The Celina City Council met Monday Night September 8th. During the meeting, Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel talked about the Police Department's new Assistant Chief and Sergeant and the Department's staffing levels. To hear comments with Mayor Hazel:

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The following is an AI Generated Summary of the Celina City Council Meeting:

1. City Council Meeting: Personnel Updates, Health Department Levy, Public Safety Concerns, and Emergency Appropriation for Firefighter Gear

• Opening Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance

  The meeting began with a prayer for Councilman Myron Buxton's hand healing following an accident and for guidance for the council, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

• Roll Call and Agenda Acceptance

  Roll call confirmed all council members present. The agenda was accepted as written with no additions.

• Corrections to Previous Meeting Minutes (August 25, 2025)

  Council members proposed corrections to the minutes from August 25, 2025. These included clarifying that fire department feasibility study updates would be discussed at the 'committee of the whole' instead of the 'next council meeting,' correcting a statement about e-bikes being 'illegal if seen by the police department' rather than 'legal,' specifying that e-bikes (not those with trailers) were seen riding around tracks, and changing 'pool is not closed down' to 'pool is now closed down.' A motion to amend and accept the minutes passed unanimously (7-0).

• Swearing-In of Police Personnel

  Mayor announced the swearing-in of Colin Fueling as Assistant Police Chief and David Powell as Sergeant. All police positions are filled with trainees pending final exam completion and swearing-in.

• Health Department Levy and Staffing

  Michelle Kimmel, representing the Mercer County Celina City Health Department, presented on the department's financial challenges. Having served in the environmental health division since 1997 and recently reassigned as agency administrator, Kimmel explained that the department has experienced substantial losses due to changes in the preventative health services marketplace, with revenue not keeping pace with expenses. Mitigation efforts include a hiring freeze, reducing staff from 19 to 11. A levy is placed on the ballot for November 4th, requesting $8 per $100,000 of property valuations, aiming to stabilize current numbers and capacities. Kimmel emphasized that a successful levy would ensure environmental health services remain under local control, preventing them from reverting to state control if deeper cuts are necessary. She also highlighted mandated services, such as the Communicable Disease Case Management Service (the foundation of public health for identifying and stopping disease spread) and environmental health services addressing public health nuisances like garbage accumulation, pest infestation, and mosquito breeding hazards, for which the department is the only entity legally capable of intervention.

• Health Department Program Clarifications

  Council members inquired about distinctions in environmental health programs. Kimmel clarified that their jurisdiction for sewage systems ends with household residential, with Ohio EPA handling others. She confirmed they conduct manufactured home inspections but not general house inspections, as Mercer County lacks a residential housing code; their property maintenance code focuses on public health aspects like exterior conditions and garbage accumulations impacting neighbors. Regarding tuberculosis, Kimmel stated it's not a major problem but occasional cases occur, with one ongoing non-infectious (latent) case requiring daily witnessed medication for up to nine months as per regulations. The levy will be on the ballot this fall.

• Audience Communication: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

  Jesse Francis, a frequent pedestrian and cyclist, raised significant concerns about the dangerous conditions on Celina streets, stating he feels more unsafe than he did in downtown Columbus. He recounted a recent incident on Wayne Street where a car's passenger shouted at him, then pulled over, and the passenger jumped out in front of him. Later, the same car nearly hit him while he was turning left. This was the third such incident in three weeks, including almost being run over in a crosswalk. Francis noted that few people use sidewalks, possibly due to perceived danger, and observed that the average speed on Wayne Street is closer to 50 mph than the posted 35 mph. He suggested that police patrols are not a sufficient solution and advocated for street redesigns, citing Armstrong Street's excessive width as an example of a difficult crossing for pedestrians. He also mentioned drivers accelerating to beat pedestrians at intersections like Main Street at Wayne. Francis expressed willingness to participate in a committee to address these issues.

