Council roundup: new COG hires, Route 93 sewer work, newsletter access and contract discussions
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Summary
Council announced two COG hires (treasurer Brian Huff and clerk Mary Groen), heard updates on Route 93 sewer work and ODOT paving, debated newsletter delivery and trash‑contract/energy aggregation choices, and took public comments on insurance and taxes.
New Franklin — At its Feb. 4 meeting the council covered multiple operational items including personnel, infrastructure updates, community communications and contract planning.
Personnel and finance: Speaker 4 announced the COG hired Brian Huff as treasurer and Mary Groen as clerk; both positions will be employed through the COG. Speaker 10 reported work with Julian Group on GAAP conversion and said the 2024 audit remains delayed because the auditor’s office is backlogged.
Infrastructure: Speaker 4 gave a project update saying excavators were onsite for Route 93 sewer work with an expected summer finish; ODOT agreed to advance paving after the underground work is complete. Speaker 4 also said he secured letters of support from multiple water systems and plans to meet EPA staff in Columbus.
Communications and outreach: Councilmembers discussed a resident‑proposed city flag and agreed to post a public survey on the city website and social media (Speaker 1 and Speaker 4). Members examined options to reach residents after the South Side Leader stopped delivering to parts of New Franklin; bulk distribution points (city hall, schools, businesses) and a mailed newsletter were discussed as options.
Contracts and service aggregation: Speaker 3 raised the upcoming trash-contract renewal (reported to expire June 1, 2027) and asked whether to renew or solicit bids. The council discussed the Southern County aggregation program for gas and electric and noted that leaving aggregation would require a new local vote; Speaker 10 cautioned that the county program constrains the city unless residents vote to exit the aggregation.
Public comment and taxes: In public comment Michael Cardenelli reported a jump in his homeowners insurance after an insurer cited a fire‑department rating change; council agreed to inquire with the insurer. Residents asked about the EPA application timeframe and pricing estimates; Speaker 4 said staff are finalizing materials and cost estimates and that the EPA had encouraged early submission. Council also discussed the recently approved fire levy and how it shows on property‑tax statements; Speaker 10 directed residents to county tax records for a detailed breakdown.
Next steps: Staff will continue preparatory work on the EPA application, obtain cost estimates and meet with engineering and EPA staff. Council set the next meeting for Feb. 18, 2026, and announced an upcoming executive session on employee matters.