[6:53] Good evening. I now call this village of Hebrin Council meeting to order at 6 PM

[6:57] on Monday, August 24th, 2026. Please stand as you're able and join me

[7:03] in reciting the pledge.

[7:07] I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

[7:12] republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and

[7:19] justice for all.

[7:26] » Roll call, please. >> Here.

[7:29] » Yes. >> Here. M.

[7:32] » Hoskinson. >> Yes. M. Mrs. Chapman.

[7:34] » Yes. Mr. Marietta. >> Here.

[7:37] Thank you. We have quorum. Thank you visitors for attending this evening. If

[7:41] you've not already done so, please sign in and get a copy of the agenda. There

[7:45] will be opportunities to speak at two points in the agenda labeled visitor

[7:49] comments.

[7:57] Sorry, village council meetings are recorded and provided to council and the

[8:01] public for review. Meeting minutes are official once the

[8:06] recording is approved by village council by a majority vote. Today's recordings

[8:10] will become the official record of minutes once approved. The recording is

[8:14] available online at the Ohio I'm sorry at the village of Hein, Ohio YouTube

[8:19] channel.

[8:22] I am now seeking a motion for approval of the minutes for the August 3rd, 2026

[8:28] council meeting. >> So moved.

[8:31] » Second. Thank you. I have a um a motion from Council Member Juvenelli and a

[8:37] second from Council Member Chapman. Any discussion?

[8:42] » Roll call, please. >> Mr. Marietta,

[8:46] » yes. >> Mrs. Chapman,

[8:48] » yes. >> Mr. Wolf,

[8:50] » yes. >> Mr. Carpenter,

[8:52] » yes. >> Miss Hoskinson, yes. Mr. Juvent.

[8:55] » Yes. >> Thank you, council. It passes 6.

[9:03] We have this time reserved on the agenda to hear comments from visitors regarding

[9:07] topics not listed elsewhere on the agenda. Hopefully, you've signed in. If

[9:12] you haven't, please do so now. Please be sure to state your name and address for

[9:16] the record. There's a fiveinut time limit for each speaker. We are very

[9:21] eager to hear what you have to say, so please speak loudly and clearly into the

[9:26] microphone.

[9:42] Okay.

[9:45] Can you hear me now? Oh, that's a >> That's great. Thank you.

[9:49] » Okay. My name is Jim Morgan. I live at 401 Mound Street and um I'm here to talk

[9:58] about the proposed zoning change at 104 East 2nd Street.

[10:05] I thought that we were that the council would vote on this tonight. I found out

[10:11] that they're not, but since I have some neighbors here, I figured I would go

[10:16] ahead and speak about it tonight, even though it'll be voted on later.

[10:21] Um, I've been a builder

[10:27] for almost 50 years. Um,

[10:32] and I have been involved with many zoning meetings,

[10:38] a couple in Hebrin, but mostly in townships in Licking County, some in

[10:44] Fairfield County and uh some in uh a couple other counties around. Uh

[10:53] but the um the zoning change proposed for

[10:59] this property is to change a residential

[11:07] property into a general commercial property. It's in our neighborhood

[11:13] and um I've heard it said that even that the uh zoning board

[11:22] uh recommend that the change be made, which I was floored by, but

[11:29] I heard it said that the reason that they might consider changing it to

[11:33] commercial is because it is adjacent to another commercial property. Well,

[11:39] that's not exactly true. Across Second Street, there's a commercial property

[11:46] that has been there for um forever. It's bordering 79.

[11:55] And there are boundaries, of course, with

[12:00] all zoning maps. That just happens to be the boundary there on Second Street

[12:05] between it and and this property. If if it were

[12:13] if it were the thinking that because it borders another commercial property, we

[12:17] might as well change this one. Well, if that's the case, then

[12:23] if you approve that zoning change, then why can't

[12:30] and across the street from it come in the next day and apply for change there.

[12:35] Also

[12:39] the the main reason that I am opposed

[12:48] my neighborhood is that

[12:52] is a big deal. You change some

[12:57] you have made it So that whatever is listed

[13:02] » I'm sorry. We're gonna I'm so sorry. We're just going to um update the

[13:06] battery so that we can continue to hear you.

[13:10] » Microphone. >> Yeah. Oh, so sorry.

[13:20] » Can you hear me now? >> Thank you.

[13:23] » Okay, there. Got to find the mic. Um, the reason that I am opposed and many of

[13:31] my uh neighbors are opposed to it is because once you change the zoning that

[13:36] allows the person that owns that property to use it for whatever is

[13:42] listed or in that particular classification.

[13:47] And um you once you once it's changed to that, you really don't have the option

[13:53] as a council or anyone here to to say we don't like what you're

[14:01] proposing, so we're going to turn it down. Well, I guess you can say that,

[14:06] but there is an appeals process. And if

[14:12] if I think that that if I own that property and I think that the business

[14:17] that I want to run there falls within the jurisdiction that the the

[14:21] requirements and the restrictions and everything of that classification and

[14:26] you say I can't do it, then I can go to the Licking County Court of Common

[14:31] Please and I'm going to put my case before a judge. The judge would then

[14:37] look at the uh the proposal and if he thinks that

[14:42] that is listed in that classification then I have the right to do that. And if

[14:50] if for instance you wouldn't agree with that judge and say I think we're right

[14:55] well you can appeal it also to the state of Ohio just as I could all the way to

[15:01] the state of Ohio. And you say well that's pretty ridiculous. I don't think

[15:04] that's going to happen on this lot. Well, it probably isn't,

[15:07] » Mr. Morgan. >> Yes.

[15:09] » So, sorry. We're at five minutes. >> Uh,

[15:25] » Kathy Morgan, 401 Mound Street. >> Thank you. I just wanted to add that we

[15:33] took a petition around our neighborhood. We have 26 signatures.

[15:40] Every property around this property voted no. Hands down. There were two

[15:47] people that weren't at home. I could have went on down the street, across the

[15:52] street, wherever. everyone on that wants everyone we approached said absolutely

[15:59] not just wanted to add that. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[16:04] » Thank you.

[16:15] Hello, my name is Mark Wahburn. I live at 1125 Lake Forest Drive. I'm here

[16:20] about bike safety and how Hebrin investigates, I guess. Um, good evening

[16:26] members of village council and thank you for allowing me to uh the opportunity to

[16:31] speak. We are here tonight to ask the village to consider taking a more

[16:35] proactive approach to bicycle safety and awareness of Ohio's bicycle laws in our

[16:40] community. This is an issue that is very personal to me, to my wife. I'm an avid

[16:47] bicyclist and like many cyclists in our areas, I share our local roads with

[16:51] cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, and most motorists are are courteous and

[16:58] careful when approaching a cyclist. Unfortunately, it only takes one driver

[17:02] who is unaware of the law, who chooses not to follow it for the consequences to

[17:08] be devastating. In 2024, there was more than 1,100 cyclists killed in traffic

[17:14] crashes across the United States. Here in Ohio, we have 24 one I know of who

[17:22] lost their lives in 2024. I'm only giving you the 2024 stats because the

[17:28] 2025 stats have not yet been released. Those aren't simply statistics. They

[17:34] represents people who went out for a bicycle ride and never came home to

[17:37] their families. Ohio law is very clear regarding vehicles passing vehicles.

[17:43] Under Ohio Revised Code section 4511.27, 3 ft or greater is considered a safe

[17:50] passing distance when a motor vehicle passes a bicycle. Yet, we

[17:54] [clears throat] believe many drivers simply do not know this law.

[17:59] That is why we would or I would like the village to consider several uh

[18:05] relatively simple steps that could make a meaningful difference. First, we'd

[18:09] like to see seasonal bicycle safety awareness efforts, particularly in the

[18:13] spring and summer when significantly more cyclists are on the road.

