Jacksonville council approves minutes, financials, leak credits and three measures; schedules finance meeting

The Village of Jacksonville council on Aug. 14 approved routine minutes and financial reconciliations, authorized two water-service leak credits, added a certified firefighter to the department roster, and adopted three measures authorizing grant applications and a supplemental appropriation.

Councilperson Butch Chapman moved to approve the June 27, 2024 regular meeting minutes; the motion was seconded by Councilperson Cameron Lowery and carried with all councilmembers voting yes. The council also approved the July 2, 2024 special meeting minutes; Councilperson Eric Clift abstained from that vote because he was not present for the July 2 meeting.

Fiscal Officer Heather Rockwell presented June and July monthly financial statements and asked council to approve the April and May 2024 financial statements and bank reconciliations that had been presented at the June 27 meeting; the council approved the April and May reconciliations on motion by Butch Chapman.

Rockwell requested two leak credits for repaired service leaks: account 00910-001 for 64,179 gallons at Village cost totaling $795.83, and account 02861-001 for 28,053 gallons at Village cost totaling $391.62; both credits were approved by council votes.

Fire Chief D.J. Henry reported a certified applicant for the department; Councilperson Rachel Gratz moved to add Hunter Harp to the roster. The motion passed; Councilperson Butch Chapman abstained from that vote because he is also a member of the department.

The council suspended the rules and unanimously adopted three legislative items: Resolution 2024-7, authorizing the mayor to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement and/or Local Transportation Improvement Program(s); Ordinance 2024-8, 2024 Supplemental Permanent Appropriations declared an emergency; and Resolution 2024-9, authorizing the fiscal officer to apply to the Appalachian Regional Commission Area Development Program(s).

Rockwell said she is working on an Appalachian Community Grant application with Buckeye Hills Regional Council and that the Village may use Ohio Public Works Commission or Neighborhood Revitalization Grant funding as in-kind match; she also reported a joint trail letter of intent with Glouster and Trimble could enable a grant application up to $3 million if the group is invited to apply. A Finance Committee meeting to review grant commitments and remaining American Rescue Plan Act funding was set for Sept. 26, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

The council entered executive session under Ohio Revised Code section 121.22(G)(1) to discuss complaints against a public employee; after resuming, Solicitor Andrew Grillo said no public employee requested a public hearing and council will follow the adopted Personnel Policy Manual for any formal action. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 PM.