South Russell Village Council adopted the 2027 tax budget, approved $8,000 to build a bocce court at South Russell Park, heard extensive public comment on a proposed Bell Road walking path (potential $1.8 million project with an $800,000 grant), and directed next steps on a long-running vacant property/code-enforcement case and cemetery cleanup.

Discussion Points

•Bell Road walking path funding includes $800,000 NOACA grant and ~$1,000,000 village share; ballot placement required for village share.
•Contractor omitted anchor bolts from cast concrete as shown in drawings; contractor proposed mechanical anchors and plates as remedy.
•Estimate: ~$1.8M total with $800k grant and ~$1.0M local share; path design scaled to 5-foot walking path from earlier bike-path concept.
•HOA reported repeated complaints and multiple notices dating back to 2017; building staff confirmed code-enforcement activity.
•Projected $500,000/year increase in fire/EMS/dispatch costs; options include a May 2027 levy.
•Resident proposal and placement approved by Western Reserve Land Conservancy; parks/finance support; potential in‑house street crew work to reduce cost.
•Resident safety vs. cost and rural-character concerns; potential impacts to cemetery and trees; legal/regulatory issues for shared-use paths and e-bikes.
•Solicitor said he must review the file before recommending condemnation; homeowner access waiver language requires revision to protect homeowner property.
•Two structural reviews (Lewin and Gallagher) generally concurred with remedial approach pending final reports; council requested a third review by village engineers.

Decisions

•2027 tax budget approved; no levy placed at this meeting.
•Council approved construction not-to-exceed $8,000.
•No condemnation motion taken; building committee to follow up.
•No vote taken; council will consider additional information and potential ballot placement ahead of August deadlines.
•Release next CMG payment with retention held; obtain further independent review.

Directions

•Building committee to review file and recommend next steps by July meeting.
•Engineer to circulate reports and obtain independent opinion before July meeting; process payment while holding retention for incomplete items.
•Finance to model increases and prepare levy options; staff to refine path cost and impacts for July meetings.
•Parks committee and street department to coordinate implementation and scheduling.
•Solicitor to draft revised waiver language to address homeowner concerns.
•Staff to obtain quotes for property survey and ground‑penetrating radar for cemetery area.
•Staff to produce written facts (right-of-way impacts, tree/fence locations, feasibility/traffic data, and clear grant terms) and circulate reports to council and residents; solicitor to clarify Ohio law on shared-use paths and bike/e-bike allowances.

Jun

6-11-2026 Planning Commission

Planning Commission on June 11, 2026 considered a signage update for the Gulf station at 5196 Chiliki Road (PC case 26-05); commissioners raised questions about square footage, illumination and color and voted to seek more information and table the item to July 16, 2026.

Discussion Points

•Applicant proposed branding update including canopy, fascia, pump graphics totaling ~240.3 sq ft on pumps; color count reduced to four by dropping diesel green.
•Commissioners raised concerns about canopy back-lighting, neighborhood light spill and whether BZA review for square-foot variance is required.
•Need to align Planning Commission schedule with upcoming BZA meeting on July 15.
•Staff noted a prior agreed judgment entry addressing expansions and exterior lighting constraints; commissioners requested the judgment be consulted.
•Tanner’s swearing-in deferred until council approval.

Decisions

•Motion to table PC case 26-05 and seek additional documentation — passed
•Move July meeting to July 16, 2026; introduce Colleen Lair as new secretary; defer Tanner’s swearing-in

Directions

•Planning Commission to reconvene after BZA action and applicant submissions on July 16, 2026.
•Staff to confirm whether BZA review is required; applicant to provide night photos/video and accurate sign-area calculations; staff to circulate examples of comparable branded sites.
•Staff to publish meeting change and include items contingent on BZA actions in July 16 agenda.

May

5-20-2026 BZA

A South Russell Village zoning hearing considered and approved a variance (BCA case 26-04) allowing a sunroom addition at 400 Deer Court to sit 39 feet 6 inches from the rear property line rather than the 50-foot setback required under Section 4.02 of the South Russell Zoning Code.

