At its Jan. 5 meeting, the South Russell Village Council completed multiple organizational items for 2026. The council appointed Tim Young as the village street commissioner for 2026 by voice vote after a motion and second. Christopher Berger was nominated and elected president pro tem and will move to the position adjacent to the mayor when presiding.

Councilors added two standing committees — a bike/pedestrian safety committee and an admin/technology committee — and approved chairs and membership across standing committees including properties, human resources, finance, streets, safety, public utilities, building, bike safety, and admin/technology. The council also agreed to shift meetings that conflict with federal holidays (MLK Day, Presidents Day, Labor Day) to adjacent Tuesdays (Jan. 20; Feb. 17; Sept. 8).

Ruth Kavanaugh was nominated and confirmed as the council's representative to the planning commission. The council acknowledged receipt and review of its rules (with a motion referencing recent ordinance updates) and scheduled committee meeting times to allow staff attendance and public access. The committee schedule and meeting logistics will be finalized by each committee.