Union council hears questions on water shutoffs and public records; cancels second March meeting

During the open‑agenda portion of the March 9 City of Union Council meeting, Councilmember Black raised questions about inspections at Parliament Place, prior water shutoff practices, monthly minimum billing and the city's response to her public‑records request.

City Manager John Applegate read a March 9 memorandum for the record explaining the city's historical water‑shutoff practice and the current administrative procedure. The memorandum, distributed to council and described in the meeting record, states the city continues to assess minimum service charges during shutoff periods and explained the city's approach to producing existing records under Ohio Public Records law.

Law Director Joseph Moore provided additional legal context about sources of law and the summary‑judgment process and told council that in recent litigation — brought by plaintiffs Catherine Longenecker, Michael Podrosky, Jerry Black and Linda Black concerning zoning changes and the use of emergency legislation — the court granted summary judgment in favor of the City.

Clerk of Council Denise Winemiller presented a report summarizing the city's use of emergency and non‑emergency legislation over the past ten years, reporting that approximately 60% were passed as non‑emergency and 40% as emergency, and discussed reasons for emergency enactments.

Following these items, Mr. Bruns moved and Mr. Rarick seconded a motion to cancel the council's second March meeting; the motion passed unanimously (6‑0). The record sets the next regular meeting for April 13, 2026 unless legislation requires an additional March meeting.