[18:18] information about Ohio's three-foot passing law and reminder that bicycles

[18:23] have the legal right to use the roadway and can and could be shared through the

[18:27] village website, social media, news webs, and others communic

[18:32] communications. Second, we would like the village to

[18:35] consider additional road signage reminding motorists to share the road

[18:40] and to provide at least three feet when passing a cyclist. A sign is a small

[18:45] investment, but seeing that reminder while actually driving on the road where

[18:49] cyclists are present can have an immediate impact. Third, we are asking

[18:54] for education and appropriate enforcement by law. Education is

[18:59] important, but laws intended to protect cyclists also need to be taken seriously

[19:03] when they are violated. A warning, traffic stop, or citation doesn't just

[19:08] address the driver's behavior, it can prevent the next dangerous encounter.

[19:13] Unfortunately, I re recently experienced I was involved in one of these reasons

[19:19] we are here tonight. On July 31st, I was riding my bicycle on

[19:23] High Street when a semi-tra approached me from behind. I have all the pictures

[19:28] and everything. So, I'll show you that with you. The semi passed me in a

[19:33] dangerous close distance, leaving me with little room to react and putting me

[19:37] in a serious risk of being struck. The incident was captured on a video and I

[19:42] have some pictures from the video that I can share. I was not interfering with

[19:46] traffic or writing unpredictability. I was using the road rate as permanent

[19:50] by permitted by Ohio law. The danger resulted from a vehicle

[19:56] passing too close and failing to provide the required safe distance. After the

[20:00] incident, I reported it to officer Zack Hampton of the Hein Police and provided

[20:05] video and photo evidence. We were told we would get look into it

[20:09] and get back to us. However, not hearing back from him for several days. I

[20:13] stopped by the police department to get an update and was told by the officer

[20:17] Hampton that the that he and another officer reviewed the video and said the

[20:21] semi had provided me with ample room. I left frustrated because I asked him how

[20:26] he investigated it and that's how he did it. Sharing the video of photos of

[20:31] incidents to chief department to Chief Welsh of the Hein Police Department

[20:37] makes made him aware of the situation sharing the video and photos of the

[20:40] incident. Chief Welsh responded back to the case and signed it back to Officer

[20:46] Hampton with Lieutenant Carson overseeing the process. On August 7th,

[20:50] Hampton shared via mail email. The incident will be reviewed by the law

[20:56] director's office on Monday and the turnaround time should be within a few

[21:00] days. On August 14th, I received another email from Officer Hampton stating that

[21:05] he had not received any response from the director's office. That was the last

[21:09] communication I have received in the matter. What was especially concerning

[21:13] to us was not only the incident itself, but the lack of meaningful followup

[21:18] after it was reported to the Hein police. We understand that police

[21:22] departments compete prior competing priorities and limit resources. We are

[21:27] not here to criticize the individual officer. We are asking the reports

[21:31] involving dangerous intersections between vehicles and vulnerable road use

[21:35] users to be taken seriously. >> Mark, I'm so sorry.

[21:39] » Do you want to finish it? Thank you.

[21:46] » Um, Rita Walburn, 11:25 Lake Forest Drive. Um let's see

[21:54] see where he left off. Okay. Particularly when video or other

[21:58] evidence is available. Cyclists are someone's husband or wife,

[22:03] someone's son or daughter, someone's parent, grandparent, friend, or

[22:07] neighbor. When a vehicle weighing several thousand pounds passes a person

[22:11] on a bicycle with only inches to spare, the cyclist has virtually no protection

[22:16] if something goes wrong. You don't want it to take a serious injury or a death

[22:21] in the community before this issue receives attention. We are asking the

[22:25] village of Hebrin to be proactive and we respectively ask council, the village

[22:30] administration, and the Heburn Police Department to consider working together

[22:34] on a bicycle safety initiative that includes seasonal public awareness,

[22:38] appropriate road signage, education about Ohio's three-foot passing law, and

[22:43] consistent enforcement when dangerous violations occur. These are reasonable,

[22:48] achievable, achievable steps that could make our roads safer for everyone. Our

[22:52] goal isn't to create a divide between motorists and cyclists. Most cyclists

[22:57] are motorists, too. Our goal is to simply for everyone who leaves their

[23:01] home, whether behind a steering wheel, on a bicycle, or on foot, to have the

[23:06] opportunity to return home safely. Thank you for your time and consideration with

[23:11] this request. and we do have some things that we could

[23:14] share with you if you you're interested. >> Thank you so much. Uh the photos, we can

[23:19] pass them along. Okay, thank you.

[23:31] » And I do want to actually I'm going to take just a couple seconds, Mike. Um I

[23:37] just want to acknowledge that I did receive an email from you. I know you've

[23:41] been in correspondence. um with village administrator Mesner. Um also I know

[23:47] Chief is planning on giving you an update. You may have heard a little bit

[23:50] about some water last week and so we have been a little

[23:54] » Yeah, I just want to acknowledge that we absolutely Yes, absolutely. But I just

[24:00] want to acknowledge that you have reached out and I do appreciate that.

[24:04] Thank you.

[24:13] Please. Thank you. >> Good evening, mayor and members of the

[24:16] council. My name is Mike McMarland. I live at 133 Hamilton Avenue. I've been a

[24:21] resident of Hein for more than 60 years. Uh this evening I rise and I'm going to

[24:28] read my remarks which I could speak ex extemporaneously

[24:32] but uh in trying to be respectful of the fivem minute cut off uh I'm going to

[24:37] read them and I'll probably read them quickly. Uh I rise this evening in

[24:41] opposition to Hein ordinance 06-26 which was passed by the Hein Village

[24:47] Council on the 4th of May 2026. That ordinance was to establish a

[24:51] special revenue fund for the human landing incentive district tax increment

[24:56] financing program. We all know that the tax or otherwise known as tiff was

[25:03] intended to help uh small v or municipalities not necessarily small to

[25:09] uh bring housing to their communities that otherwise might not uh be coming.

[25:16] The state law defines three basic requirements that should exist for the

[25:20] municipality to implement a tiff. The first is that the area defined

[25:24] geographically is currently blighted or heavily tending towards being blighted.

[25:30] The statutory definition is economically stagnant or conservation needy. Given

[25:36] that the property was a farm field, it does not meet that requirement.

[25:41] The second requirement is called the but for test which is but for tiff being

[25:47] instituted this project could not be built. The developer couldn't afford to

[25:52] build it. This requires demonstrating that private development or economic

[25:57] revitalization in the area would not occur without the creation of the tiff

[26:02] district and the resulting public investment. Because MI Homes has not

[26:06] requested any public investment and will install all infrastructure for the Hein

[26:10] Landing project at its own expense, the Hein project appears to fail this test.

[26:16] Also, the third requirement is a public infrastructure plan which delineates

[26:21] specific public improvements. such as roads, utilities, or facilities that

[26:26] will directly serve the benefit parcels within the district. It appears this

[26:31] also fails the test. The state tiff law allows the village to exempt incremental

[26:37] taxable property values from specific uses voted by the taxpayers and redirect

[26:43] those payments to the village tiff fund. In the case of Licking County and Hein,

[26:48] our voted property taxes provide funding for the schools, fire and EMS, municipal

[26:54] and county services, the vocational school, developmental disability,

[26:58] children's services, senior services, police, library, mental health, and

[27:02] county parks. The Hein TIF exempts the schools from

[27:07] this from losing any revenue, but the proposed TIF, but they are only issues

[27:14] that do not lose funding. All of those other issues I mentioned will lose

[27:18] funding as a result of this tiff. The fire and EMS department and other

[27:23] services that I mentioned will be taking on additional demands for their services

[27:28] without receiving the additional re revenues that is captured by the tiff.

[27:34] Eventually the increased costs for these services for the new properties will be

[27:38] loaded onto the remainder of the taxpayers. Some revenue will be exempt

[27:43] from the tiff but will be minimal on new construction. This is considered the

[27:47] base and is frozen at current values. As a voter, I voted for the issues that I

[27:52] mentioned previously. I believe they are important and provide services for my

[27:55] friends and neighbors that they need. I do not support redirecting them for

[28:00] other non-voted purposes. I believe that if our V village has a need for funding

[28:05] to repair or replace infrastructure within the village, a plan should be

[28:09] developed which covers a minimum 10 years along with projected costs and

[28:13] presented to the voters for their approval. I would support such attacks.