Discussion Points

•Applicant presented room footprint of 25 ft by 32 ft and explained family needs for larger space
•Board concern that 10 ft 4 in allowance might be insufficient in some spots due to lot angle
•Existing deck encroaches about 2 feet; proposal removes deck and replaces with walled sunroom
•Orientation and which lot line counts as the rear on this corner lot

Decisions

•Motion to approve variance (BCA case 26-04) carried unanimously

Directions

•Board approved variance; applicant must obtain HOA approval and standard building permits before construction

May

5-19-2026 ARB

The South Russell Village Architecture Review Board met May 19, 2026, approved minutes from April 21 and approved two homeowner renovation applications: an interior addition at Bell Road and a sunroom/garage expansion on White Tale Drive. The board noted one agenda item was removed and closed the meeting at 5:51 p.m.

Discussion Points

•Agenda item one removed from the agenda.
•Applicants reported HOA approval conditions: match siding and notify adjacent neighbors.
•Applicant will develop space over garage into master suite and add a front gable; drawings missing some elevation detail and window representations are placeholders.
•Board emphasized consistency of window muntin (mutton) patterns across the home.
•Board raised window muntin (mutton) consistency; applicants said sunroom muntins are snapped-in and removable.
•Candidate (Jim H./Jim Hos) to be presented to council for approval as an alternate.
•Knee wall height of roughly 4-foot-2-inch identified as a constraint the design addresses.
•Owners want a larger sunroom (described as almost doubling in size) and a third garage bay; cited dimensions of about 26 ft and 15 ft.
•Roll call and approval of prior meeting minutes.

Decisions

•Application approved by voice vote; no opposition recorded.
•Minutes approved; adjourned at 5:51 p.m.

Directions

•Applicant to return with revised drawings and timing details as requested by the board.
•Applicant to supply corrected elevations and final window details for the file.
•Staff to present candidate to the council at the next meeting.

May

5-18-2026 Regular Council Meeting

South Russell Village Council heard extended public comment and council discussion on a proposed pedestrian path/sidewalk along Bell Road, including engineer cost estimates, potential grant funding, and the possibility of a levy for up to about $1 million; council also approved a set of administrative payments and contractor actions.

Discussion Points

•Chief reported 28 years service and two bicyclist collisions as local crash history
•Council must decide whether to certify levy for November by early August or to seek more grant funding and delay
•Engineer estimate ~ $1.8M for north route; south route cost discussed as higher; $800,000 grant identified; village share may be ~ $1M absent more grant funding
•Finance and clerk discussed tax‑budget deadlines and ADA compliance of village website
•Payment #3 had engineer review and was approved; payment #4 was approved pending engineer sign‑off
•Properties committee selected low bid to repair village hall sewer at $16,200
•Residents divided: safety and access vs. village character and tree loss; alternatives (road diet/striping) proposed

Decisions

•Adopted ordinance to revise investment procedures (section 235.02)
•Approved CMG payment application #3 ($235,259.84) and conditional approval of payment application #4 ($120,000) pending engineer sign‑off
•Approved payment application #3 and conditional approval of payment #4; hired septic contractor; adopted investment ordinance
•Authorized hiring of septic contractor (Giaga/Giagptic) for village hall sewer repair ($16,200)
•Authorized mayor to sign letters to state representatives
•Authorized RFP for cleaning services

Directions

•Finance to pursue additional grant opportunities and to coordinate levy timeline with county deadlines
•Fiscal officer to obtain engineer's written approval before payment #4 is released
•Fiscal officer to pursue written engineer review (Verdantis) for salt barn anchor bolt repairs before final payment #4 release
•Properties to coordinate sewer repair scheduling and invoice processing
•Streets committee to provide official widths and cost estimates at upcoming meeting

May

5-14-2026 Planning Commission Meeting

The South Russell Village Planning Commission met May 14, 2026. The commission approved a replacement monument sign for a local care facility and spent the bulk of the meeting discussing a proposed solar-panel permit checklist, including whether to limit guidance to rooftop installations, how building and zoning codes apply, site-plan and permit requirements, and next steps for review.

