Ashtabula County, OH

Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Recreation Committee

City Council

City Council

General

Public Works/Public Utilities/Cable/Schools Committee

The Public Works/Public Utilities/Cable/Schools Committee is meeting to receive reports from the city manager, water pollution control, and public works. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Water Pollution Control Report
• Public Works Report
• City Manager's Report

Finance & Personnel Committee

The Ashtabula City Council Finance & Personnel Committee is meeting to receive the finance director's report on income tax, cash position, revenue, and expenses, along with the city manager's report. The committee will also consider a surety bond for the finance director. The next meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2026.

• Finance Director's Report: income tax, cash position, revenue, expense reports
• City Manager's Report
• New Business: Surety Bond for Finance Director
• Next meeting set for September 18, 2026

City Council

This is a pre-council agenda for the Ashtabula City Council meeting on August 17, 2026. The meeting is primarily procedural, featuring administrative reports from the city manager, finance director, solicitor, and clerk, along with committee reports. No specific legislation, contracts, or dollar amounts are listed for discussion or action.

• Administrative reports from City Manager, Finance Director, City Solicitor, and Clerk of Council
• Committee reports from Community Development, Finance & Personnel, Public Works, and Safety Forces
• Discussion of new business and proposed legislation
• Discussion of old business and legislation on second reading

City Council

The Ashtabula City Council is holding a work session to discuss a draft ordinance creating a Thriving Communities Commission. The agenda includes opening procedures, visitor acknowledgment, and discussion of the proposed commission, followed by questions and public comment at the council's discretion. No final decisions are scheduled, as this is a discussion-only session.

• Discussion of the Thriving Communities Commission Draft Ordinance
• Work session format with no voting items listed
• Public comment allowed at council's discretion

City Council

The Ashtabula City Council is holding its regular meeting with several items for passage, including contracts for road deck repairs, security camera installation, and insurance coverage. The council will also consider disposing of obsolete equipment and making supplemental appropriations. A resolution honoring a retiring finance department employee is on the agenda.

• Ordinance 2026-144: Contract with Rocky Road Paving for road deck repairs (Round 4)
• Ordinance 2026-145: Change order #1 with ProLine Technology for city annex security cameras
• Ordinance 2026-146: Law enforcement liability insurance with Acrisure and Kinsale, $186,765 for one year
• Ordinance 2026-148: Liability, property, and casualty insurance via PEP through Acrisure, not to exceed $302,889
• Ordinance 2026-147: Disposal of obsolete equipment from Water Pollution Control Department

Safety Forces Committee

The Ashtabula City Council Safety Forces Committee is meeting to receive monthly reports from the police and fire chiefs, including July 2026 statistics, along with reports from the city manager and solicitor. The agenda is largely routine and informational, with no specific action items listed.

• Police Department Chief's Report with APD July 2026 stats
• Fire Department Chief's Report with AFD July 2026 stats
• City Manager's Report
• City Solicitor's Report

The Safety Forces Committee met on August 13, 2026, and received reports from the police and fire chiefs, the city manager, and the city solicitor. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational, covering July statistics, equipment updates, and ongoing issues. The committee discussed the denial of a grant request for boat engine replacement and the status of the Coast Guard station reopening.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; meeting was informational
• Discussed denial of Stone Garden grant for $40,000 boat engine replacement
• Noted intent to hire at least one firefighter from certified list
• Discussed potential adoption of new state hiring flexibility, pending further definition

Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Recreation Committee

The committee will hear a presentation on data center impacts from Policy Matters Ohio and discuss a proposed data center moratorium.

• Presentation by Molly Bryden, Policy Matters Ohio, on data center impacts
• Discussion of a data center moratorium

The committee heard a presentation from Policy Matters Ohio on data center impacts, including fiscal costs, water use, and grid strain. No formal action was taken, but members discussed strengthening a proposed moratorium with substantive policy language before advancing it to Council. The City Manager stated he does not wish to see a data center in Ashtabula and noted the zoning update will address the issue regardless.

• No formal votes or resolutions taken; discussion only
• Consensus to strengthen moratorium with substantive policy language before advancing to Council
• City Manager stated opposition to data center in Ashtabula, citing land constraints
• Assistant City Solicitor to research NDA prohibition for City employees and officials
• Committee agreed to present homeless outreach task force report at future meeting
• Tax abatement policy revisit anticipated for September or October meeting

City Council

The Ashtabula City Council will meet to decide on several ordinances, including a tax incentive agreement for new residential dwellings at 725 E. 15th Street and a contract to purchase a Ford Maverick. The council will also vote on adopting a budgetary reserve policy and making supplemental appropriations for road maintenance.

