Port Clinton council adopts ordinance moving full‑time firefighters to salaried status, creates “Kelly Days”

Port Clinton City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 13‑24 on July 23, moving full‑time firefighters from a non‑salary, non‑exempt classification to a salary, non‑exempt classification and creating a paid time‑off provision called “Kelly Days.” Jerry Tarolli moved to adopt the ordinance and Beth Gillman seconded; the roll‑call vote recorded six yes votes and no dissent.

The council first voted to waive the three required readings for the ordinance after Tarolli moved and Gillman seconded that motion. The body then voted to retain the ordinance’s emergency clause, allowing the measure to take effect immediately upon adoption. The clerk was instructed to place the adopted ordinance with police dispatch and the mayor will sign it when he returns to town, according to the mayor’s report read aloud by Sandra Ostheimer, clerk of council.

The ordinance as recorded in the minutes declares the personnel reclassification and the new “Kelly Days” provision and was described by council as time‑sensitive; no amendment language or fiscal detail beyond the motion appears in the meeting record. Council did not record extended debate on the ordinance in the minutes; the three procedural votes (waive readings, retain emergency clause, adopt) all passed 6‑0.

Ordinance 14‑24, a separate measure authorizing the safety and service director to purchase capital equipment and supplies for the fire department from American Rescue Plan Act funds, was not acted on; council scheduled it for second reading on Aug. 13, 2024.

The council adjourned the meeting at 6:10 p.m.