• Audience Communication: Council Response to Safety Concerns

  Council members acknowledged ongoing discussions with the police department regarding e-bikes and traffic safety, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness and safer driving habits among all citizens, not just teenagers. Francis clarified that the individual who almost ran him over was an adult, not a teenager. He reiterated that he does not wish to burden the police with non-injury incidents and believes physical changes to infrastructure, such as islands, extended curbs, or separate bike lanes, would be more beneficial. He stated he has 'hundreds of different ideas' and is willing to get involved in a committee.

• Ordinance 37-25-0: Firefighter Uniform Allowance Emergency Appropriation

  The Law Director presented Ordinance 37-25-0, authorizing a $21,712 emergency appropriation from the general fund to the Fire Uniform Allowance account. This measure is deemed critical for public safety due to the immediate need for new gear and uniforms for four replacement firefighters and three new EMS levy-funded positions. Additionally, prior bulk purchases of uniforms and protective gear are simultaneously reaching the end of their service life, creating a critical equipment shortage. Chief Davis explained that past grant money for helmets resulted in 16-17 helmets expiring at the same time. He outlined a proposed five-year plan to prevent future bulk expirations, suggesting the purchase of five sets annually. The goal is to ensure all personnel are NFPA compliant and that full-time firefighters have two compliant sets of gear (one for use, one backup) to avoid operational downtime (8-12 hours for drying contaminated gear). This plan would allow full-time personnel to receive a new set every five years, while part-time personnel would receive one set for a 10-year span.

Conclusion

1. Prayer and Pledge completed; meeting called to order.

2. Agenda accepted unanimously.

3. Corrections were approved and minutes accepted as amended.

4. Personnel changes completed; all positions filled pending training.

5. Levy information shared; council encouraged to spread awareness.

6. Clarifications provided; ongoing tuberculosis case managed per regulations.

7. Ordinance presented; plan for staggered gear replacement discussed.

2. City Council Operations, Infrastructure Projects, Funding, Public Safety, and Community Concerns

• Mandated Service Life of Firefighter Gear

  Discussion confirmed that the NFPA mandates a 10-year lifespan for all firefighter gear, requiring replacement regardless of usage.

• Replacement of Firefighter and EMS Gear

  The request to replace gear for four firefighters and three EMS personnel was supported by the council.

• Ordinance 33-25-0: Lease Agreement for Bryson Park District

  Ordinance 33-25-0, authorizing a lease agreement between the City of Celina and Veterans Forever, Inc. for the Bryson Park District, was presented for its second reading. Councilman Clausen praised Veterans Forever, Inc. for their excellent work in bringing back the Governor's Cup and expressed support for their proposed changes, which are seen as beneficial for growth. He also hoped they would secure the necessary financing to host an annual championship, specifically the Eastern Division championship. A motion to pass the ordinance to its third reading was approved unanimously (7-0).

• Westview Restroom and Mill Street Project Updates

  The Mayor provided updates on infrastructure projects. Grand Lake Builders is progressing on the Westview restroom, with interior walls painted and completion nearing. Both the Westview restroom and Mill Street projects are on track for completion by the end of November 2025.

• Pool Slide Installation

  Permits from the Department of Health have been obtained for the pool slide installation. Footers and the foundation are in place, and the city hopes to complete the flat work and begin erecting the slide within the next two to three weeks. Although the pool is not open for swimming, water lines will be tested. The project, which faced challenges with the permitting process this year, is expected to be fully open for the 2026 season.

• Signage and Basketball Light Installation

  Updates were given on various signage and lighting projects. Street signs, including those for 'no right-hand turns,' have arrived, but installation is pending the arrival of posts. For basketball lights, fixtures are available, but the posts themselves are not expected until mid-November due to supply chain backups. The kayak ramp sign has been successfully installed.

• Montgomery Field Scoreboard Replacement

  At Eastview Park's front ball field, commonly known as Montgomery Field, groups are collaborating to replace the existing scoreboard, which has issues with shorts and lights and is showing its age. This replacement, costing close to $70,000, will be entirely funded by private donations, not taxpayer money. The city's crews will handle the installation, as it would be cost-prohibitive for the Cincinnati-based company (Dectronics, a reputable company used by many schools) to do so. The city will retain ownership of the old scoreboard, which still works and may be utilized at a different field.