• ORDINANCE NO. 2026-136: Tax incentive agreement with River & Rail Development, LLC for 100% abatement for 7 years at 725 E. 15th Street
• ORDINANCE NO. 2026-137: Contract with AM Ford for purchase of a Ford Maverick
• ORDINANCE NO. 2026-139: Adoption of the City of Ashtabula Budgetary General Fund Reserve Policy
• ORDINANCE NO. 2026-140: Supplemental appropriations for 205 State, County, Municipal Roads fund
• ORDINANCE NO. 2026-134 & 135: Updates to tobacco sales regulations for under-21 individuals

Council approved a Community Reinvestment Area tax incentive agreement with River & Rail Development, LLC, granting 100% tax abatement for 7 years for new residential dwellings at 725 E. 15th Street. The vote was 4-2, with Ward 3 Councilor RoLesia Holman and Ward 5 Councilor Jane DiGiacomo voting no. Council also passed several other ordinances, including a Ford Maverick purchase, a victim advocate hiring, a budget reserve policy, and supplemental appropriations, all by unanimous consent. Two ordinances regarding building number placement were introduced for first reading, and two tobacco sales penalty ordinances were adopted on second reading.

• Approved CRA tax abatement agreement with River & Rail Development, LLC for 100% abatement for 7 years at 725 E. 15th St. (4-2)
• Approved contract with AM Ford for purchase of a Ford Maverick (unanimous)
• Approved hiring of Emily Bussanich as Victim Advocate and additional paid vacation leave (unanimous)
• Adopted budgetary General Fund reserve policy (unanimous)
• Approved supplemental appropriations to the 205 State, County, Municipal Roads – Public Works Fund (unanimous)
• Adopted new tobacco sales penalty ordinance and repealed old one (unanimous)
• Introduced ordinances to repeal and replace building number placement section 1329.03 (first reading)
• Approved minutes of July 20, 2026 meetings (unanimous)

City Council

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate for a pre-council meeting. The session includes administrative reports and committee updates.

The Ashtabula City Council held a pre-council meeting on August 3, 2026, reviewing several ordinances for future consideration, including a Ford Maverick purchase, supplemental appropriations, a General Fund reserve policy, and a prior-service credit for a city employee. No formal votes were taken; all items are scheduled for the regular meeting on August 17. Council also discussed a tax abatement request for a new residential construction on E. 15th Street, with some members expressing opposition.

• Reviewed ordinance for $28,995 Ford Maverick purchase from AM Ford for Planning Dept (no vote)
• Reviewed ordinance for $35,000 supplemental appropriation to Roads/Public Works Fund (no vote)
• Reviewed ordinance enacting General Fund Reserve Policy with 2-month minimum balance (no vote)
• Reviewed ordinance granting prior-service credit to Victim Advocate Emily Bussanich (no vote)
• Discussed tax abatement for E. 15th Street project; no action taken
• Scheduled work session on Thriving Communities Commission before Aug. 17 meeting

Public Works/Public Utilities/Cable/Schools Committee

The committee will meet to receive reports from the City Manager, Water Pollution Control, and Public Works. No specific legislative actions or contracts are listed on the agenda.

The committee discussed a potential $9,000/month lease for a split rear loader truck for combined refuse and recycling collection, and considered issuing a separate bid for sidewalk replacement on Collins Boulevard after a $130,000 change order. The city manager noted the paving levy yields about $800,000 annually, while a full rebuild of Lake Avenue would cost over $2 million. No formal votes or approvals were taken; all items were informational or discussed.

• No formal votes or approvals were taken during the meeting.
• Discussed potential lease of a split rear loader truck at $9,000/month for combined refuse and recycling collection.
• Discussed issuing a separate bid for sidewalk replacement on Collins Boulevard after a $130,000 change order.
• Noted that the city's annual paving levy yields approximately $800,000, while a full Lake Avenue rebuild would cost over $2 million.
• Heard that the EPA raised questions about mixing zone study data for the Outfall Relocation Project; response being prepared by Amendola.
• Heard that the lateral push camera was damaged and will cost about $6,000 to repair versus $15,000 to replace.
• Heard that the county completed striping on multiple corridors using six barrels of white paint; one additional barrel ordered for touch-ups.
• Heard that the next round of tree removal was approved by Council and contractor work is pending.

City Council

The City Council will meet to receive administrative and committee reports. The agenda includes time for the discussion of new business, proposed legislation, and legislation on second reading.

Council approved committee reassignments prompted by the resignation of Ward 1 Councilor Kym Foglio, with Vice President Russell Simeone moving to the Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Recreation Committee and Ward 4 Councilor Jodi Mills moving to Finance and Personnel. Council also approved a resolution to honor retired Assistant Finance Director Carolyn Sheldon. No ordinances were voted on; several were presented for future consideration, including a $23 million wastewater loan application and a CRA tax abatement for a residential project.