Discussion Points

•Applicant to replace monument sign with double-sided, non-illuminated tenant panel and door panel; dimensions disputed in paperwork; surveyor to update site plan and landline measurements; commissioners agreed color and square-footage acceptable.
•Commissioners debated scope (rooftop vs. ground-mounted), the need to define solar panels as structures for zoning, site-plan scale, and building-permit documentation.
•Mayor presented draft checklist compiled from other municipalities.
•Staff reported online application capability expected in 3–4 months.

Decisions

•Motion to approve replacement sign carried (recorded yes by multiple commissioners).
•No formal vote; the item is for further review by the building committee.

Directions

•Forward revised draft to the building committee for additional review.
•Revise checklist to add rooftop scope language, require site-plan drawings to scale, and list building-permit documentation.
•Staff to withhold permit until updated site plan/survey is submitted.

May

5-4-2026 Regular Council Meeting

South Russell Village Council met May 4, 2026. The council approved an Eagle Scout project, moved forward with multiple road and stormwater contracts and engineering work orders, discussed a proposed 0.81-mill five-year bicycle/pedestrian levy with public opposition, adopted a policy for village staff to load school district salt, and entered executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

Discussion Points

•Committee recommended a five-year 0.81-mill levy to fund bicycle/pedestrian improvements; some members worried about timing relative to other levies
•Committee recommended limiting third-party access to reduce liability
•Council confirmed the village will charge for material cost only (not labor)
•Council discussed whether all grant options had been exhausted and clarified levy calculations (taxable vs. fair market value)
•Estimated engineering and design costs ($181,000 and $57,000) were discussed
•Financing: $400 Rotary Club donation; total project cost estimated $272.35
•Maintenance: troop to provide volunteer labor and at least annual maintenance visits
•Project scope: three beds, nine plants (yellow coneflowers, bee balm), brick paths and mulch/topsoil supplied by village
•Resident Joe argued the estimated $1.8M project would not provide sufficient value and urged council not to place it on the ballot
•Solicitor suggested an MOU instead of a liability release
•Split engineering/design and construction work orders for project management
•Waverly Lane selected to keep local road program while state contract defers Bell Road East

Decisions

•Council adopted Verdantus work orders and authorized proceeding to bid
•Council approved the Eagle Scout project
•First reading held; no final ballot authorization at May 4 meeting
•Policy adopted to require village employee presence for salt loading

Directions

•Candidate to contact Tim Young (Streets) to schedule installation; village to provide materials as noted
•Council scheduled additional readings and must finalize ordinance language before the early-August board-of-elections deadline
•Proceed with execution of work orders and publish bidding documents for the 2026 program
•Village staff to notify the school district of the salt material price once provided by the state; solicitor to draft MOU if council requests

May

05-01-2026 Special Council Meeting

Special South Russell Village council meeting focused on a proposed multiuse trail and whether to place a 1.81‑mill levy before voters; committee voted to recommend council consider placing the levy on the ballot and discussed funding, grant options and outreach constraints.

Discussion Points

•Committee recommended a two‑track approach: pursue grants/private funding while preparing levy language/education.
•Finance committee estimated $1,800,000 total with $800,000 grant and $1,000,000 village share; levy modeled over five years.
•Solicitor advised that village officials may publish factual information but may not use village resources to advocate for the levy once certified.

Decisions

•Committee voted to recommend council consider a 1.81‑mill levy and forward the motion to full council (4 ayes, 1 abstain).

Directions

•Committee to forward recommendation to full council; staff to confirm election date and certification deadline; committee to draft non‑advocacy informational materials for vetting by solicitor.

Apr

4-27-2026 Regular Council Meeting

South Russell Village council held its regular meeting discussing the tax budget timetable, a debate and ordinance to join the ODOT road salt contract (1,800 tons agreed), police presentation on the Valley Enforcement Group and proposed police-station addition, park events including an Eagle Scout platform ratification, and several ordinances adopted including Bell Road resurfacing and a $15,000 body-camera subgrant.

