[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6325201,"mediaKeyId","2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a","parentId",2334292,"title","Votes at a glance: council approves legal contracting, compensation changes, equipment buys and routine items","audioSeconds",751,"startMs",961000,"endMs",1712000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a&start=961&end=1712","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a/thumbnail_961000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6325201/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-legal-contracting-compensation-changes-equipment-buys-and-routine-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325201-455826621507ad5e096b8b83783fab7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118867&Signature=MM19pIUuz436sgiSK7hfa5Msi5QltEhKEbqwFnApLIz4MFyeh~SZ6QtUEiiKLZH7aRMdM~RI5LoQEPJtACsogk4tmQ9Tb0d4p7IzBMzpzMf3qt8TbFWddg47cROiF-mDfgEI7ht362ZuqCLdvWNIvCoIEFUbt9c8lG2zmcNqiWDa8JYsg2TOgop2KNL6DVj-Uq-Rnm2lgwwAEV5hG4AcOviYQeXkJtAt8DbR8vktx9u7yQqb1PMUqVM6eiSvZmZe6lC9u7y4mCvbZBdKf1unecUtLbvyFp5rq39OvCctFS9cvStdmxjPP1U~VTZ97BqvjRuhVZq3Xl7Kxpbv1Gi9DQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Napoleon OH","date","2025-02-19T00:33:27.697Z","article","The following actions were recorded and passed during the council meeting (all outcomes shown as recorded in the minutes):

- Resolution No. 5-25: Authorize assistant law director services, expenditures over $50,000 and fund transfers under Ohio Revised Code §5705.14; passed first read under emergency by suspension (roll-call Yes votes: Ross, Ken, Bob, Jordan, Tom, Doctor Dade, Britney).

- Resolution No. 006-25: Amend Resolution No. 044-24 to add the contracted attorneys to the city’s recurring-cost list; passed first read under emergency by suspension (roll-call recorded Yes votes include Ross, Ken, Matt, Jordan, Tom, DeGeys, Britney).

- Ordinance No. 007-25: Amend Chapter 955 (golf privilege fee) per Park Service Board recommendation; moved to second read (roll-call recorded Yes votes; council advanced to second reading).

- Ordinance No. 008-25: Authorize performance-based pay increase for the Law Director retroactive to Jan. 1; passed on first read under emergency by suspension (roll-call on ordinance recorded mixed Yes/No votes; majority passed).

- Ordinance No. 009-25: Authorize performance-based pay increase for the City Manager; passed on first read under emergency by suspension (roll-call recorded majority Yes).

- Ordinance No. 010-25: Amend compensation schedule to add Assistant-to-the-Law-Director positions and include them in the pay scale; passed on first read under emergency by suspension (roll-call recorded Yes votes).

- Approved purchase of a large dump truck (estimated $270,593; $300,000 budgeted) under state contract; passed by roll call.

- Approved purchase of a 2025 Ford F550 bucket truck (replacement of 2015 unit; approx. $261,000); passed by roll call.

- Authorized issuance of an RFP for a 69 kV-to-distribution transformer with LTC for the Enterprise substation rebuild (three-year lead time); passed by roll call.

- Accepted a $4,000 donation from the Four County Adams HS board to the Police Department for DARE and related drug-prevention programs; accepted by roll call.

- Approved the power-supply cost-adjustment factor for February 2025 (SPSCA 3-month average factor 0.0145; JV2 0.03437); passed by roll call.

- Directed the Law Director to draft legislation updating cemetery rates and fees after the Municipal Properties Committee recommendation; motion passed by roll call.

