd in the Wedell room at Village Hall. Uh it is a different night for us and we'll figure out the rest of the schedule at that time, but all are welcome to help us plan out the year ahead. Um, I also want to thank Ireina Falberg for stepping into the role as chairperson. The artisan and farmers market chairs have tentatively set their dates for the summer markets with the blessings of the mayor, Anna, and Bob. [laughter] Sharing it as a second Saturdays to make it easier for people to remember. It will be once a month on the second Saturday of each month between June and October with one date in question. Uh, June 13th, July 11th, August 8th, and October 10th. Uh, the second Saturday in September falls on Roshashana. So, we're going to figure that one out. Uh, once again, we would like to have each of the committees pick a date to host one of those sessions. So, if you could let me know which one, it's good for recruiting. It's good to get membership there, and it's good to let people know what we're doing. So, let me know what date you'd like to take. There will also be a spring pop-up market on May 2nd and another holiday market on December 5th, uh, both on the Orange School's campus. Uh, finally, I would like to also once again congratulate Assistant Treasurer Danding Woo, Deputy Police Chief Mike Doublejack, Lieutenant Steven Atwell, and Sergeant Michael Griel. We're so blessed to have such extraordinary leadership and service in our Orange Village. Um, I wish everybody just the best in the year ahead. Um, I also want to wish a happy and memorable Martin Luther King Day, uh, Martin Luther King Jr. Day to all. I'll end with a short MLK quote. The time is always right to do what is right. Thank you.

Thank you, Stacy and Amanda. Thank you.

Uh, first I do want to uh congratulate Sarah Corland, my neighbor, on her um proclamation. I think that's cool. And I want to also congratulate Dan Ding um on her new role. And of course, uh, Deputy Chief Doublejack and Lieutenant Atwell and Sergeant Gabriel. Um, all of whom are wonderful people who I am familiar with and really appreciate and I'm very happy that they are moving up in their roles. And uh, that's as far as that. Uh, so the sustainability uh, committee I'm really thankful to John Loftess for taking over. And I think that they're considering changing what day it's going to be on. So, as soon as that is confirmed, we will um let Anna know and it'll be updated on the website.

All I have to say. All right. I'll make a motion to to go into executive session. Um is there a second for the purpose of perspective litigation? respective litigation. Thank you, Stacy. So, what was it? Or perspective. Prospective because you could be trying to get perspective. Seconded it. I'll call roll. All yes. Yes. Ski. Yes. Kurland. Yes.

Harry. Yes. Thank you. And