Glendale Council adopts ordinances, swears in two volunteer firefighters and hears levy, sewer complaints

The Village of Glendale Council on its November agenda confirmed two volunteer firefighters, adopted multiple ordinances and a resolution, and heard public commentators raise objections to a road-and-bridge levy and allege problems related to a past sewer project.

Assistant Chief Lerman introduced the two candidates for the fire department, naming Ryan Goodwin, a U.S. Navy veteran pursuing firefighter/paramedic certification, and Tanner Moat, an Ohio-certified volunteer firefighter with about a decade of experience. Council adopted Ordinance 2025-48 to confirm the appointments, then administered the oath and congratulated the new volunteers.

During the public-comment period resident Glenn Parish urged voters and council not to support the 4.5-mill, 10-year road-and-bridge levy on the ballot, arguing the village overuses emergency language in ordinances and questioning fiscal stewardship. Solicitor Miss Ryan later clarified that "emergency" is a legal term that waives the 30-day waiting period and is commonly used in Ohio municipal practice.

Another resident, Kevin Parish, raised allegations about the Phase 1 sanitary-sewer project (2017), contending public records were withheld, questioning whether pipe replacement actually occurred on Cole Avenue and characterizing some aspects as criminal or improper. Mayor responded that records were produced, that the pipe was repaired or replaced (process unspecified), and clarified reporting lines for the utilities department.

On the consent and business agenda, council amended and passed Ordinance 2025-43 to revise the municipal code sections on harboring chickens, setting an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026 (removing emergency language from the caption). Council also passed Ordinance 2025-44 adopting the revised Village of Glendale Historic Design Guidelines and approved Resolution 2025-25 supporting the Mill Creek Bridal Trail feasibility study.

Council acknowledged routine reports: the mayor noted community events, two recent resident deaths and the retirement of Fire Chief Yetter (effective Oct. 24); Administrator David summarized recent utility work (replacement of four water-main valves on Congress Avenue) and ongoing leaf collection through Dec. 19; Treasurer Mike Bogrant reviewed cash and investment positions.

Council also approved two budget-related ordinances on unanimous roll-call votes. Ordinance 2025-51 added $8,000 in general-fund appropriations for police overtime (chiefly court time and to support a traffic unit, based on recent payroll averages). Ordinance 2025-52 amended 2025 water-fund appropriations, shifting unused capital funds (savings from in-house repairs and a mini backhoe purchase) to operating expenses; staff said the change leaves total appropriations unchanged.

The meeting concluded with routine committee scheduling and an adjournment.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 2025-48 (appointment of volunteers): adopted (roll-call ayes recorded). - Ordinance 2025-43 (amend code on chickens; effective 01/01/2026): adopted (roll-call ayes recorded). - Ordinance 2025-44 (Historic Design Guidelines): adopted (roll-call ayes recorded). - Resolution 2025-25 (support Mill Creek Bridal Trail feasibility): adopted (roll-call ayes recorded). - Ordinance 2025-51 (general-fund overtime appropriation, $8,000): adopted (roll-call ayes recorded). - Ordinance 2025-52 (water-fund appropriation amendment): adopted (roll-call ayes recorded).

What’s next Council held a first reading on Ordinance 2025-49 (authorization for a memorandum of understanding to place a School Resource Officer at Bethany School) and related appropriation Ordinance 2025-50; staff said the MOU remains subject to negotiation with the school and that appropriation figures may change when the contract and start date are final.