Orrville council hears winter-operations update, introduces assistant utility director and places GAAP-audit assistance on first reading

At its Jan. 21 meeting, the Orrville City Council heard a winter-operations report, welcomed a newly introduced assistant utility director and moved a finance-related resolution to first reading. Safety-Service Director Wheeler told the council the city has used "roughly 715 tons of salt" this season, has about 300 tons in city storage and 550 tons available on an ODOT contract; he said City Hall would operate as a designated warming center 24/7 through Thursday. Wheeler also reminded residents of a city ordinance requiring sidewalks to be cleared after snow events.

Mayor Plybon introduced David Fillipi as the city's new Assistant Utility Director; Fillipi was noted as being present at the meeting. Mayor Plybon also presented the State of the City.

Councilmember Squirrell moved and Councilmember Shanklin seconded a motion to place Resolution 04-25 on first reading; the motion passed by voice vote with "ayes all." Resolution 04-25 would authorize the Board of Control to enter into an agreement with the State Auditor's Office to assist with the GAAP conversion and the preparation of the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024; officials said the one-year engagement's cost will be shared between the City and the Utilities.

The meeting included brief recognitions: Squirrell thanked law enforcement and SROs for school presence, Shanklin thanked road crews and emergency services for winter work, and Wheeler received a 25-year service award noted by Councilmember Lax. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.; the council set its next regular meeting for Feb. 3, 2025.