Notes: Several items — particularly pay and compensation ordinances and the legal-services measures — were passed by suspension of the rules as emergency first readings so the services or pay adjustments could take effect quickly. Vote tallies are recorded in the meeting minutes; the minutes show a mix of unanimous and majority votes depending on the ordinance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting February 17, 2025 | Napoleon, Ohio","oneSentenceSummary","A consolidated list of the formal votes recorded during the Napoleon City Council meeting, including ordinance and resolution numbers, brief descriptions and outcomes.","taxTitle","Napoleon City Council, Napoleon, Henry County, Ohio","taxId",72210,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325206,"Council approves fleet and electric-department purchases, transformer RFP and rate adjustment",304,2070000,2374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a&start=2070&end=2374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a/thumbnail_2070000.jpg","/articles/6325206/Ohio/Council-approves-fleet-and-electric-department-purchases-transformer-RFP-and-rate-adjustment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325206-b740252014fa8a71d8f215268fb73106/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118867&Signature=QLbfywvpOQSdI-2-bX-YawvJxJ37W7iRFIyqNp3aJmrdwwMqpMDKOuiMn703T8ehMeUaNbVmQkTT2mcQLSP15JNBxoQX~VoiuD6pd5L~5QKb34hbH7pXwWWES2~aleg9bsjLmQ4DuRkCy0WYnNurpONsHH4nAlva3BPKA4vWx0mpHi-5jGGEG3h9cFivlY0rOmNcf2DpbTHKMJ2ceLFsPA8qZSNn7yqlVw5OTkcSi82kCQYvkf5Z0VCMban65pH2NdPkqoAKDlQWRxD8e7rEbhYkvcAe78prrzMc-P7T~LYGhOnFAvNabmY1RTa2WOrtqMODZ2lrroIJOe4Xnl5WDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Napoleon City Council approved several capital purchases for public-works and electric operations, authorized an RFP for a substation transformer, and approved February’s power-supply cost adjustment factor.

Public Works sought approval to purchase a new large dump truck (2026 Freightliner chassis with quick-change salt insert). The department estimated the chassis and outfitting cost at $270,593 and said $300,000 was budgeted for the purchase, leaving the city about $30,000 under budget. Staff noted the truck will not be built or delivered until the following year; the vendor said the chassis and outfitting work cannot start until October.

The Electric Department asked for approval to buy a 2025 Ford F550 service bucket truck to replace a 2015 unit; staff said the purchase comes in well under the 2025 budgeted $300,000 and listed the price as about $261,000. Council approved the purchase on motion and roll call.

Council also authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for a larger distribution transformer (specifically a 69 kV-to-distribution transformer with LTC) as part of the Enterprise substation rebuild; staff said the lead time for the transformer is approximately three years and that the transformer is required to support expansion in the industrial park.

On utilities, council approved the power-supply cost-adjustment factor for February 2025: the three-month average SPSCA factor is 0.0145; another factor (JV2) is 0.03437. City staff said the rate adjustment is slightly lower than a year ago and cited natural-gas prices and generators returning to service as stabilizing factors.

Why it matters: The transformer procurement is a multi-year asset project tied to substation rebuild funding and industrial expansion. The vehicle purchases replace aging fleet and lock in 2025 pricing under state contract terms.

Votes and contract details: The dump truck purchase (estimated $270,593) and bucket truck purchase (approximately $261,000) were approved by roll call; specific vendor names are in the purchasing staff file. The transformer RFP issuance was approved unanimously; staff advised the three-year lead time and that AM Transmission funding and earlier asset agreements contributed to the substation rebuild plan.

Ending: Staff will place the truck orders under state purchasing contracts and add the transformer RFP to upcoming procurement schedules; the SPSCA rate adjustment will be applied to February bills per standard utility procedures.","Council authorized purchases of a large dump truck and a bucket truck, approved issuing an RFP for a substation transformer (three-year lead time) and accepted the February power-supply cost adjustment factor.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325211,"Council directs law director to draft updated cemetery-fees legislation after committee recommendation",1075,827000,1902000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a&start=827&end=1902","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a/thumbnail_827000.jpg","/articles/6325211/Ohio/Council-directs-law-director-to-draft-updated-cemetery-fees-legislation-after-committee-recommendation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325211-e3d2797a32fae359cace44d982084230/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118867&Signature=hLvQ23kQfwCdEucM-YfDvmhrCS9wib7Ld70wu-yt380apQAsyRC~ZyQvDhh1umluvVK3WjVPN7r0LnmW5kgo2AJmw3j-c5s7RvI3elcxsK-on0s1HoaZgGqFuQ-7YL~paaYoOooZUtOLSV9cxzT7kwf1epOws7l9bpbIM~h8L41B7IoaCZFPKpc4D7bZrAo5VsJjB7yL87xoBFBHtw99DepZb3OhRbdUIB9VMNLCl2~LiWyEd8N1T4q0bVyM3fA7KD2cSaQM9PWuabH2GuXF8vjwYcxOtMc6zVWjG3uGuznLj3Zvt21xhrbA4hCeD5JbfqKDzXL4omLmJr~T7E0ARA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Napoleon’s municipal properties committee presented a plan to raise cemetery lot and burial fees that have been largely unchanged for more than two decades, and the council voted to direct the law director to draft the necessary legislation.