[28:18] I have been advised by the Lincoln County Auditor's office that the process

[28:22] for implementing the Hein Landing tiff district still has several steps before

[28:27] it is finally implemented. The Hein legislation requires an extensive packet

[28:32] be prepared and submitted to the county auditor's office who will then forward

[28:36] that to the state department of taxation. The state will then review the

[28:40] packet with all the required documentation to determine if the

[28:44] district will be approved. If approved, it will then be sent back to the county

[28:48] auditor's office for an implementation. In view of the information I have

[28:53] provided this evening, I am respectfully requesting that the Hein Council

[28:58] consider another review of the Hein Landing TIFF legislation and project at

[29:03] a future council committee meeting. This would allow the council to hear

[29:07] testimony from representatives of impacted agencies and ensure any further

[29:13] other due diligence is conducted. I'd be happy to take any questions if

[29:18] you like. Otherwise, thank you for your time this evening. Thank you.

[29:24] » Um just a couple of items I want to address

[29:28] with those uh concerns brought forward. First, uh tiffs aren't just used for

[29:34] homes. Um it's for any type of development that comes in. Um also, uh

[29:41] historically, New Albany and many other types of jurisdictions in that same um

[29:47] vein have qualified for the blighted or whatever other um rules were stated. And

[29:54] also uh with regard to your tax dollars being redirected, it's not yours. It's

[30:01] the new uh developments tax dollars that are being directed. But, uh, I do want

[30:06] to thank you for, um, taking the time to come and speak tonight, and I do

[30:11] appreciate your years of service to the community, and I know that you

[30:15] understand these issues very well. Um, council, I would just say that residents

[30:20] should know how a tiff works. They should know where the money goes, and

[30:25] they should know why elected officials make the decisions they make. I agree

[30:29] with all of that. That is why the Hein Landing TIFF was introduced. discussed,

[30:35] debated, and approved in public meetings. It was not done in secret.

[30:40] Every vote was public. Every document is a public record, and recordings of those

[30:45] meetings are available for anyone who wants to review them. The bigger

[30:50] question before us tonight is what's in the best interest of Hebrin residents.

[30:54] We have roads that need attention. We have storm water problems that need

[30:59] attention. Last week, residents dealt with serious flooding. Some families had

[31:04] water in their homes. Some were displaced from their homes. Those are

[31:08] real problems affecting our community today. The people of Hebrin expect us to

[31:13] address them and they expect us to do it responsibly. I also think it's important

[31:19] to remember that for many years, Hein residents paid a higher tax rate for

[31:23] fire, fire, and EMS than other neighborhoods within our own

[31:28] jurisdiction, despite sharing the exact same service

[31:33] network. Our residents understand fairness. They

[31:38] expect their elected officials to protect their interests just as firmly

[31:41] as every neighboring community protects theirs. Today, homeowners are facing

[31:47] rising costs everywhere they turn. People are concerned about property

[31:52] taxes. We see this in the news constantly that the voters are trying to

[31:58] repeal property taxes. They're concerned about the cost of

[32:02] living. They're concerned about staying in their homes. For some people, it is

[32:06] very real that if their property taxes go up, they have to seriously entertain

[32:11] moving. When our effort to replace a police levy

[32:15] that was over 40 years old failed, it wasn't because they told me they didn't

[32:21] like their police. They told me they didn't want to pay more in taxes.

[32:27] They want good services, but they also expect us to spend the money that we get

[32:32] wisely. And while it's true some residents may be willing to pay more in

[32:37] taxes, I believe most Hebrin residents would rather see us make the best

[32:42] possible use of the taxes that they are already paying. That is exactly what

[32:48] council was trying to do by considering and contemplating and ultimately voting

[32:53] for this tiff. I have not heard any public agency tell Hein that we should

[32:59] never use TIFFs. In fact, West Licking Joint Fire

[33:03] District provided village leadership with a Pataskca framework that they have

[33:08] worked with Pascala on that includes continued use of TIFFs and ways to make

[33:14] sure that the fire district is still protected.

[33:18] To me, the fact that Wes Licking shared a model agreement on how to use TIFFs

[33:24] suggests that the conversation isn't whether we should be using TIFFs. The

[33:29] conversation should be how we can use them responsibly while still enabling

[33:34] Westlicking Joint Fire District to provide important public services.

[33:40] I also want residents to understand something important.

[33:44] A tiff does not raise taxes and if this tiff does not take sorry this tiff does

[33:52] not take existing tax revenue from the agencies.

[33:57] It uses future revenue in new development and it places it in a

[34:02] separate fund and it can only be used for public projects including

[34:08] infrastructure improvements and related costs. Reasonable people can disagree

[34:13] about the details of a tiff. That's fair and that's healthy. But I do not believe

[34:18] the answer is to take tools away from Hebrin that can help us maintain roads,

[34:23] improve drainage, reduce flooding, and make better use of taxpayer dollars. The

[34:29] real question is not whether money is being redirected. The real question is

[34:34] whether we use lawful tools to maintain the community we already have like those

[34:40] other jurisdictions that are in this joint district with us or whether we ask

[34:47] homeowners and taxpayers to carry even more of a burden. I want to be crystal

[34:53] clear about my position as a mayor. Before I ask Hebrin residents and Hebrin

[35:00] taxpayers for a single dollar more, I have a responsibility and I feel that

[35:05] council has a responsibility to make sure that we've made the best possible

[35:10] use of every single dollar they have already made available to us. I believe

[35:16] that is what our residents expect to us us to do and that is what I plan to

[35:21] continue to do. Thank you. Council, >> may I respond?

[35:27] » Your five minutes are up. You're welcome to come back and you're also welcome to

[35:32] send a letter. >> My five minutes.

[35:37] » I'm not a member of the public. Thank you.

[35:48] Any other visitor comments?

[35:59] Okay. The next item on the agenda is legislation.

[36:05] First item is ordinance 1426, an ordinance to amend section 339.0.

[36:12] 02 of the village of Hebrin, Ohio, codified code section titled through

[36:17] trucks prohibited. This is the first reading.

[36:21] » Mayor, if I may speak on this, >> of course.

[36:23] » Um, I guess first, do we want to read through the ordinance or is now a good

[36:27] time to go ahead and begin discussion on this?

[36:31] » You're welcome to speak to uh ordinance 1426. If I may, understanding again as

[36:36] we just talked about infrastructure and the ramifications as we know with trucks

[36:41] that continue to pass through certain roads and the damage that they incur.

[36:44] Um, I am going to in a moment make the motion to declare an emergency and seek

[36:50] for us to wave the readings. And here is why. The more time that we allow to pass

[36:55] and otherwise not take action decisively, the more time trucks go over

[37:00] these roads and cause more damage, which in turn creates a bill to their

[37:05] taxpayer. It is in that mindset that I believe it would be best to implement

[37:10] this. Not that I seek to otherwise wave an ordinary process in political

[37:15] discourse, but I think time is of the essence in order to address this issue

[37:19] and ensure we do what we need to do to keep our infrastructure as best as we

[37:23] can and not incur additional costs from damage, especially with these trucks

[37:27] that pass through. That being said, I believe I may now make the motion to in

[37:33] that sense um declare an emergency and wave the readings

[37:38] for this ordinance. Ordinance 14-26. >> It's got a point of order. You need to

[37:44] require to make two separate motions. >> Would it be one to declare an emergency

[37:49] and one to wave the readings? >> Correct.

[37:52] » Okay. Then in that case, first motion I would make is to declare an emergency.

[37:59] Do I have that right? >> That's fine. That's fine. Doesn't matter

[38:02] the order, but they need to be separate motions.

[38:04] » Understood. I'll make the first one. Thank you, Solicitor Rose.

[38:14] Just >> so I have a question, but it'll be after

[38:17] the second. >> We don't have to make that an emergency,

[38:20] right? We can just wave the readings. >> If you want it to take effect

[38:25] immediately, it needs to be declared an emergency. If you want it to take effect

[38:28] in 30 days, >> you don't need to make uh you don't need

[38:34] to declare it emergency, but you would need to wave the readings if you wish to

[38:37] vote on it tonight. >> I'll second his motion.

