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Norton City Council swears in members, elects Don Harbert council president
Summary
At its Jan. 5 organizational meeting, Norton City Council swore in incoming and returning members, elected Don Harbert as council president and Doug De Harphart as vice president, and approved a package of small rule clarifications to be finalized at a later vote.
Newly sworn-in council members took the oath of office at Norton City Hall on Jan. 5 as the city opened its 2026 organizational meeting. "I, Jamie S. Lopez, do solemnly swear to uphold the constitution of The United States, the laws of the state of Ohio, the charter of the city of Norton," Lopez recited during the ceremony; Paul Tausley, Doctor Harphart and Donald Herbert also affirmed the oath.
The council then moved to leadership elections. Under council procedure, the floor opened for nominations for council president. Mister Lukens nominated Don Harbert; the nomination was seconded and, after a roll call, Harbert was elected council president. The council next nominated Doug De Harphart for vice president; that nomination carried as well.
In brief remarks after the vote, President Harbert welcomed the council’s new city administrator, Mr. Rohrer, thanked outgoing leadership for their service and said committee assignments and the regular meeting schedule would remain unchanged for now. The council also discussed three minor clarifications to council rules — including Rule 1.11 on who may place items on the agenda — and a cleanup to minutes and archiving rules. A motion was made to approve the rule changes "as discussed," the clerk called the roll, and the motion passed.
The organizational meeting concluded and the body moved directly into its regular council meeting.
