Mayor outlines grant applications totaling millions, to seek council approval for part‑time officer

Mayor Michael Wheeler told the Parks and Recreation Board on March 2 that he will ask village council to approve his appointment of Jacqueline Schuld as a part‑time police officer after the police chief reads her biography at the council meeting.

Wheeler also reported multiple grant applications submitted through Amelia Sykes' office. He said the village received a receipt confirmation for a $350,000 grant for a culvert on State Route 303. Paperwork is being finalized for a $400,000 project to move a pond in the Cross Roads District, a $3,000,000 project to improve the intersection of State Route 176 and 303, and a $3,000,000 request for waterlines in the south part of the village. Wheeler said he will notify the board when the village receives formal confirmation from Sykes’ office.

The mayor briefed the board on a February 24 MAPPS meeting about potential property tax elimination and alternatives for school funding, and he summarized a recently introduced bill, HB 710, which would require developers of data centers to demonstrate to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio that added electric load will not raise residential or business rates and would allow the commission to require financial assurances to protect ratepayers.

No council action on the appointment or grant awards occurred during the Parks and Recreation meeting; Wheeler said he will seek council action at the next council meeting. The board’s next Parks and Recreation meeting is scheduled for April 6, 2026.