Discussion Points

•Committee weighed historical tonnage, inventory levels and brine use.
•Estimated cost for proposed station addition (~$150,000) and process for approvals.
•Mayor asked council to review Miller Datsun/Gosselin report before budget planning (Mayor, S1).
•Members noted storage capacity for approximately 2,000 tons with 10% overage and debated risk of running out of salt.
•Overview of VEG capabilities and assets; questions about reimbursement and overtime.
•Park committee recommended the Eagle Scout project and reviewed prior park meeting notes.
•Parks committee requested clarification and tabled a banner request pending sponsor info; council approved a pavilion event and ratified an Eagle Scout project (Council member, S3).
•Police chief presented Valley Enforcement Group capabilities and asked for quotes for acoustic panels in council chamber (Police Chief, S6).
•Properties committee flagged cemetery fence damage and the need to verify boundaries before repairs.
•Streets committee debated order size for road salt and brine alternative (Council member, S7; Fiscal officer, S8).

Decisions

•Council adopted OCJS subgrant ordinance for $15,000 for body cameras.
•Council adopted ordinance to participate in ODOT contract at 1,800 tons.
•Council adopted participation in ODOT road-salt contract for 1,800 tons.
•Council adopted the Bell Road ODOT LPA agreement.
•Council approved pavilion event (not to exceed $800) and tabled the Bike-to-School banner pending sponsor information.
•Council authorized the chief to obtain initial plans and proceed with approvals (motion passed).
•Council ratified Eagle Scout project and approved cemetery repairs authorization (cost cap $5,000).
•Council ratified payment register for $92,969.50.
•Council ratified the Eagle Scout observation-platform project and authorized cemetery repairs not to exceed $5,000.
•Council set public tax-budget hearing for June 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.
•Minutes of April 6 approved.

Directions

•Chief to obtain initial schematic plans at no cost and to bring budget/cost estimates to future budget meetings.
•Fiscal officer to collect committee input on tax-budget worksheets by May 18 and prepare tax budget.
•Mayor, fiscal officer, and street commissioner authorized to obtain three quotes for cemetery fence repair and tree removal (cost not to exceed $5,000).
•Mayor, fiscal officer, and street commissioner to obtain three quotes for cemetery fence repair up to $5,000.
•Parks committee to notify Eagle Scout and oversee installation; notify at least one council contact.
•Police chief permitted to obtain initial architectural plans for the proposed police-station addition at no cost and proceed through approval steps.
•Proceed with ODOT participation at 1,800 tons; street commissioner to complete documentation before May 1.
•Street commissioner to proceed with ODOT salt contract paperwork and obtain quotes if additional tonnage needed; committee to finalize purchase details.

Apr

4-21-2026 ARB

The South Russell Village Architectural Review Board met April 21, 2026, and approved three residential exterior projects (55 Maple Drive resubmission, a front-porch at 951 Bell Road, and an addition at 1101 Bell Road) after brief presentations and minor requested changes.

Discussion Points

•At 951 Bell Road architect Kevinia noted a previously granted variance; the board raised a technical concern about the front gable roof pitch relative to the second-floor sill and requested an in-field adjustment.
•Richard Brown said the 1101 Bell Road plans opted for a more classic board-and-batten look and replacement windows; the board described the project as straightforward.
•Ron Bernberg walked the board through revisions to the rear-of-house design at 55 Maple Drive, highlighting added windows, material changes and a full roof replacement.

Decisions

•Approved ARB case 26-02 (55 Maple Drive) as resubmitted.
•Approved ARB case 26-05 (951 Bell Road) with roof-pitch clearance noted.
•Approved ARB case 26-06 (1101 Bell Road) as presented.
•Approved minutes from March 17, 2026.

Directions

•Board requested staff to note a roof-pitch modification on the 951 Bell Road plan to provide clearance beneath the second-floor sill.
•Staff to record approvals and file revised drawings for each approved application.

Apr

4-15-2026 Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting

Two variances for 46 Daisy Lane were approved; a proposal to classify 5084 Chillicothe Road as agricultural for on‑site wine production drew strong neighborhood concern and the applicant withdrew the agricultural variance to refine plans.