• Fundraising for Turf Replacement

  Discussion revolved around future funding for turf replacement. Currently, $125,000 has been set aside, but it is anticipated that significantly more funds, potentially double the current amount, will be required. The turf replacement is projected to be needed in at least two, possibly more, years. A council member expressed that no more taxpayer funds should be used for that facility at this time.

• Street Light Complaint at Kerns Ford/Chevy

  A resident complained about a new, bright LED street light near Kearns Ford/Chevy shining directly into their bedroom windows. The resident suggested moving the light down a pole or flipping it around. The city acknowledged the issue, noting that new LED lights are often brighter than older bulbs and can sometimes be toned down. They committed to investigating the specific location and considering adjustments.

• Illegal Signs in Tree Lawn

  A reminder was issued that it is illegal for any sign, including political, roofing company, or garage sale signs, to be placed in the tree lawn. Public Works and Engineering have been contacting candidates regarding political signs. Signs found on public property can be removed, and all signs must be placed behind the right-of-way line.

• Appreciation for Emergency Services

  Personal thanks were expressed to the fire department, paramedics, and police for their professionalism.

• E-Bike Safety Concerns

  Further concerns were raised about e-bikes, specifically one seen pulling a trailer at 20-25 mph down Holly, similar to previous discussions. While no children were observed in this instance, the council expressed worry about the safety of placing children in such trailers at high speeds, especially given the potential for them to stand up or for the trailer to hit an object. It was noted that St. Marys and other cities are experiencing similar issues.

• Westview Park Pond Water Level

  A question was raised about the low water level in Westview Park Pond. It was confirmed that the pond is filled by rainwater and that the current low level is due to the ongoing drought and lack of rain, not a drainage issue or a low spillway point. There is only one exit pipe on the east end.

• Congratulations to Newly Appointed and Promoted Personnel

  Recognition and congratulations were extended to newly appointed and promoted city personnel.

• Committee Meetings Scheduling

  An inquiry was made about scheduling future committee meetings, which is to be determined.

Conclusion

1. Council agreed on the necessity of gear replacement as mandated by NFPA.

2. Motion to suspend rules and pass ordinance for gear replacement was approved unanimously (7-0).

3. Motion to pass to third reading approved unanimously (7-0).

4. Projects are on schedule for completion by November 30, 2025.

5. Pool slide project is progressing and will be open for the 2026 season.

6. Signage installed; basketball light posts delayed until mid-November 2025.

7. Scoreboard replacement approved; installation by city crews; no taxpayer funds used.

8. Additional fundraising required; council agreed not to use more taxpayer funds at this time.

9. City will investigate and consider dimming or repositioning the LED light.

10. Public works and engineering will ensure signs are moved behind the right-of-way line.

11. Council acknowledged and appreciated emergency services.

12. No action needed; pond is rainwater-fed and current low level is due to drought.

13. Council expressed gratitude for service.

14. To be determined.

Next Arrangements

• Health department levy vote scheduled for November 4, 2025, with council encouraged to spread awareness about health department services and the levy.

• Potential future committee or discussion on pedestrian and cyclist safety and street redesigns, with Jesse Francis offering to participate in efforts to improve infrastructure and public awareness.

• Implementation of a five-year staggered firefighter gear replacement plan to ensure NFPA compliance and prevent future bulk expirations.

• Completion of Westview restroom and Mill Street projects by November 30, 2025.

• Pool slide installation to be completed for the 2026 season, following flat work and erection within the next two to three weeks.

• Basketball light posts to arrive by mid-November 2025, allowing for installation.

• Replacement of Montgomery Field scoreboard funded by private groups, with installation by city crews.

• Further fundraising needed for turf replacement in two or more years, with a current allocation of $125,000 but an expectation of needing double that amount.

• Investigation and adjustment of the street light at Kearns Ford/Chevy to address brightness complaints.

• Enforcement of sign placement regulations in tree lawns, ensuring all signs are behind the right-of-way line.

• Committee meetings scheduling to be determined.