Anna council adopts multiple ordinances and reserve resolutions, approves part-time officer

The Village of Anna council on Jan. 14 adopted several ordinances and emergency resolutions to set aside funds for park operations and major utility projects, approved a cost-of-living increase for employees at the top of their pay scale and voted to approve and swear in a new part-time police officer.

Mayor Cindy Naseman called the meeting to order and completed roll call before opening remarks and the pledge. Council member Ken Aselage led a series of procedural motions to waive and approve the Dec. 23, 2024 meeting minutes and to approve the bank reconciliation and financial reports; those motions passed by roll call.

The council adopted Ordinance 24-1857, establishing an annual contribution to the Anna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC). The motion was made by Council member Ken Aselage and seconded by Andy Baldonado; Council member Kristin Johnson abstained on the roll call, and the remaining members voted yes. The council also adopted Ordinance 24-1858, adding an annual $10,000 contribution to the Park Fund (Fund 2041), and Ordinance 25-1859, which allows a cost-of-living increase for employees who have reached the top of their pay scale; the latter was declared an emergency and had the rules suspended before adoption.

Two emergency resolutions were passed to reserve funds for capital needs: Resolution 25-956 to set funds aside for replacement of the water plant and Resolution 25-957 to reserve funds for major upgrades to the village wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Both resolutions were adopted after motions to suspend the rules and passed by roll-call votes.

During departmental reports, Mayor Naseman reminded residents that Anna Endowment Fund applications are due Feb. 14 and noted that council member Mark Pulfer will attend the initial Rescue Squad governing board meeting on Jan. 23. Administrator William Kessler reported that snow removal and brine applications are proceeding and asked the council to "please keep him in your thoughts and prayers" when referring to a public works employee who suffered a seizure over the weekend and is expected to try to return by the end of the week. Fiscal Officer Stacy Meyer reported that signed documents from Jagger Construction for final payment remain outstanding, that the village's certificate of estimated resources was approved by the county, and that "2024 income tax revenue was up about 11% from 2023." Fire Chief Tim Bender and Police Chief Darrin Goudy gave brief equipment and activity updates.

In planning and committee business, the Planning Commission reported outreach to potential restaurants and sports bars and discussed camper storage; Troy Kies expressed interest in a housing development south of his property at 12999 County Road 25‑A and is working with an engineer on required utility infrastructure. Old-business items included updates on pickleball courts (new lights installed), continuing efforts to obtain signed documents from Jagger Construction, property evaluations, and ongoing litter concerns at a truck-stop parking lot; staff also reported sending an email to the EPA about the status of a complaint.

Under new business, the council adopted its Rules of Council as presented and approved Randy Van Horn's nomination of Ken Aselage as Council President. Police Chief Darrin Goudy introduced Brandon Puckett as a potential part-time police officer; the council approved the appointment by roll call and Puckett was sworn in during the meeting. Council member Mark Pulfer suggested replacing town hall lighting with LEDs, a proposal the mayor and council supported.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 24-1857 (annual contribution to Anna CIC): adopted; motion Ken Aselage, second Andy Baldonado; Kristin Johnson abstained, remaining members yes. - Ordinance 24-1858 (add $10,000 to Park Fund 2041): adopted; motion Ken Aselage, second Randy Van Horn; roll call all yeas. - Ordinance 25-1859 (cost-of-living increases for capped employees; emergency): adopted after suspension of rules; roll call all yeas. - Resolution 25-956 (reserve funds for replacement of water plant; emergency): adopted after suspension of rules; roll call all yeas. - Resolution 25-957 (reserve funds for WWTP major upgrades; emergency): adopted after suspension of rules; roll call all yeas. - Nomination of Ken Aselage as Council President: adopted; roll call all yeas. - Approval of Brandon Puckett as part-time police officer: adopted; roll call all yeas; Puckett sworn in at the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m. The session record notes compliance with Amended Section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code.