[38:43] » Okay. So, I have a motion on the floor to declare an emergency for uh ordinance

[38:48] 1426. I have that motion from council member Juvenelli and a second from

[38:52] council member Marietta. Any discussion on making it an emergency?

[38:57] » I just had a quick question. Didn't we already have a ordinance to not through

[39:02] birth through trucks? What is the change? Wasn't this already in place or

[39:06] what are we changing? >> So, uh, very long story short, there was

[39:10] a deeper dive into the language that we currently have in our ordinance and um,

[39:17] it was found lacking. So, this is to make it more robust and enforceable so

[39:22] we can actually do what we've been trying to do for years, which is ask

[39:26] trucks to not drive on roads they need not be on.

[39:32] Did I get that about right, Chief? Thank you.

[39:38] So, we have a motion on the floor and a second. Any other discussion on

[39:42] declaring an emergency? Roll call, please.

[39:49] Mr. Wolf, >> yes.

[39:51] » Mr. Huanelli, >> yes.

[39:53] » Mr. Carpenter, >> yes.

[39:55] » Mr. Marietta, >> yes.

[39:58] » Miss Hoskinson, >> yes.

[39:59] » Mrs. Chapman, >> yes.

[40:01] » Thank you, council. That passes 6, presumably.

[40:04] » I will now go ahead to Solicister Rose's point. Make the second motion to wave

[40:09] the readings on ordinance 14-26. >> I'll second that. I have a motion,

[40:16] sorry, from council member Juvenelli and a second from council member Marietta.

[40:20] Any discussion on um waving the readings for 1426

[40:28] hearing? None. Roll call. >> Miss Hoskinson,

[40:32] » yes. >> Mrs. Chapman,

[40:34] » yes. >> Mr. Wolf,

[40:35] » yes. >> Mr. Juvenelli,

[40:36] » yes. >> Mr. Carpenter,

[40:38] » yes. >> Mr. Marietta,

[40:40] » yes. >> Thank you. That count that also passes

[40:43] 6. And finally, um, I presume I'm looking for a motion to adopt ordinance

[40:49] 1426. >> So moved.

[40:51] » Second. >> I have a motion from council member

[40:54] Juvenelli and a second from Council Member Hoskinson. Any discussion?

[41:01] » Roll call, please. >> Mr. Wolf,

[41:04] » yes. >> Miss Hoskinson,

[41:05] » yes. >> Mrs. Chapman,

[41:07] » yes. >> Mr. Marietta,

[41:08] » yes. >> Mr. Carpenter,

[41:10] » yes. >> Mr. Juvenile,

[41:11] » yes. Thank you, council. That passes 6.

[41:17] And um I think we have visitors who did not come up and speak a moment ago. Um

[41:23] Minist would you like to send a representative up to speak to council?

[41:28] Thank you.

[41:34] Good evening. Uh Sarah Matthews, Wind Waste Innovations, 995 Keller Drive,

[41:39] Heath, Ohio. um was just really coming um uh at the request of Miss Meister to

[41:44] come in and speak to council in regards to your services that we render in in

[41:50] the village. Um see if there's any questions, any concerns um anything that

[41:54] I could address this evening. >> I know various council members have um

[42:00] articulated some concerns. So I know one of the concerns that I have

[42:06] was when we were discussing the contracts One of the high points that we

[42:11] were talking back and forth was that one of

[42:15] your benefits was that multiple containers weren't going to be a billing

[42:20] issue. That if the trash was there, it would be taking, which was a highlight

[42:25] for a lot of the residents. I know myself as a resident that's not been the

[42:32] case. I've actually had my trash not picked up because I've had personal

[42:40] units there and I've been told if I can't fit it in, I can't be picked up.

[42:45] That concerns me. >> Um, I am happy to um get your address

[42:52] and to review your account to make sure that it is compliant with our program.

[42:57] Um I I do have to and maybe I should have started off this so I apologize but

[43:00] um do have to address some issues over the last couple of months that we have

[43:06] had. Um and the the we have experienced a issue with our driving force. Um and

[43:15] so over the last few months maybe April, May, June, you we we did see a slight in

[43:21] intake of service complaints. Um and I apologize for that. Uh we have made

[43:27] great strides to uh hire drivers. Um it is uh a regular occurrence in the

[43:34] industry. Unfortunately, it's a very highly demanded job and um one that

[43:39] highly recruited. Um and we also have new operations leadership in our Heath

[43:45] office. So um with that said, we have had some subd drivers in your community.

[43:50] uh drivers that are not 100% familiar with your community. It is a resource

[43:54] that we have that allows us to bring in other drivers to make certain that we

[43:59] are getting the trash picked up, but we do at times encounter issues uh with a

[44:04] missed stop. Uh so, one thing I noticed is a lot of the corner units, maybe they

[44:09] place their trash out on it's not their address and they placed it on the

[44:12] neighboring street. So, that was one thing that we've c came across. Um maybe

[44:16] a compliance issue with not taking your personal container. um or a bulk item

[44:22] just due to that driver not being as familiar. So, I certainly apologize if

[44:28] that's something that you're still encountering. Please let me know. Again,

[44:31] I'll look into it and make certain that we're speaking to the driver. Um but I

[44:36] do believe we have those things ironed out. I think for your patience as as we

[44:41] have worked oursel through that, um we are fully staffed and as I said, we do

[44:45] have new leadership in in place. Uh we try to be incredibly responsive. We are

[44:51] very proud to partner with the village and anytime we got a communication, we

[44:54] take it very seriously. We escalate it immediately, try to make certain that

[44:57] we're resolving it. So I do apologize if you encountered that problem. Um happy

[45:01] to get it rectified for you.

[45:12] » I don't have a question, but I have a comment. um several months. I guess it

[45:16] was right after you took the contract. We did have something not taken, but

[45:20] oop, sorry. But here recently, we've had excellent service lately. So,

[45:24] » thank you very much. Uh we do, like you said, we do take great pride in

[45:27] partnering with the village. We want to deliver the best service. Uh we

[45:31] appreciate your patience as we've had some substitutes not as familiar. Um but

[45:35] but we do really want to deliver great service. We we don't ever want for you

[45:39] to get a call. Um, and so I know that, um, getting those calls was a little

[45:43] unusual. Uh, and I appreciate your patience while we work through that.

[45:50] » And if you do ever get a call, certainly reach out to me. We want to get it

[45:53] corrected as soon as possible. Thank you so much you

[46:04] » uh the next item is council action items and I'm seeking a motion to acknowledge

[46:09] receipt and review of the July 26 20 I'm sorry July 2026 uh bank reconciliation

[46:21] » so move >> how about uh you split the Is that okay?

[46:26] And so I have a motion from Council President Wolf and a second from Council

[46:28] Member Carpenter. Any discussion?

[46:33] Roll call, please. >> Mr. Marietta?

[46:38] » Yes. >> Mr. Wool?

[46:40] » Yes. >> Mrs. Chapman?

[46:41] » Yes. >> Mr. Juvenile?

[46:43] » Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter?

[46:44] » Yes. >> Miss Hoskinson?

[46:46] » Yes. >> Thank you. Council passes 6. The next

[46:50] item is the appropriation amendment regarding a community enhancement.

[46:57] » Good evening, council. I am asking for an appropriation for our community

[47:01] enhancement fund. Uh because with all of the extra events that we've had this

[47:06] year, America 250 specifically, but also because we've been um our strategy for

[47:11] sponsorship looked a little different this year. we were able to proactively

[47:15] send out packages asking for businesses and community partners to sponsor um an

[47:21] entire package of events. And so that being said, uh with review with CFO

[47:26] Morgan, uh there's money in the account that we can continue to use for the rest

[47:30] of the events this year, but it is not appropriated at this point. And so I am

[47:34] asking for that change. I did not bring my notes with me about what amount we

[47:38] decided on. So I'm looking at you, CFO Morgan. I know we had that settled

[47:43] though. Thank you. Uh so $10,000 to uh be reappropriated for that account and

[47:51] again like I mentioned we because of the generosity of many sponsors we've been

[47:55] very successful in funding that account not only with your contribution but with

[47:59] the contribution of our businesses and we want to make sure between few other

[48:03] events we have but primarily our Halloween bash and the Christmas market

[48:07] we need to make sure we have the appropriate funds to continue those

[48:10] events this year.

