Plain City Council approves dog park contract, updates job descriptions and tables cannabis moratorium extension

Plain City Council on Feb. 10 approved a contract for the planned Plain City Dog Park, adopted an ordinance change to the general offense code, introduced several job-description and personnel resolutions, and tabled a second reading on extending the village’s adult-use cannabis moratorium.

The actions capped a meeting that included presentations from village staff, police department outreach reports and discussion about countywide wayfinding signs and planning for the state’s America250/OH bicentennial-themed activities. Village Administrator (title used in the meeting) announced the comprehensive-plan update RFP had closed with five responses; Mayor Carney presented a small fundraising check to the Stephanie Spielman Fund.

Council emphasized operational and personnel items over new policy changes. The council approved a contract award for the dog park and adopted Ordinance O-4-2025 on second reading; it postponed final action on Ordinance O-3-2025 (the moratorium extension) by tabling that matter to the Feb. 24 meeting. Several first readings introduced new or revised position descriptions, including a communications manager and a facilities technician. Council also made appointments and reappointments to advisory bodies.

"The comprehensive plan update, RFP closed today. We received 5 responses," the Village Administrator said during reports to the council, noting staff would download and score proposals.

Mayor Carney presented a fundraising check and said of the Main Street Treasures effort, "we were able to raise a hundred and $18.11." The council heard a series of police-department outreach summaries from Chief McKee, who described recent community presentations and said, "The PD is currently conducting our physical agility for 3 possible candidates." Those remarks came during the departments' regular reports.

Votes at a glance - Motion appointing Brad Heymeier to the Parks and Recreation Committee to a term expiring 12/31/2028: motion moved and seconded; named yes votes recorded in the transcript included (David, Ferguson, Lewis, Terry). Outcome: approved. - Reappointment of Carrie McLaughlin to the board of the Mid Ohio Water and Sewer District: motion moved and seconded; named yes votes recorded included (Ferguson, Lewis, Terry, Dale). Outcome: approved. - Ordinance O-3-2025 (second reading) — extending the moratorium on cultivation, processing, and retail sale of adult-use cannabis within the village: motion to table was made and seconded; council tabled the item to Feb. 24. Outcome: tabled (no final action tonight). - Ordinance O-4-2025 (second reading) — amendments to codified ordinances chapter 525 (law enforcement and public office/general offense code): motion and second recorded; outcome: approved on second reading. - Resolution R-7-2025 — authorizing the Village Administrator to award the contract for the Plain City Dog Park project to Vidito Construction, Inc.: motion and second recorded; named yes votes included (Terry, Gail, Ferguson, Lewis). Outcome: approved. - First readings (no final votes): Ordinance O-5-2025 (amending chapter on medical marijuana to prohibit recreational marijuana within the village), Resolution R-10-2025 (sale of village property), Resolution R-11-2025 (establishing communications manager position), Resolution R-12-2025 (amending Accounting Clerk position description), Resolution R-13-2025 (amending Development Manager position description/title), Resolution R-14-2025 (establishing fields/facilities technician position). Outcome: introduced/read; no final action. - Motion to enter executive session under Ohio Revised Code section 121.22(G)(2) to consider the purchase of property for public purposes: motion moved, seconded and approved. Outcome: executive session held.

Council discussion and context Council members and staff discussed a number of operational matters. The Village Administrator reported outreach and coordination with the Ohio Department of Transportation on State Route 161 planning involving adjacent jurisdictions. The council reviewed a county-led wayfinding/signage program being advanced by Union County Tourism; the village previously budgeted about $60,000 for signage and staff indicated the item likely will require reappropriation in the coming month.

On the village’s semicentennial participation (the statewide America250 program), council members discussed creating a small standing committee that would include staff and representatives from local organizations such as the library, farmers market and historical society to coordinate events and publicity over the year-long statewide program.

Personnel and job descriptions Council introduced several personnel changes and new job descriptions. Staff explained the communications manager position was established in the 2025 budget with hiring expected in March or April; the Accounting Clerk title and description will be updated to "Finance Assistant" (the role would include AP/AR and some payroll backup). A facilities technician position is proposed to produce a more consistent facilities-maintenance role rather than relying on an informal assignment among maintenance staff. The council discussed nomenclature and candidate recruitment implications for the finance role.

Police and community outreach Chief McKee reported department community engagement in schools and senior settings, and noted ongoing recruiter testing: "The PD is currently conducting our physical agility for 3 possible candidates." The department also presented community safety presentations including distracted-driving and scam-awareness talks.

Ending Council scheduled the next actions on the moratorium extension for Feb. 24 and moved into an executive session to discuss the purchase of property. Several first-reading items remain pending and will return for later votes; staff will proceed to evaluate the comprehensive-plan proposals and provide a recommendation in line with council direction.