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Local businesses and council spar over DORA cup rules; amendment requested for Nov. 12 meeting
Summary
Owners of two establishments said the DORA ran smoothly during the Fall Festival but balked at a Village requirement to buy branded plastic cups. The Village's insurer recommended businesses add the Village as "additionally insured;" Mayor Patterson asked Administrator Bender to draft an ordinance amendment for Nov. 12.
Council President Dee Hefner opened the Committee of the Whole meeting and several local business owners reported on DORA operations during the 2025 Fall Festival. Colin Barnett of Whistle Stop Pizza Pub and Grill and Jared Bretz of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles said the DORA produced no operational problems and “had a successful day.”
The Village's insurance provider recommended both businesses list the Village as "additionally insured," a step council members recorded as requested of the establishments. Mayor Aaron Patterson questioned whether requiring branded DORA plastic cups was necessary under Ohio Revised Code rules and expressed concern about the added cost to small businesses.
"The use of the cups would encourage regulation and rule compliance within the DORA," Council President Dee Hefner said, supporting a requirement that the cups help enforce standards. Jared Bretz disagreed, saying he preferred that the Village provide rules for cups while allowing businesses to purchase from independent suppliers rather than being required to buy directly from the Village.
Mayor Patterson asked Administrator Josh Bender to prepare an amendment to the DORA ordinance for the regular Council meeting on Nov. 12, 2025, so members can consider whether to require branded cups, allow independent procurement under a defined standard, or take another approach. The council did not take a formal vote at the Committee meeting; the issue is scheduled for the Nov. 12 agenda.