[48:17] Seconded. I have a motion from council member

[48:21] Carpenter and a second from council member Juvenelli. Any discussion?

[48:30] Roll call, please. Miss. Hoskinson?

[48:33] » Yes. Mrs. Chapman? >> Yes.

[48:35] » Mr. Wolf? >> Yes.

[48:36] » Mr. Duvenelli? >> Yes.

[48:37] » Mr. Marietta? >> Yes.

[48:40] » Mr. Carpenter? Yes.

[48:44] » Thank you, council. That passed the 60. And I just want to clarify um CFO

[48:49] Morgan. So, let's say I personally wrote a check as a business owner in the

[48:55] village to give money for another community event. Um, does that money

[49:02] just go straight into whatever account or does that require

[49:07] that money to be then appropriated because it's an additional amount that

[49:12] we hadn't anticipated earlier? >> Well, at the beginning at the end of

[49:16] each year going into the new year, we do our appropriations. Part of that is also

[49:21] estimating revenue. With this particular fund, it's very hard to know exactly how

[49:28] much you're going to be able to have in donations and bring in. So, we took kind

[49:33] of a rough estimate and then set the appropriations accordingly. Moving on

[49:38] through the year, businesses and residents have been more generous and

[49:44] therefore the appropriations need to be raised for that level of extra revenue

[49:50] we received. So, thank you. Right. Just wanted to clarify so that folks

[49:56] understood we weren't just robbing Peter to pay Paul. Okay.

[50:02] » Okay. The next item is a utility director. Can you speak to that as well?

[50:06] » Um, so in your packet, you should have received a proposed job description. Um,

[50:11] I'm it was at the beginning of this month that I met with the personnel

[50:15] committee and we introduced the idea of utility director. Um when you asked me

[50:21] to become the administrator, uh we talked a lot about efficiencies and

[50:25] making sure that we're building up the right team and that we're positioning

[50:29] the village for the growth that we're experiencing, but also to make sure that

[50:34] we're running your utilities smoothly from now into the future. And so working

[50:38] with several different uh team members and uh including our engineering firm

[50:44] and looking at the efficiencies in other communities similar to our size. Um I'm

[50:50] asking for council to consider this new position for the utility director.

[50:55] There's a few points I want to clarify. Um we have done some shifting around

[51:01] operationally uh to ensure that what we budgeted this year versus what we

[51:07] anticipate budgeting next year. We are not seeing an increase in salaries even

[51:12] though we're adding this position. Uh our plan is that we will not have

[51:17] assistant superintendent in the water and waste or water reclamation

[51:21] departments. Instead, we will have the utility director and we will have the

[51:26] two superintendent reporting directly to them with the utility director reporting

[51:30] to me. Um I'm finding out as I'm learning and diving into this role that

[51:36] having consistency amongst the two departments is really really important

[51:42] and we are fortunate to have some great uh team members in that department and

[51:47] so um having discussion with them and talking about operationally where are

[51:52] some gaps this is where this we've resulted to to this position. Um, we've

[51:58] really dove into the job description and making sure that there's clear lines

[52:02] amongst the superintendent, the utility director, and the administrator. But, of

[52:07] course, as we, uh, figure this out and navigate a new position, uh, especially

[52:12] one in leadership, there will probably be adjustments we have to make along the

[52:15] way, and I'll keep you updated as we figure out how to to best make this

[52:19] position function for the village. I know you probably have lots of

[52:23] questions, so I'm happy to answer any you may have.

[52:39] No, I not. Uh, I am looking for a motion to ask solicitor Rose to draft

[52:44] legislation for this new position. >> So moved.

[52:48] » Second. Thank you, council. I have a vote or a

[52:53] motion from council member Marietta and a second from council member Hoskinson

[52:58] uh to draft legislation for council to consider with regard to a utility

[53:03] director position. Roll call, please.

[53:10] » Mr. Wolf, >> yes.

[53:12] » Mr. Marietta, >> yes.

[53:13] » Mr. Duvenelli, >> yes.

[53:15] » Mrs. Chapman, yes. >> Miss Hoskinson, yes. Mr. Carpenter,

[53:19] » yes. Thank you, council.

[53:24] I do appreciate each time council is willing to consider

[53:29] um putting more responsibility on individuals who demonstrate that they

[53:34] can handle more responsibility and demonstrate that they are willing to do

[53:39] more for the village and more for residents. So, thank you for that. Um I

[53:44] really want us to leverage our talent as much as we can instead of creating more

[53:49] jobs. I'd much rather have people do great at their current and uh elevated

[53:54] roles. So, thank you for doing for at least considering it.

[53:58] The [clears throat] next item on the agenda is administrators report. All

[54:02] right, several items that I want to share with you. Um I will end with

[54:07] everything we've dealt with this past week, which you obviously know is

[54:11] coming. Um but on a high note, we are excited to welcome a company called

[54:15] Westerman. Uh that announcement was made today. Uh it's a multi-million dollar

[54:21] investment uh with a great payroll investment in the village as well. Could

[54:26] be upwards of 130 employees. Um this particular company is located in

[54:33] Breamman and they're opening their uh an additional location here in Hebrin. Um

[54:38] they build the tanks that are used for nuclear power. So they're not doing that

[54:44] here just to clarify. uh they're building the tanks for that. Um they

[54:48] will be occupying the old Ohio Metal Technologies building. So it's not a new

[54:53] building, it's going into an existing building, which is also a really big

[54:56] win. Um because that building's been empty for a couple years now. Uh they've

[55:00] already been a great partner. We've worked very closely with Growlicki

[55:04] County and One Columbus. Um so as we continue to celebrate that win and get

[55:09] more information, I will make sure to share that with you.

[55:13] Uh, as a reminder, um, Chris will be sending out some information the Ohio

[55:18] Municipal League conference that is coming up in October. Uh, I know the

[55:22] mayor will probably chat about this during her comments as well, but it's

[55:25] really great programming for council, mayors, and administration. So, I hope

[55:29] to see you all there. Uh, as well as you will be receiving a reminder about your

[55:34] public records training and making sure that's completed before the end of the

[55:38] year. We are going to have two different

[55:42] opportunities for council to volunteer and I hope you'll consider it. Uh one is

[55:46] the river roundup. Uh we do this annually. Uh you're probably going to

[55:50] see some information that river roundup this year falls on pie festival day and

[55:54] you all know nothing else happens on pie festival day in Hebrin other than the pi

[55:58] festival. So, that being said, uh we did change our date to September 5th, and of

[56:04] course, we are going to need extra hands with that cleanup given the

[56:08] circumstances of what we faced last week. So, I hope you'll consider

[56:11] volunteering. And then, uh after you get done cleaning up the parks and the

[56:17] ditches the following weekend, we ask you to wash your hands first, but then

[56:21] come and serve pie at the pie festival. and we have several opportunities

[56:25] throughout that evening for you to sign up and support that effort as well. Um,

[56:29] we will send out both of those signups via email so that you can consider them.

[56:36] And uh, this being a topic this evening, I feel like it's appropriate to mention,

[56:40] I know you're aware, but um, with the Wurns and their concerns, I think it

[56:46] raises the priority for our active transportation plan that we're working

[56:50] through right now. Um, so we're working very closely with LCATs to start that

[56:55] work. Uh, we've already done a kickoff and they've already been in the village

[56:58] soliciting feedback from residents. Um, also with signage in the village uh near

[57:05] some of our most traveled areas uh with walking and biking with a QR code and

[57:10] they said that the feedback is coming in really well. They'll also be at the pi

[57:14] festival and then of course I has I I have forwarded the communication um to

[57:19] them so that we can really take a deeper dive into the bike safety aspect as

[57:24] we're working through this plan long term. So please note that. And then um

[57:30] I'm convinced that uh the first 30 days as administrator there's going to be a

[57:35] little bit of everything thrown at me to make sure I can hack it. Uh because last

[57:39] week was a doozy. Um, I am so grateful to all of the different partners from a

[57:45] county and a regional perspective. All of you, all of our businesses and

[57:49] residents that stepped up to make sure that um, our people were taken care of.

