Norton council enters executive session and introduces ordinance to confirm administrative officer

The Norton City Council on Nov. 10 temporarily adjourned into executive session to consider the appointment of a public employee and returned to introduce Ordinance 1-11-2025, which seeks to confirm an administrative officer and declares an emergency, for first reading only.

Council President moved "to temporarily adjourn a special council meeting to enter into executive session for the reason of to consider the appointment of a public employee or official as defined in ORC 121.22 g(1) in section 3.121 of the Norton City Charter," a motion that was seconded and carried after a roll call, allowing council to meet privately with the nominee. The president also invited Mayor Zita, Miss Keener and Mr. Markey to attend the executive session.

After returning to open session, Council Member Lukens introduced the ordinance and asked the clerk to read it. Clerk Will Kirk read: "An ordinance to confirm the appointment of the administrative officer of the city of Norton in declaring an emergency." Lukens told council they had met the nominee, Michael T. Rohrer, in executive session and asked to add the measure to the agenda for a first reading; the motion to add the ordinance was seconded and approved by roll call. The ordinance was read for first reading only and no final vote or adoption was recorded at the meeting.

Miss Lee offered a personal remark and request for prayers for her family: "my daughter, United States Army Warrant Officer, Rashanda Nicole, and to keep my family in prayer as we continue to heal her loss," and thanked the city for keeping her memory alive at the Veterans Park. The council then moved to adjourn.

What happens next: The ordinance was introduced for first reading; any final confirmation or adoption would require a subsequent council action at a later meeting or as provided by council rules and the Norton City Charter.