Discussion Points

•Applicant seeks agricultural classification to permit on‑site wine production and retail.
•Applicant seeks front and rear additions to add a bedroom and storage/garage.
•Board visited property and noted existing non‑conforming encroachments.
•Neighbors raised traffic, hours, parking, water and property value concerns.
•Neighbors reported verbal support but formal notices were part of the record.
•Solicitor and board clarified that agriculture under village code applies to products grown on site and does not permit manufacturing from off‑site grapes/juice.

Decisions

•Applicant withdrew the agricultural variance request; no final variance granted.
•Two side‑yard variances approved for 46 Daisy Lane.

Directions

•Applicant to consult planning commission and refine business/site plan before returning.
•Clerk to prepare paperwork and notify applicant of approval and next steps.

Mar

3-16-2026

South Russell Village Council met March 16, 2026. The council confirmed three police appointments and sworn-in officers, heard fiscal and engineering reports including a tax-revenue uptick and a corrected roads estimate, approved a technical services contract for MS4 reporting, and authorized several routine budget and stormwater actions before moving to executive session on imminent litigation.

Discussion Points

•Administration moved $625,000 into StarOhio to capture higher short‑term interest and emphasized need for a five‑year spending plan.
•Council approved each appointment by voice vote and administered oaths of office.
•Council discussed adopting an AI‑assisted minutes workflow that preserves human review and committee approval before final posting.
•Fiscal officer reported 2025 income tax receipts of $2,975,000 vs $2.66M in 2024 (approx. $310,000 increase).
•Ordinance authorizing MS4 technical services introduced and emergency/waiver of readings requested.
•Payment register ratified and routine administrative items handled.
•Public utilities recommended $9,500 for in‑house stormwater materials to address Manor Brook flooding; council approved materials purchase.
•Safety committee introduced three candidates and summarized experience for each appointment.

Decisions

•Adopt MS4 technical services ordinance in amount not to exceed $6,172; authorize up to $9,500 in materials for Manor Brook stormwater mitigation; ratify payment register; move April meeting; enter executive session.
•Confirmations of Justin Kimery (full time), Nicholas DeMario (part time), and Julia Benning (sergeant)
•Council agreed in principle to pilot an AI‑assisted minutes workflow with mandatory human review; moved funds into StarOhio pending five‑year plan.

Directions

•Fiscal officer to circulate detailed tax receipts and investment info via email; committee chairs to review AI minutes drafts; administration to provide proposed policy in April.
•Mayor to execute MS4 proposal; administration to update calendar for moved meeting date; street department to procure materials not to exceed $9,500.

Mar

3-17-2026 Architectural Review Board Meeting

The South Russell Village Architectural Review Board met March 18, 2026, and approved minutes and an ARB application (Case 25-12A) for a 275-square-foot addition at 111 Arrowwood Circle with a condition to extend the home's chimney; staff to follow up on permits.

Discussion Points

•Chair identified a brick infill panel on the rear elevation and raised concerns about lacking a chimney.
•Committee confirmed the fireplace is wood-burning, leading to conversation about venting and chimney height/design.
•Members suggested stepping the chimney and considering a bluestone cap; small transom panels may be solid due to size.

Decisions

•Board approved ARB case 25-12A with a condition to extend the chimney.
•Board approved prior meeting minutes by voice vote.

Directions

•Applicant to extend chimney per the board\u0002s direction and return final details to staff for permit review.
•Staff to follow up with applicant about permit submission and issuance.

Mar

3-12-2026 Planning Commission Meeting

The South Russell Village Planning Commission met March 12, 2026. The commission approved an appointment-only art and tattoo studio application and discussed a proposed solar-installation checklist to be revised and reviewed by staff before being reposted.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described appointment-only model and therapeutic aspects of tattoo work.
•Commissioner presented a three-page solar checklist based on other municipalities' examples.
•Commissioners asked about health, ventilation, sink and inspection requirements.
•Commissioners described the role and encouraged him to attend future meetings.
•Prospective alternate introduced himself and explained interest.
•Several commissioners cautioned that the village has no specific solar regulations and warned against posting guidance that could be misread as regulation.
•Staff confirmed inspections and permits will be required; no sprinkler system noted in building.
•Staff explained permitting steps (structural engineer stamp, electrical permits, inspections) and that aesthetics and ground arrays raise additional questions.