[57:54] Uh, it was a really tough week for many of our residents. Um, some of them

[57:59] displaced from their homes, some of them still in their homes, but literally

[58:03] surrounded by water. um and the amount of people that were willing to step up

[58:07] and take care of one another. It was it was really special to see. Um, so I want

[58:13] to thank of course our police department, uh, Westlicking Fire, uh,

[58:18] for all of their help. Uh, our public works department and our community

[58:21] development department. But even though, um, our other utility departments

[58:25] necessarily weren't focused on flooding, uh, there were some other issues that

[58:31] came out of flooding and kept them very, very busy as well. um all of our

[58:36] churches. Uh Pastor Carpenter, uh Councilman Carpenter, I don't know what

[58:41] to call you in this circumstance. Um and then Pastor Harkness, um making sure

[58:46] that we had a shelter for several people that needed it throughout uh several

[58:50] days. Uh worked very closely with the Licking County Emergency Management

[58:54] Agency, Red Cross, Salvation Army, the businesses. we have so much that was

[59:00] donated that we're convinced that we're going to have extra even after we

[59:04] deliver the care packages tomorrow. So, uh they really really stepped up. So,

[59:10] along those same lines, Hein Trailblazers, our community improvement

[59:13] corporation, um if you would walk across, well, you can see it in the

[59:16] hallway right now. Um but if you also would go to the library space, you would

[59:20] see so many items that have been donated um by different people. And we're going

[59:25] to be using those items to build care packages that will not only build

[59:29] tomorrow. So, if you're interested from 9 to 11, but then we're going to

[59:32] physically deliver them to the properties that we know were impacted.

[59:35] And then we're also going to initiate uh and allow residents to to pull through

[59:40] the parking lot and pick up if we didn't get them through hand delivery. So,

[59:45] those um deliveries are going to include personal care items, um cleaning

[59:50] supplies, food, a variety of items that hopefully will be helpful to all of

[59:56] them. Um there is also a crisis cleanup line that we're sharing via Facebook and

[1:00:00] getting ready to put out an email. So, as you're seeing those things or you're

[1:00:04] talking to residents that have been impacted, please make sure that you

[1:00:08] share with them that there are resources available for them or at least worth a

[1:00:12] call. Um, I talked to the EMA today and they said that even across all of the

[1:00:17] communities that were impacted this past week, the calls have actually been

[1:00:20] really minimal um for that cleanup crisis line. So, I'm not sure if people

[1:00:25] are really realizing that that resource is available to them. Uh, with that, I

[1:00:31] also want to mention that we've received an influx of call calls about sink holes

[1:00:35] or other issues along the village. Um, we had a tree down on Canal Road today.

[1:00:40] Um, those things are a result of what we experienced last week and my team is

[1:00:45] working really hard to make sure that we address them as soon as we possibly can.

[1:00:49] Um, and I know that it's extremely frustrating for residents when we can't

[1:00:53] address them on the same day that they're brought up. Um, but I ask that

[1:00:57] you if you hear any of these concerns, you bring them to me immediately so that

[1:01:01] we can get them on the list, prioritize them, and make sure everybody's taken

[1:01:04] care of as quickly as we possibly can. So, that concludes my update.

[1:01:11] Thank you,

[1:01:15] Council President Wolf. >> Um, I brought this up one other time.

[1:01:20] It's been a while back, but just talking about the bike safety and all that. It's

[1:01:26] possible to get a crosswalk put in on Maine at 9th.

[1:01:31] » I mean, the sidewalk's already cut there for it.

[1:01:35] » Absolutely. So, um, I should have mentioned this as well. We've had some

[1:01:40] things come up between then, so we didn't get to celebrate as much as I'd

[1:01:43] like to, but with the ODOT funding that I mentioned a few weeks ago,

[1:01:47] approximately almost $1.9 million that we were awarded. Um, I have that kickoff

[1:01:52] call in September. It's not going to be a fast project. We all know that I like

[1:01:56] things done the next day, but reality sinking in. It doesn't work that way

[1:01:59] sometimes. um but $1.9 million and it is specifically to safety and pedestrian

[1:02:05] safety uh on West Main Street. So that's going to include multiple sidewalks, a

[1:02:10] bike lane, curve out um I'm sorry, um bumpouts, and several other features

[1:02:15] that I think will make a huge difference long term, but we'll have to be patient

[1:02:20] on that. And I'll have more information on what that timeline looks like after

[1:02:24] that kickoff call in September.

[1:02:28] Good. Thank you, council member. Council

[1:02:32] member Juvenelli. >> Yes. Um, well, first I in my report

[1:02:36] wanted to take a moment to recognize and thank everyone across the village who

[1:02:41] stepped over or stepped up over the past week in response to the flooding our

[1:02:45] community experienced. The work of our police department, public works, water

[1:02:50] and wastewater department, and the entire village administration was truly

[1:02:54] commendable. I am incredibly grateful for the time, effort, and dedication

[1:02:59] that went into helping our community through a very difficult situation.

[1:03:04] But just as importantly as I was incredibly proud to see how many people

[1:03:07] throughout Hebrin stepped up to help their neighbors, whether through

[1:03:11] donations, assisting with evacuations, helping those directly impacted, or

[1:03:16] continuing to led or lend a hand even now.

[1:03:20] Moments like this remind me why I am so proud to call Heinron home. The

[1:03:25] kindness, generosity, and genuine care people showed one another over the past

[1:03:30] week says an awful lot about the community that we have here. And I am

[1:03:34] simply wanting to say thank you to all of you.

[1:03:38] Finally, I'd like to acknowledge an email that I

[1:03:41] received recently from resident Jeff Johnstone expressing concern about my

[1:03:47] work schedule and wondering if I should step down. I wanted to address this

[1:03:52] publicly. Balancing my career and public service

[1:03:57] is a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly and one of which I've not missed a

[1:04:02] single beat. Serving Hebrin is an incredible honor. I remain 100%

[1:04:08] committed to this seat and I'm not going anywhere. I appreciate Jeff Jstone and

[1:04:14] all of our residents truly and also for staying engaged in our local government.

[1:04:21] That's all I had. Thank you. >> Thank you, Council Member Carpenter.

[1:04:29] » Couple things. Um first the uh want to just remind council

[1:04:34] the potential for the upcoming finance budget meeting.

[1:04:39] Just everybody start looking for it and make yourself available so we can go

[1:04:43] through that process. CFO Morgan has already selected the date I believe

[1:04:49] tenative

[1:04:54] like to encourage everybody to make that a reality.

[1:04:58] Second, >> everybody or just the committee?

[1:05:00] » The committee. Committee. Yes. Thank you.

[1:05:03] » And staff.

[1:05:08] » Second. The uh community is reflective of its leadership and I personally have

[1:05:13] heard the comments of everybody's appreciation for the community that has

[1:05:18] stepped up for the recent flooding in town. But as a council member who was

[1:05:23] out there on the streets, it was good to see our mayor,

[1:05:29] our administrator, the police force, the public works people, the fire

[1:05:35] department, not just present, but doing above and

[1:05:39] beyond what their responsibility calls for. I know I specifically caught the

[1:05:45] mayor on several occasions doing steakouts.

[1:05:50] I actually brought her a meal tonight, an ME so she'll never go hungry again.