“We presented a change in all the rates and fees for the cemeteries, in terms of the cost for lots as well as burial costs,” Committee member Weitzel told council, adding that the committee used inflation factors and neighboring local rates to compute “fair prices or fees.”

Council voted to direct the law director to draft legislation so the changes can be introduced at the next meeting. The motion to direct the law director passed by roll call with Yes votes recorded in the minutes from Ross, Ken, (others listed as Yes) and Britney.

Why it matters: Cemetery rates in Napoleon have not been adjusted for more than 20 years, the committee said, and the update would align local fees with inflation and comparable local charges.

Details: Committee members proposed increases across lot and burial categories; the law director was asked to draft a package of legislation to present at the next council meeting. The council’s vote to direct the law director did not itself change fees — it only authorized drafting and introduction of ordinances.

Next steps: The law director will prepare the ordinances and present them for council consideration at a subsequent meeting. Any fee changes would require ordinance passage before they take effect.

Ending: Council recorded the motion and directed staff to bring the proposed rate changes back as draft legislation at the next meeting.","The municipal properties committee recommended increases to cemetery lot and burial fees that have not been raised in more than 20 years; council voted to direct the law director to prepare legislation for the next meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325216,"Residents press council for pickleball courts; Parks & Rec meeting set to refine plans",65,606000,671000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a&start=606&end=671","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a/thumbnail_606000.jpg","/articles/6325216/Ohio/Residents-press-council-for-pickleball-courts-Parks-Rec-meeting-set-to-refine-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325216-e5288f26663614c2c6138bed2108c042/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118867&Signature=eknFUYajgmz9X2DMO2SOq86hcGHUpfkBRUnsdFgWc75PbVN4xqCHh793tb4ue88~~FfO10oHksiQC3LgN9EKBg8Mvfwrb3OfAVe1n9vOSTNCTes5DubZdqIT06ifnsmbByT1m2tWyvnTNmjaLIZpajFxm6hzJFk9Ew~GI774tqWEmtNGFZOwFEMBgIzF9UT1E8PQQxyXLX0KjcbPO~HgjrOOWuVyK8hd-~hyPNgXTsntdoeJgBg40P2V5MM2Rz75VuPPAQ76geX6fqWppdc4MX9E1TJ9~gGw2JeqxEZgC4sVnfU4hhiYXhk7Vs7Hdw0fvlTu9j~FH96L1iJbx8Q6hQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A resident urged the Napoleon City Council to move forward on new outdoor pickleball courts, saying demand has grown in neighboring towns and current local facilities are limited to seniors.

“I'm Beverly Nelson. I live at 1146 Kenilworth, Napoleon,” the resident told council during the public-comment period, noting other area communities have built multiple courts and that Napoleon’s indoor senior facilities limit play after 4 p.m.

Council staff said money is budgeted for courts in the 2025 budget and the Parks & Recreation Board will meet the first week of March to consider locations. “The initial plan was for Swearingen Park on the south side,” a staff member said, adding that staff and the parks director are evaluating other sites including Overhouse Park and Oakwood and that a board recommendation will come to council for approval or denial.

Why it matters: Council members noted pickleball’s rapid growth and identified likely issues for a neighborhood site, including noise, parking and restroom access.

Details: Staff confirmed a Parks & Recreation meeting intended for March 4 or March 5; staff encouraged supporters to attend. The council member explaining the timeline told Beverly the board will make a recommendation and “at that point, council will approve it. Or deny.” The speaker also said the 2025 budget includes money for courts and that staff will determine this year’s plan in the next month to month and a half.

Next steps: Parks & Recreation will meet in early March to discuss site options and then send a recommendation to council. Council asked residents to attend the parks board meeting to provide feedback.

