Village of Northfield Council adopts 2024 appropriations, accepts NOPEC grant and tables marijuana ordinance

The Village of Northfield Council on Feb. 14, 2024 adopted its fiscal‑year 2024 appropriations, approved acceptance of a Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) 2024 Energized Community grant and took several administrative actions, while tabling an ordinance on adult‑use marijuana until state regulations are finalized.

The actions came during the regular council meeting called to order by Mayor Jenn Domzalski at 7:30 p.m. Finance Director and Clerk of Council Jennifer Potvin noted the budget legislation was on the evening's agenda; Law Director Brad Bryan read several items of legislation and briefed council on pending matters.

Council approved Resolution No. 2024‑02, which sets forth the Village's fiscal‑year 2024 appropriations, after a short discussion about capital items and sidewalk work. Councilmember Gary Vojtush asked specific questions about a proposed Bobcat for sidewalk plowing, replacement and widening of sidewalks on Houghton, and a proposed mini‑excavator; the Mayor said there are no current plans to buy the Bobcat and sidewalk widening is limited to Village property in front of Smith Park. After the suspension of the three‑reading rule failed for one member (Vojtush) the resolution passed on roll call with Vojtush recorded as the lone no vote.

Council also approved Resolution No. 2024‑01 to accept NOPEC 2024 Energized Community grant funds. Law Director Brad Bryan read the resolution by title; Council voted to suspend the three‑reading rule and then to adopt the resolution, with the votes recorded in open session.

On a separate item, Law Director Bryan read Ordinance No. 2023‑67 (amending Chapter 889 regarding medical and adult‑use marijuana cultivators, processors and retail dispensaries). Bryan advised holding action because the State Legislature and state agencies had not finalized rules for adult‑use marijuana. Councilmember Gary Vojtush moved to table the ordinance (seconded by Alan Hipps); the motion to table passed by roll call (four in favor, two opposed), effectively pausing local action unless council removes it from the table at a later meeting. Bryan also noted an interested company may present and answer questions at the Feb. 28 meeting.

On administrative matters, Council appointed Engineer Daniel Collins as the Village's second representative to the County Energy Special Improvement District (ESID) board; the Mayor is an automatic voting member and council approved the appointment by roll call. Council also approved a Fire and Safety Committee request permitting the Fire Department to donate or dispose of assorted obsolete items — including light boxes, computer monitors, two laptops, three desktop computers, two projectors, kitchen appliances, wooden gear lockers and cabinetry, doors and frames, and small electronics — and suggested appropriate disposal channels for electronics (such as the county electronics disposal event).

Fire Lt. Bob Davet, representing Chief Jason Buss, reported on the fire station renovation and expansion project, saying the building is now sealed and the contractor will provide a revised completion estimate at the Feb. 28 construction meeting; Captain Zemek has offered tours of the site. The Recreation Board announced it will meet March 6 to begin stuffing an estimated 5,000–7,000 eggs for adult and children's egg hunts.

Mayor Jenn Domzalski asked the council to enter executive session to discuss a complaint concerning a public official; council voted to go into executive session at 7:54 p.m. and returned to open session at 8:28 p.m. No public action on that complaint was recorded in the minutes.

The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. after a final motion to adjourn passed by roll call.