[1:05:56] But I think it's one of those jobs that you take a lot of

[1:06:01] criticism for because you have to make on the spot decisions that may not be so

[1:06:07] acceptable by everyone given the predicament at large. But to see that

[1:06:12] they're willing to be out there getting their boots rolled up and and doing the

[1:06:17] work that is necessary to me was very overwhelming and quite frankly proud to

[1:06:23] be a part of the council of this this city as a result. So I want to say thank

[1:06:27] you to the the leadership also. Then finally, I'd like to just put in a plug

[1:06:33] for continued review until resolution is made on the

[1:06:39] ebikes. I know I am seeing a huge insurgence

[1:06:45] of ebikes on our sidewalks and I'm also seeing where safety is

[1:06:51] compromised to the fact that we're not looking for pedestrians.

[1:06:56] We're taking ownership of the sidewalk by the ebikes and that's concerning to

[1:07:01] me.

[1:07:04] » Thank you, Council Member Hoskinson.

[1:07:08] » I just want to reiterate same thing. I was so proud. I was literally in tears

[1:07:12] on Thursday when I stopped by to drop stuff off because I was just in awe of

[1:07:17] the amount of time and everyone pouring out their hearts. And

[1:07:22] uh my hearts also go out to everyone that has struggled and lost things. It's

[1:07:28] just it's terrible. Um but I'm so appreciative of our community, our

[1:07:32] leadership, everyone, our businesses, and our residents.

[1:07:37] That's all. >> Thank you.

[1:07:41] » Oh, nothing. I didn't even get to say your name. Okay. [laughter]

[1:07:46] » Uh, Council Member Marietta, >> I have two two things to share tonight,

[1:07:50] and I don't expect answers on either one of these, but I know it's going it's

[1:07:54] coming. Uh, storm drains. I know we have to get those inspected on. There was no

[1:07:59] flow of a lot of water. Uh Dennis uh street has had a problem for a long

[1:08:05] time where even a small amount of water comes in, it does not go anywhere for a

[1:08:12] long time. It basically seeps out. >> Uh and then we had a uh lift station off

[1:08:18] of Water Street. I believe it is by the fire station.

[1:08:23] » It went down. Yeah. >> Yeah. It went down and uh it took a call

[1:08:29] to get somebody there. And I'm thinking maybe we might want to have like an

[1:08:33] alarm or a backup pump or something there because not only did some

[1:08:38] residents get the water, they got the waste water also. And uh that's only

[1:08:44] because that lift station went down. So we got we need I you know I know we just

[1:08:50] need to get something done for that. Uh, and then crazy thing is we have storm

[1:08:56] drains plugged up and I come by the day after water receded and there's people

[1:09:02] mowing their grass, throwing the grass out

[1:09:06] 140. I just I don't know what to do about that. Probably nothing you can't

[1:09:10] do. It's common sense that you shouldn't be doing that and it's just plugging

[1:09:15] things up worse. So, we did at one time we had cameras go down and check brains

[1:09:20] and all. Is that something we could possibly do soon?

[1:09:24] » Yeah, we do that. And then of course after the storms that took place, we

[1:09:29] have to go through and do a cleanout of almost everything. Even culverts, we had

[1:09:34] trash cans flowing through culverts of course that weren't there before the

[1:09:37] storm and made their way there. Um, so there's going to be a lot of clean up

[1:09:40] and inspection that has to happen moving forward. Um, I did learn a lot about

[1:09:44] lift stations over the last week, uh, given the circumstances and, you know,

[1:09:49] some of it was simply because of the flooding, right? I was just on a call,

[1:09:53] Mayor and I were on a call Sunday at 12:30 with Licking County EMA and other

[1:09:57] communities on that call were saying that they experienced the sewer backup

[1:10:01] because of the amount of water and their systems just couldn't keep up with it.

[1:10:06] So, we weren't alone in that. Um, however, the conversations about

[1:10:11] generators and, uh, the proper power supply on some of these lift stations,

[1:10:16] uh, moving forward, uh, it's going to be a big investment and we're probably not

[1:10:20] going to be able to get every single one of them taken care of, but we're going

[1:10:23] to prioritize and talk about that during budget season. Tom and I had some

[1:10:27] dialogue about that uh, last week, but that is on the list and uh, raising it's

[1:10:34] on priority as well given the circumstances.

[1:10:36] » Yeah. And I believe this particular lift station has been a problem for us in the

[1:10:41] past. I mean, it's more than once this has happened. So,

[1:10:44] » I'll [clears throat] definitely look into that as well. Thank you for

[1:10:46] bringing that up. >> That's all I have.

[1:10:49] » I would say that on the way in tonight, just at the creek down here, there is an

[1:10:54] 8 foot railroad tie alongside the road that's just barely outside the travel.

[1:11:02] I think that was actually supposed they anticipated it to be picked up today

[1:11:06] because it was a part of their debris. Um I noticed that when I was coming back

[1:11:10] in too. >> I just tag on one more with Tom with the

[1:11:15] lift station. There is a red light on them. You can see whether they're on or

[1:11:19] off. But >> um do we go around checking

[1:11:24] sump pumps? How many sump pumps are tied into these sewer lines too?

[1:11:29] So, I can't speak to this directly, but I do know that there was some testing

[1:11:33] that was done two years ago. Does that sound about right? I'm looking for that.

[1:11:38] Um, where they were trying to determine if that and I I don't believe there were

[1:11:42] many found if any at all. Does that sound right? But I'll follow I'll follow

[1:11:46] up on that. That's been more just dialogue that I've heard about uh in the

[1:11:50] economic development role and less in this role, but I'll do some

[1:11:53] investigating. I I don't know how legal we have a stand of going in and checking

[1:11:59] for sure to see if someone's got the sump pump connected into it, but

[1:12:04] » they did the smoke test. >> The smoke test is exactly the test that

[1:12:08] was done about >> work if you've got a check valve on your

[1:12:11] something. >> I can't speak to that. Um, I would be

[1:12:17] happy to look into it, but I can't speak to that right now

[1:12:20] » because I it's not just the lift stations going down. I know that I

[1:12:26] actually have a check valve on my line, sewer line, and the pressure is so bad

[1:12:31] that it leaks past it a lot of times. And it always when we have a heavy rain,

[1:12:36] it doesn't necessarily have to have a lot of on the street, but uh I

[1:12:44] I question some of my neighbors of where their sump pumps are going to.

[1:12:52] Well, not only that, spoutings, too. >> So, I'm so sorry.

[1:12:58] » That brings up another question, too. A lot of neighbors spoutings. I just

[1:13:02] noticed this today. One of my neighbors coming off their house down over their

[1:13:05] yard right towards me. So, where are some of they going? Are they going in

[1:13:10] this? You know, yeah,

[1:13:15] we could do a lot of checking. Would it be beneficial, m mayor, do we

[1:13:21] have a registry or can we create a registry of those who are

[1:13:26] continually impacted by the flooding so that we might maybe have a more

[1:13:32] proactive response to those?

[1:13:36] if you have that short answer. >> Uh we have um the 2D model and the work

[1:13:41] that the Army Corps of Engineers have done that identify the flood plane and

[1:13:45] the major impacted areas. Um and then of course just our familiarity with the

[1:13:50] village when things flood um has helped with that. Um and then of course there

[1:13:56] are several homes in the area that are in the flood plane which is easily

[1:13:59] documented. Um, so there's enough between those things there's enough

[1:14:03] data, but of course, um, anytime anyone sees any significant issues. A good

[1:14:08] example is, um, right before the flood, I received a call from a resident on

[1:14:12] Dennison saying that their storm drain uh, backs up regularly. Before that, I I

[1:14:17] didn't know that or I wouldn't have known that they that they've experienced

[1:14:21] that. So, I would also encourage you when you're talking to residents and

[1:14:25] they're bringing up these concerns to make sure that they call administration

[1:14:28] and share these things so that we can troubleshoot them um or at least like

[1:14:32] you mentioned document them because we we can't see it all.

[1:14:35] » I'm more concerned for the elderly that don't have a spouse

[1:14:40] » who are unable to help themselves. >> Absolutely.

[1:14:46] So, um, I'm going to go in reverse order of how I had planned to go just because

[1:14:51] it ties into so much of what you've discussed tonight.