Ending: Council did not take immediate action; staff directed the matter to the Parks & Recreation Board and noted the 2025 budget includes funding for courts.","A resident told council that Napoleon should expand pickleball access; council staff said the 2025 budget includes funds and the Parks & Recreation board will meet in early March to recommend a site.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":46,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6325220,"Council approves short-term contract with Fulton County firm to support law director; several related pay and budget ordinances pass",790,922000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a&start=922&end=1712","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2334292-718e2544b0e64aa5f7770585911d517a/thumbnail_922000.jpg","/articles/6325220/Ohio/Council-approves-short-term-contract-with-Fulton-County-firm-to-support-law-director-several-related-pay-and-budget-ordinances-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6325220-2fafd21c1453eda7107e1611a0da4080/orig.mp4?Expires=1771118867&Signature=E1Y3jua3hZcuziSaIv1pjFfABrXS0OD~WMntRP5Pz~AhWDInbecmGEtAFDEvHhvIOY6n5tCQZbZQCn-X09Wg-M1vfFbYUHiSW~dFD2esxKjV0gXw4xK48XNN5usCCAR3-MvlwT80WCt4YNOm6VgnE85GWqiyuvp~h-bhds~gWmq-FBzJoISOoC6rtdvg-KDqZlL5FrGerN~jmUunpfumfTlluvK1ecmej0A77Qv3DHY8bMi0OPW8myPVSH3JBeAt8oJBEfAft2Pol0CYMLu07gk6faDFb6fS1QnMe60WjrwgJaLEYOWdWgPrIoEg0H2kBYadtFblRUXR5BTUOQGWpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Napoleon City Council on first reading under emergency approved a set of measures to bring outside legal help into the city law department and to reflect those costs and roles in the 2025 pay schedules.

Council acted after Law Director Billy explained his office had lost its paralegal and that he had arranged short-term assistance with a Fulton County firm led by attorney Barbara Caperstom. “The agreement would be for 28 hours for the month,” Billy said, adding the base cost would be “slightly north of about $60,000 per year” and he expected the final annual cost could be “somewhere between 10, 15, 20 over that likely, in a year.”

The council passed Resolution No. 5-25, which authorizes spending over $50,000 and directs transfers under Ohio Revised Code section 5705.14 to allow the outsourcing agreement to begin. Council also approved a separate resolution (006-25) to add the firm to the city’s recurring-cost list so the expense will be included in future budget cycles. Council later approved Ordinance No. 010-25 to amend the compensation schedule so the contracted assistant positions appear on the 2025 pay scale.

Why it matters: The law director told council he wants immediate outside assistance to maintain prosecution of misdemeanor traffic cases and to provide office continuity while the city recruits a permanent paralegal or assistant. Council members questioned hours and costs before approving the measures under emergency suspension so the firm could begin work March 3.

Details of the measures and votes
- Resolution 5-25 (assist law director; authorize expenditure and transfers under Ohio Revised Code section 5705.14): passed on first read under emergency by suspension. Roll-call votes recorded as Yes: Ross, Ken, Bob, Jordan, Tom, Doctor Dade, Britney.
- Resolution 006-25 (amend recurring-cost list): passed on first read under emergency by suspension. Roll-call recorded in the minutes as Yes votes from Ross, Ken, Matt, Jordan, Tom, DeGeys (Doctor DeGeys), Britney.
- Ordinance 010-25 (amend compensation to add assistant-to-law-director positions to pay scale): passed on first read under emergency by suspension; roll-call recorded as Yes from Ross, Ken, Bob, Jordan, Tom, Doctor Dade, Britney.
- Ordinance 008-25 (performance-based pay increase for the Law Director, retroactive to Jan. 1): passed on first read under emergency by suspension; roll-call on the ordinance recorded mixed votes (majority Yes; Jordan and Scott Tate recorded No on the ordinance roll-call in the minutes).

What council said: Billy said the plan will provide continuity and short-to-intermediate coverage for court prosecution and routine questions the office receives. When asked how quickly the city would hire a permanent replacement, Billy said he planned to search carefully and did not expect to move quickly because finding a paralegal with municipal-law experience will be difficult.

Next steps: The outsourcing agreement was authorized to start as soon as the contract is executed, with the firm scheduled to begin March 3. City staff will incorporate the recurring expense into the next budget cycle and proceed with local recruitment for a permanent paralegal.

Ending: Council made the approvals on motions to suspend the rules and pass on first reading; the minutes record the vote tallies for each measure and show the items passed under emergency suspension.","Napoleon City Council voted to authorize outside attorneys to support the law director while the office is short-staffed, approved placing those costs on recurring budget lists and passed related compensation measures by suspension of the rules.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: council approves legal contracting, compensation changes, equipment buys and routine items

Council approves fleet and electric-department purchases, transformer RFP and rate adjustment

Council directs law director to draft updated cemetery-fees legislation after committee recommendation

Residents press council for pickleball courts; Parks & Rec meeting set to refine plans

Council approves short-term contract with Fulton County firm to support law director; several related pay and budget ordinances pass