Decisions

•Item to return to the April agenda for additional discussion and potential referral to building committee and then council.
•Motion to approve PC case 2602 passed unanimously (approval contingent on required inspections).
•No formal appointment taken at this meeting.

Directions

•Applicant to schedule health and fire inspections before opening.
•Remove or revise the checklist on the website until staff review is complete.
•Staff (Dave Hosvar) to review technical and permitting details and report back before the April meeting.
•Staff to verify code, building and health requirements during inspections.

Mar

3-2-2026 Regular Council Meeting

South Russell Village Council met March 2, 2026; council confirmed a new full‑time patrol officer, approved a $5,500 Verdantus work order for the Hemlock Road culvert replacement, authorized three letters of support for a regional water grant, heard a community‑services presentation, and set committee assignments and meeting dates.

Discussion Points

•Committee assignments updated and absences approved for upcoming meetings.
•Need to file MS4/stormwater report by April 1; Geauga Soil & Water proposal estimated $500–$5,000 depending on scope.
•ODOT Bell Road project timing likely 2027; local apron paving may be needed for resident fairness.
•Program scope covers early intervention, school supports, vocational and residential supports; agency reported serving over 1,200 county residents last year.

Decisions

•Committee assignments and excused absences approved.
•Mayor's appointment of new full‑time patrol officer confirmed and oath administered (effective 03/16/2026).
•Ordinance amendments enacting agenda procedures and oral communications adopted.
•Payment register for 02/27/26 ratified ($68,496.27).
•Work Order 2A approved (Verdantus) not to exceed $5,500.

Directions

•Mayor authorized to execute Verdantus Work Order 2A up to $5,500; public utilities and streets committees to coordinate.
•Mayor authorized to finalize and submit three letters of support to state legislators by the stated portal deadline.
•Mayor’s office and fiscal officer to finalize letters and clerical edits.

Feb

2-17-2026 Regular Council Meeting

The Village of South Russell council appointed Mark Porter to fill a council vacancy and swore him in, resolved a contractor permit-deposit dispute by remitting 70% of the deposit to the contractor and 30% to the homeowner, and approved multiple ordinances and equipment purchases including a microphone upgrade and a new phone system. Council also raised comp-time accrual limits for non-police hourly employees and moved to record committee meetings using digital/AI transcription tools.

Discussion Points

•An earlier inspection opinion indicating ~70% completion was cited as the basis for the 70% remittance.
•Contractor claimed communication breakdowns and that substantial work had been completed.
•Council chose to finalize appointment by motion and roll call after solicitor identified a procedural defect.
•Council confirmed some items were budgeted capital expenses.
•Council discussed comp-time financial liability and noted police comp-time accrual rules are separate.
•Council emphasized its jurisdiction was limited to handling the permit deposit, not deciding private contract disputes.
•Council explained selection criteria and thanked applicants; solicitor advised waiver requirement for emergency resolution waivers.
•Solicitor advised that changes to committee-minute policy might require ordinance amendment rather than a motion.

Decisions

•Mark Porter appointed to fill the unexpired council term through 12/31/2029; oath administered.
•Multiple ordinances, contracts and budget transfers approved and ratified as described.
•Return 70% of the permit deposit to the contractor; retain 30% for village costs.

Directions

•Departments to execute approved contracts and report back on implementation.
•Prepare remittance paperwork; village to retain 30% to cover inspection/administrative costs.
•Staff to draft any needed ordinance amendments related to committee recording and visitors' deadlines for March consideration.
•Staff to finalize paperwork and record corrected procedure in minutes.

Feb

2-17-2026 Architectural Review Board Meeting

The South Russell Village Architectural Review Board met Feb. 17, 2026. The board approved minutes, approved two applications (accessory structure and front-porch/roof/siding changes) and required a resubmission with design revisions for an addition at 26-0255 Nathan Hill Drive.

