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Corwin Council approves snow‑removal and other contracts, solicitor outlines prayer rules; 'Charlie Kirk' motion fails
Summary
Council authorized a Purkey Landscaping snow‑removal contract for winter 2025–2026, approved quarterly cattail spraying and other routine payments, noted Ohio law requires a cybersecurity program, and Solicitor Richards outlined legal limits on public prayer; a motion to recognize Oct. 14 as a Charlie Kirk remembrance failed for lack of a second.
At its Oct. 13 meeting the Corwin Village Council approved several municipal contracts and heard legal guidance about public prayer and other governance matters.
Councilman Cummins moved and Councilman Shuler seconded to authorize Mayor Jess Cordery to sign a contract with Purkey Landscaping for snow removal during the 2025–2026 winter season; the roll call vote was 6 Aye / 0 Nay. Earlier the Council also approved paying current cleanup invoices while retaining 25% as a holdback to ensure completion.
Clerk‑Treasurer Debra R. Femmer told Council that Ohio Revised Code 9.64 (House Bill 96) requires political subdivisions to adopt a cybersecurity program. Councilman Patrick reported that Town Web, the Village’s website provider, said it uses SSL certificates, monitoring and regular software updates to protect information. No formal cybersecurity policy vote was recorded at the meeting.
Solicitor Richards gave a legal overview of when public prayer is permissible at local meetings, saying it is allowed only under conditions such as not being led by a council member, permitting any religion to lead prayer, not pre‑approving the content, and not coercing participation. He warned that violating these constraints can expose the Village to attorney fees and cited a case that resulted in a $285,000 verdict.
Councilman Shuler had proposed a prayer resolution earlier but later said he would not pursue it. Shuler also moved to recognize Oct. 14 as a "National Day of Remembrance of Charlie Kirk," but his motion received no second and was denied.
The Council voted to pay bills and adjourned after approving routine expenditures (payments carried by roll call, 6 Aye / 0 Nay).
