Plain City reviews 2025 goals: sidewalks, public spaces, comprehensive‑plan update and police hiring

Village Administrator Haley Lupton presented Plain City’s draft goals and objectives for 2025 at the Jan. 8 work session, outlining projects and priorities intended to guide staff budgeting and planning over the year.

"It is staff’s desire to align budget expenditures with the objectives and vision of Council," Lupton told council as she outlined five major objectives: increase village‑wide connectivity (sidewalks and crosswalks), improve and expand public spaces (Sugar Run Park, Depot at Public Square, Bicentennial Park), continue smart planning for growth (a comprehensive plan update), raise resident safety and satisfaction (including police staffing), and build organizational professionalism (policies and committee term oversight).

On connectivity, Lupton said staff will pursue crosswalk and sidewalk construction to fill network gaps and implement a sidewalk maintenance program. Council Member T. Harriman asked whether a crosswalk could be placed at Park Street and Main Street to provide a safer route for people walking south after events at Pastime Park; Chief Dale McKee said the Police Department is amenable. Lupton noted the Uptown crosswalk near the Plain City Animal Hospital required engineering and "has received partial grant funding through the Madison County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program," and staff will explore Ohio Department of Transportation funding options.

Under public‑space planning, Lupton said Depot building reconstruction and Plaza construction are expected this year, with a splash pad in 2026 and marketplace renovation to follow. Council discussed incorporating historical features into Depot and Bicentennial Park projects.

Mr. Terry signaled that long‑term capital improvement planning should be a priority ahead of the annual budget. Lupton and Director of Finance Renee' Sonnett have met with financial advisor David Conley to discuss CIP options; council supported inviting Conley to the February work session to focus on long‑term CIP planning.

Regarding growth management, Lupton said an RFP to update the 2018 comprehensive plan will be posted the week of the meeting; the update will emphasize public input and is framed as an update — not a completely new plan. Mr. Dreier is drafting legislation to amend Planning & Zoning Commission term limits from six years to three years; Mr. Terry asked staff to prepare a one‑page overview of committee term lengths and expirations.

On public safety, Chief McKee told council that "two officers do need hired in 2025," and explained that academy lead times make proactive hiring important; he said the Westerville police academy has two reserved spots for its April 2025 class. Council asked staff to consider timing and succession planning as hiring options are developed.

Lupton also discussed communications improvements, recommending posting weekly Administrator reports and committee reports on Facebook and moving forward with a communications/marketing position; legislation for that job description is expected soon. She noted open staffing needs for an engineer and a finance‑assistant position in addition to the planned communications hire.

Next steps: Lupton will compile council feedback and circulate an updated goals and objectives list; council agreed to prioritize CIP planning for the February work session and to pursue funding and scheduling follow up on pedestrian projects and police hiring timelines.