[1:14:54] um the tiff conversation, that's a very real

[1:15:00] opportunity for us to work on improving our lift stations, having backup um

[1:15:07] pumps and developing some type of failsafe or backup situation so that

[1:15:14] when number one goes down, number two is already at the ready. Um, those are all

[1:15:18] things that our neighbors are able to use that TIFF funding for right now to

[1:15:24] make sure that we they don't have those issues. Um, I know it's a hard

[1:15:28] conversation, but I really do feel like voters are being crystal clear about

[1:15:33] they do not want to pay one penny more of real estate taxes. So, these taxes

[1:15:38] that are being collected, we need to use them effectively. Um also I have not

[1:15:43] seen our um fire district go without um whereas it's very clear we are very

[1:15:50] behind on paving right and we're behind on addressing the inflow and

[1:15:55] infiltration of storm water into our sewer system. So I don't like pitting

[1:16:01] these services against once one another, but we are spinning plates. And so we

[1:16:07] need to pay attention to the plates that are slowing down tragically

[1:16:12] um to the point where it's unsustainable for our very residents.

[1:16:17] Uh I also want to say about common sense. Someone said something about it's

[1:16:21] common sense to not blow grass into the street. You're absolutely right. Unless

[1:16:27] you're a first-time home homeowner, unless you're a first-time renter or

[1:16:31] you've never had to mow your own grass before, um our kind words to our

[1:16:36] neighbors to let them know, hey, did you know that that's dangerous for

[1:16:40] motorcycles and it ends up in our storm water? Um those don't have to be super

[1:16:46] uncomfortable conversations. We can all be part of that solution. So, keep that

[1:16:50] in mind if the opportunity presents itself.

[1:16:54] Um, we have residents who literally had standing water in their home last week

[1:17:00] and we have residents who the water came so high it destroyed their HVAC uh duct

[1:17:07] work. We have people who lost their AC and heating units. Um, so while we have

[1:17:14] survived the immediate, we do have people that have very real needs right

[1:17:18] now. Um, if you know of somebody who's looking for a way to connect and be

[1:17:22] meaningful, there are lots of volunteer opportunities. You need only reach out

[1:17:27] to um, village administrator Meisner or the churches or the uh, Caitlyn. Um, we

[1:17:34] have lots of places to reach out. So, please, if somebody says they haven't

[1:17:38] found a way to to help, please connect them with one of us.

[1:17:44] Um, last week, ironically, I spent the

[1:17:47] beginning of the week at the One Water Conference. And so, we were talking

[1:17:51] about um treating water so it's drinkable, treating um wastewater so it

[1:17:58] can be reclaimed, and also dealing with storm water. There were some amazing

[1:18:03] sessions. I think part of my staff was uh concerned because when I came home I

[1:18:09] wrote an opus about all the things I want to do um to make our water sewer

[1:18:15] rates more fair. Um those who use a lot require a lot of our services. Those who

[1:18:22] have peaks, right, they're using much much more in the summer and not very

[1:18:28] much in the fall. We still have to maintain the same level of uh competency

[1:18:34] and ability to provide that all year round. I can't, you know, uh send half

[1:18:39] my staff home for, you know, for six months because we don't have as much

[1:18:44] need as much capacity. Um I'm saying that because I want us to be more

[1:18:50] aggressive about making sure that those who use the most water pay the most for

[1:18:54] water and that our residents aren't carrying that burden. Um, now the hard

[1:19:00] part about that is it's not going to be a simple mathematical model like we have

[1:19:05] right now. So I want us to be prepared to have some tough conversations about

[1:19:09] what some of that might look like. But remember, even a 1% change in your

[1:19:14] trajectory in the long run makes a huge difference for these budgets. And so it

[1:19:19] will empower us to do some of this work that we need to be able to do.

[1:19:24] I want to say that I was um delighted to receive phone calls from um Troy

[1:19:30] Balderson. We also uh received phone calls from uh Bernie Mareno. We received

[1:19:35] phone calls from uh Senator Schaefer and Representative Miller in the Ohio level

[1:19:41] calling with very clear communications of if there are things that we can be

[1:19:46] doing at the state level to help residents, please let us know. So, if

[1:19:51] you know of anyone who is permanently displaced or will be displaced from

[1:19:55] their home for weeks, we really need to know that because we need to communicate

[1:20:00] it up so that they can set funding aside.

[1:20:04] I want to thank my team. Um, this last week was really intense. Um, I can't

[1:20:11] believe I didn't yell at anybody. I was so tired. Oh my goodness. Maybe

[1:20:17] it's because Yeah. Okay. Anyway, so um I'm just really really proud to work

[1:20:23] with a team uh that I have and I really appreciate people just saying, you know

[1:20:28] what, I'm gonna work night shift because that's going to be better for my team.

[1:20:31] I'm going to do this. I'm going to do that. Um every single person uh that I

[1:20:36] asked, many people I didn't even have to ask anything. So, thank you. Um and I am

[1:20:43] taking a vacation. You may want to mark your calendars. Uh September 1st through

[1:20:48] 8th I will be away. If we have something scheduled we need to reschedu but I

[1:20:52] think you can all agree I probably need a timeout. Um I want to second uh

[1:20:57] Britney's comment about OML. I really do hope folks will take advantage even if

[1:21:02] it's just for a day. I'd love to see your faces there. I'd love to be able to

[1:21:05] introduce you to other folks who are doing the work that you're doing so you

[1:21:08] can steal their great ideas and bring them home for us. And then um

[1:21:15] bikes, ebikes and bikes. So I want to say that we um have been talking and

[1:21:22] thinking a lot about bikes and cats and these things, right? Um but our legal

[1:21:29] team has been absolutely focused, thank goodness, on um the Ohio

[1:21:35] Supreme Court case, for which I'm very thankful. He keeps his head down, but

[1:21:39] it's true. Um, I know he's been working very hard on that. So, a little grace on

[1:21:44] some of the legislation. I sure would appreciate that for Solicer Rose. Um,

[1:21:49] but we will get to these things. Um, please don't feel that we're not paying

[1:21:54] attention to them. We just need a little more time. And that is my update.

[1:22:01] We have this time as a second goound for visitor comments. Any visitor comments?

[1:22:07] Okay.

[1:22:10] Unless otherwise noted, it's understood that council members have reviewed the

[1:22:13] expense report provided and have no questions.

[1:22:19] Just want to draw your attention to the meeting and event schedule this coming

[1:22:22] Sunday at 7 p.m. It's the art and music miniseries. Can you tell us details?

[1:22:27] » Dueling pianos. >> Oh yeah, they had to cancel. They were

[1:22:30] on their first one. They were the first one we had scheduled. So they're excited

[1:22:34] to be back in August. >> Fantastic. Um we will be closed

[1:22:38] obviously on Labor Day. So the council meeting has been moved to the adjacent

[1:22:42] Tuesday. Uh then we get into the pie festival. What is this like fifth year?

[1:22:49] » Yes. >> Yeah. The fifth one.

[1:22:52] » Um and I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. If you have

[1:22:58] not yet def, you know, identified ways to do that, please do so. Uh and then we

[1:23:03] get back into planning and zoning, council meetings and combined council

[1:23:08] committees. Again, that combined council committees

[1:23:12] is actually a work session. So, um yeah, any other good of the order

[1:23:20] comments or anything? I would like to say it's good to see people show up

[1:23:24] tonight and express their concerns other than water

[1:23:30] and I just appreciate people getting involved and caring about this.

[1:23:37] That's it. Thank you. >> Thank you.

[1:23:41] » Okay. I am seeking a motion to adjourn.

[1:23:49] I have a motion from council member Marietta and a second from council

[1:23:52] president Wolf. Roll call, please. >> Yes.

[1:23:57] » Yes. >> Mr. Carpenter.

[1:23:58] » Yes. >> Miss Hoskinson? Yes. Mrs. Chapman? Yes.

[1:24:01] Mr. Maretta? >> Yes.

[1:24:03] » Thank you, council. This meeting of the village of Hebrin council is now

[1:24:06] adjourned

2026.08.24 Hebron, OH Council Meeting

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