Discussion Points

•Applicant changed finish from metal siding to match house materials
•Applicant will replace prior temporary rear addition with a year-round family room
•Board requested matching window types (double-hung) and better proportional composition
•Modify roof ends and dormers to address leaks and improve composition
•New outbuilding will be smaller than prior structure and in a similar footprint
•Photos submitted appeared outdated; board requested recent photos & clearer existing-material callout
•Replace aluminum siding with five-inch white vinyl and add brick-veneer porch base and columns

Decisions

•Accessory structure design approved
•Design approved by ARB
•Request to revise and resubmit granted; no approval of construction was given

Directions

•Applicant to resubmit updated elevations, photos and material samples
•ARB staff to docket resubmitted materials for review

Feb

2-12-2026 Planning Commission Meeting

The planning commission considered PC case 26-01 and approved a permit for Ohay Gifting to operate a retail/gift-boxing business at 300 Industrial Parkway, Unit H; discussion centered on parking and delivery logistics.

Discussion Points

•Applicant may continue to receive some deliveries at home and transfer goods to Unit H.
•Applicant operates primarily from home and ships nationally; has one employee.
•Commission members expressed parking as primary concern; Unit H lacks a loading dock.

Decisions

•Approve opening of Ohay Gifting at 300 Industrial Parkway, Unit H (PC case 26-01).

Feb

2-7-2026 Special Council Meeting

The South Russell Village Council met in a special session on Feb. 7, 2026, and unanimously approved several third‑reading ordinances: an amendment to the order of business, purchase of a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, a police internet service upgrade, an in‑car video system, authorization to apply for a community event sponsorship grant, and a treasury services agreement. Several other items were read for a second reading, including a 12‑month moratorium on retail cannabis permits and a plan for Bell Road resurfacing.

Discussion Points

•Readings and roll calls for multiple ordinances; little substantive debate recorded.

Decisions

•Adoption of multiple ordinances as listed in actions array; several items left at second reading.

Directions

•Fiscal officer authorized to apply for/accept NOCAP grant and to execute treasury services agreement.

Feb

2-5-2026 Regular Council Meeting

South Russell Village Council heard a forfeiture hearing about a construction deposit at 88 Hawkeye Lake Drive and received a Geauga County Public Health presentation on a state-mandated septic operation and maintenance program. The council tabled the forfeiture decision to Feb. 17 and approved multiple administrative actions including ODOT coordination on Bell Road East, final payments for a Hemlock Road culvert project, grant application authority for a sodium-reduction grant, and steps to fill a vacant council seat.

Discussion Points

•Building inspector: roughing inspection passed; permit remained open; roughly 70% of work completed at inspection.
•Council accepted resignation and scheduled interviews to fill the vacancy; introduced a moratorium on cannabis permits while regulatory options are reviewed.
•Council and counsel: administrative refund rules vs. civil remedies in court.
•Council completed closeout tasks for Hemlock Road culvert and approved change orders/payments for culvert and salt-storage facility.
•County will rely on pumpers' reports and will scan records into a public database.
•Enforcement will be graduated; noncompliance inspection fee cited at $300; dye tests and sampling will be used primarily where records are missing.
•Engineer presented LPA schedule for Bell Road East and asked council to acknowledge it as a worst-case timeline; council changed award date to 12/14/2026.
•Five-year operation permits for most traditional septic systems; $100 administrative fee; high-risk systems require more frequent service and sampling.
•Homeowner alleges contractor abandoned project after three months; contractor disputes and says receipts provided.

Decisions

•Motion to table the forfeiture/deposit decision passed; matter will be readdressed Feb. 17.
•Multiple approvals by voice vote; moratorium introduced for first reading; vacancy-advertising and special-meeting scheduling approved.
•No ordinance action taken; informational presentation only.

Directions

•Building Department to assemble receipts/permit file for council review before Feb. 17 meeting.
•Council staff to coordinate distribution of county mailings and copies of the county's materials to South Russell residents.
•Solicitor to review grant application prior to submittal; engineer to transmit corrected award date to ODOT; administration to advertise council vacancy and coordinate interview schedule.

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