Smiths Grove commissioners approve routine bills, cemetery equipment and a state citation after parking-violation appeal

The Smiths Grove City Commission met Feb. 24, 2025, and approved routine financial and operational items, including payments for snow removal, vehicle repairs, safety checks and cemetery equipment, while agreeing to solicit bids for new signage and resolving a resident's parking-violation appeal.

The commission unanimously approved the Regular Meeting minutes (Jan. 27) and the Special Called Meeting minutes (Feb. 4), then accepted the January 2025 Treasurer's Report on a 5-0 vote after a motion from Commissioner Bob Buehl and a second from Commissioner Patrick Young. Mayor David Stiffey led motions to approve several vendor invoices: payment to Cooke's Lawn Service for snow plowing; a bill for tires and alignment for Sergeant Bessette’s vehicle (moved by Commissioner Eric Schroader); $384.40 to Summit Fire & Safety for fire and safety checks at City Hall and public-safety vehicles; and $534.60 to Quality Security and Surveillance for a cemetery hard drive. All were approved by 5-0 votes.

Commissioner Bob Buehl said the public-works department had limited activity in January but outlined plans for sidewalk repair work in 2025. Commissioner Patrick Young reported that the new cemetery hard drive is functioning, described water intrusion inside the chapel that he plans to address, and said he is coordinating cemetery cleanup work with Matthew Cooke of Cooke's Lawn Care in March.

Police and safety updates included Commissioner Eric Schroader and Chief Franks noting upcoming BRADD emergency-cleanup and FEMA training. Both Schroader and Chief Franks commended Officer Wesley Hicks for a strong first month with positive community feedback.

On code enforcement, Commissioner Jennifer Cartwright said letters have been sent to property owners at 321 Cave Street requesting corrective action; Chief Franks confirmed a posted notice and certified mailing. City Attorney Hamp Moore said a 5th Street property matter was rescheduled to the Warren County Code Board's March agenda and confirmed County Code Enforcement will manage a fence-violation case on Sunset with notice and possible citation if not corrected.

Warren County Tourism representative Shery Murphy introduced Jeff Moore, who will plan new signage for Smiths Grove. Murphy described two related projects: eight county-installed wayfinding signs and a possible three monument signs funded by Operation Pride fundraising. Murphy told the commission the projects were ready to be bid and the commission agreed to proceed with bid solicitation.

In new-business spending, Mayor Stiffey presented a Display Sales quote for Christmas lights at $4,009.98 but noted the final purchase should be around $3,400 after omitting one item; Commissioner Bob Buehl moved approval, Commissioner Jennifer Cartwright seconded, and the motion passed 5-0.

During public comment, resident Christopher Lee Bragg appealed a Feb. 11, 2025 parking violation. Chief Franks was sworn in by Attorney Moore and presented evidence. Mayor Stiffey moved to disregard City Violation 2130 and instead issue a state citation for the parking offense; Commissioner Eric Schroader seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Votes at a glance

- January 2025 Treasurer's Report: Motion by Commissioner Bob Buehl; second Commissioner Patrick Young; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Cooke's Lawn Service (snow plow invoice): Moved by Mayor David Stiffey; second Commissioner Bob Buehl; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Tires/alignment for Sergeant Bessette's vehicle: Moved by Commissioner Eric Schroader; second Commissioner Patrick Young; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Summit Fire & Safety invoice, $384.40: Moved by Mayor David Stiffey; second Commissioner Bob Buehl; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Quality Security & Surveillance invoice, $534.60 (cemetery hard drive): Moved by Commissioner Bob Buehl; second Commissioner Eric Schroader; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Display Sales quote for holiday lights (approx. $3,400): Moved by Commissioner Bob Buehl; second Commissioner Jennifer Cartwright; vote 5-0; outcome: approved. - Parking Violation 2130 appeal (Bragg): Motion by Mayor David Stiffey to dismiss the city violation and issue a state citation; second Commissioner Eric Schroader; vote 5-0; outcome: motion approved.

The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. Minutes were prepared by City Clerk Alice Elkins and later approved March 24, 2025.