Council holds first readings on clerk positions, NCA petitions, zoning and budget housekeeping; all deferred to Feb. 18

At the Feb. meeting the Circleville City Council conducted first readings on a series of ordinances and resolutions and voted to hold each item for a required second reading on Feb. 18. Council President Keller opened the business portion noting that, with two absences, the council lacked the six votes required to suspend rules and therefore could not adopt emergency legislation.

Votes at a glance

- Clerk of Council ordinance (amending codified ordinance chapter 123.01 to establish the position of clerk of council): Motion to hold for second reading by Jeff Hallinan, seconded by John Moats. Roll‑call recorded: Katie Hedges — yes; Sherry Theiss — yes; Tom Klitzka — yes; Jeff Hallinan — yes; John Moats — yes. Outcome: held for second reading.

- Assistant Clerk of Council ordinance (amending chapter 123.01 to establish the assistant clerk of council): Motion to hold for second reading by Katie Hedges, seconded by Sherry Theiss. Roll‑call recorded: Theiss — yes; Hedges — yes; Klitzka — yes; Hallinan — yes; Moats — yes. Outcome: held for second reading.

- Three resolutions to apply parcels to the Circleville New Community Authority (NCA) under Chapter 349 of the Ohio Revised Code (North Court Street, Heritage Ponds, South Court): Each resolution received a motion to hold for second reading and was approved for second reading. Motions and seconds were recorded in the meeting minutes; roll calls showed council members voting yes (Hedges, Theiss/Tice, Klitzka, Hallinan and Moats) and the items will return to council on Feb. 18.

- Housekeeping appropriation ordinance (amending the annual appropriation ordinance across multiple funds): First reading presented by Finance Committee Chair Katie Hedges. Total adjustment: $157,437.11. Hedges called out a $23,760 grant reimbursement for engineering and $20,000 for paramedic training among the items. Motion to hold for second reading by Hedges, seconded by Tom Klitzka. Roll‑call: Hedges — yes; Tice — yes; Klitzka — yes; Hallinan — yes; Moats — yes. Outcome: held for second reading; scheduled Feb. 18.

- Zoning map amendment for Alto Real Estate (Atwater & Morris Road) to rezone multiple parcels to a Planned Unit Development (PUD): The item originated with the Planning and Zoning Commission, which recommended approval by a 5‑0 vote. City planner Hannah summarized the development as mixed single‑family and apartment units with ponds and green space; after a judicial committee recommendation, council voted to hold for second reading (motion by Tom Klitzka, seconded by Sherry Theiss; roll‑call yes votes recorded). Outcome: held for second reading; if rezoned it will return to Planning and Zoning for final development approval.

No ordinance or resolution was adopted at the meeting; all items will be read again on Feb. 18 for further action. Council also approved excusing two absent members before adjourning.

Ending: The meeting closed after the business motions; council scheduled second readings and further consideration for Feb. 18.