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Parma Heights re-elects Tom Rounds as council president, swears in two firefighters
Summary
At its Jan. 8 meeting, Parma Heights City Council re-elected Tom Rounds as council president, assigned committee roles for the 2024–2026 term, and Mayor Gallo swore in firefighters James Gaeckle and Sean Kahl; department directors also reported event and staffing updates.
Tom Rounds was re-elected Council President by roll call at the Parma Heights City Council meeting on Jan. 8, 2024. Council also elected Rick Haase as Council President Pro‑Tem and reappointed Barbara Allen as Clerk of Council; Nora Neel and Katie Iaconis were named assistant clerks. Council President Rounds announced committee assignments for the 2024–2026 term, including chairs and vice chairs for Finance, Safety and Recreation committees.
Mayor Carol Gallo administered oaths of office to two new Parma Heights firefighters, James Gaeckle and Sean Kahl. Assistant Fire Chief Clark introduced both recruits: Clark said Gaeckle trained with the department during medic school, ranked first on the hiring list and chose Parma Heights over other offers; Clark described Kahl as a lateral hire with several years of ambulance and Columbus Fire experience. "We are super excited where we are going in the future with both of these young men," Assistant Chief Clark said.
Department reports highlighted recreation and public-safety activity. Recreation Director Bacci said the Santa Breakfast sold out at 120 attendees, announced a fastball clinic Jan. 15, and said the department received a $3,000 Cleveland Guardians Charity grant for diamond/base replacements. Safety Director Scharschmidt said the police department has openings and has opened National Testing Network applications; he also previewed the 11‑week Citizens Police Academy starting in late March. Service Director Sepik reviewed bulk and holiday pickup dates and said final work (security and lighting) is underway at the Nathan Hale site, with a planned spring opening.
The meeting proceeded with routine business after organizational items. No public comments were recorded during the public session.
Next steps: The administration will follow up on Nathan Hale site completion and planning staff will implement committee directions as needed. The clerk recorded motions and roll-call votes for the organizational items.
