Mayor James A. Shields was sworn in and joined by newly sworn councilmembers and city officials at an organizational meeting of the Medina City Council on Jan. 6, 2026.

The session opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by an invocation from Reverend Luke Linden of Medina United Church of Christ, who said, “May the tax dollar remain sacred, and may they never violate the public trust.” After ceremonial oaths, the council proceeded with routine organizational business.

President of Council presented committee assignments (Exhibit A) and the council voted to approve the slate by roll call, 6–0. Committee chairs and membership include John Coyne as finance chair; Reggie Hare and Chet L. Simmons among council members assigned to multiple standing committees. The council also approved appointments listed in Exhibit B for boards and commissions, including archive and planning commission seats and terms as read by the clerk; that motion passed, 6–0.

Councilmembers elected Reggie Hare as president of the council pro tem by unanimous vote. The council then confirmed a set of mayoral director appointments — Andrew Dutton as community development director, Dan Gladysh as chief building official, Gregory Huber as director of law, Kimberly Marshall as economic development director, Neil Piccoli as service director, and Janssen Worley as director of parks, recreation, cemetery and forestry — on a 6–0 roll call.

The council readopted Section 1.11.15 (rules of council), with members noting the rules undergo routine yearly review and typically remain unchanged; the readoption was approved 6–0.

The organizational meeting was adjourned and the council immediately convened a special meeting to consider additional agenda items.

The meeting closed with a reminder of refreshments and an invitation for broader attendance at the council’s next scheduled meeting.