• Approved committee reassignments (5-1, Holman nay)
• Approved resolution honoring Carolyn Sheldon (unanimous)

City Council

Ashtabula City Council will vote on contracts for tree removal and the disposal of obsolete vehicles. The body is also discussing a loan agreement for wastewater facilities and updates to ordinances regarding tobacco sales to persons under 21.

• Ordinance 2026-131: Contract with Brobst Tree & Stump Service for tree removal
• Ordinance 2026-132: Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) agreement for wastewater facilities
• Ordinance 2026-133: Disposal of obsolete and unneeded vehicles
• Ordinance 2026-134: Repeal of tobacco sale penalties for persons under 21 to impose new fines and license suspension criteria
• Ordinance 2026-135: Adoption of new codified ordinance chapter regarding tobacco sales to persons under 21

Council unanimously passed three ordinances: a $23 million Water Pollution Control Loan Fund agreement for wastewater treatment plant work, a contract for tree removal, and disposal of obsolete vehicles. A first reading was held on updated tobacco/vaping penalties for retailers, with fines increasing up to $1,000 and possible license suspension on fourth offense. No votes were opposed on any action.

• Approved $23M WPCLF loan for wastewater treatment plant (6-0)
• Approved contract with Brobst Tree & Stump Service for tree removal (6-0)
• Approved disposal of obsolete vehicles round 3 (6-0)
• First reading of ordinance increasing tobacco/vaping retailer fines (6-0)

Finance & Personnel Committee

The Finance & Personnel Committee will review the Finance Director's reports on taxes, cash position, revenue, and expenses. The committee is also discussing the development of a policy regarding general fund borrowing practices.

• Development of a policy on General Fund borrowing practices
• Finance Director's Income Tax Report
• Statement of Cash Position
• Revenue and Expense Reports

The Finance & Personnel Committee reviewed the income tax non-filer project, noting 110 accounts in assessment with about $172,000 due, and discussed negative fund balances, deciding to let them heal naturally rather than reduce encumbrances. No formal votes were taken; the committee discussed a draft policy on General Fund borrowing, expected in August, and an OWDA loan application for the Water Pollution Control Plan update to be presented Monday.

• Reviewed income tax non-filer project: 110 accounts in assessment, ~$172,000 due
• Decided not to reduce encumbrances to fix negative fund balances, letting them heal naturally
• Discussed draft policy on General Fund borrowing, presentation expected in August
• Noted ordinance for OWDA loan application for Water Pollution Control Plan update to be requested Monday

Safety Forces Committee

The Ashtabula Safety Forces Committee will hear monthly statistical reports from the police and fire departments, along with updates from the city manager and city solicitor. The agenda also includes opening procedures, visitor acknowledgement, and scheduling of the next meeting.

• Police Department monthly statistics for June
• Fire Department monthly statistics for June
• City Manager's Report
• City Solicitor's Report

The Safety Forces Committee received reports from the police and fire chiefs and the city manager. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational, covering police staffing, fireworks enforcement, fire department hiring, radar speed signs, and an intersection change.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; meeting was informational only
• Police chief reported 1,800+ calls in June, 51 adult traffic arrests
• New 6-officer targeted traffic unit planned, operational late summer/early fall
• 18 individuals criminally charged for fireworks violations over July 4th
• Fire chief reported all-time high call volume; 9 candidates interviewed for firefighter position
• Radar speed display signs to be installed on Bridge Street and as roving unit
• E. 24th & Harbor intersection change: southbound Harbor traffic must stop before turning westbound

City Council

This pre-council meeting includes administrative reports from the city manager, finance director, solicitor, and clerk, as well as committee reports. New and old business will be discussed, but no specific votes or public hearings are scheduled.

• Administrative reports: city manager, finance director, solicitor, clerk
• Committee reports from five standing committees
• Discussion of new and old proposed legislation
• Scheduled committee meeting dates for July–December 2026

The Ashtabula City Council held a pre-council meeting on July 6, 2026, discussing but not voting on a proposed ordinance to expand curbside recycling citywide. The discussion included the cost of new containers, funding from the General Fund carryover, and the operational rollout plan. Council also discussed the vacancy left by Ward 1 Councilor Kym Foglio's resignation and the procedural implications of operating with six members. No formal votes were taken on legislation during this pre-council meeting.

• Appointed Jacob Dinsmore to the Parks and Recreation Board for a term expiring May 21, 2030.
• Referred the Hometown Hero banner project to the Community Development / Economic Development / Parks and Recreation Committee.
• Discussed a proposed ordinance to expand curbside recycling citywide, with no vote taken.
• Discussed the vacancy left by Ward 1 Councilor Kym Foglio's resignation and the procedural implications of operating with six members.
• Heard a request to repeal the moratorium on accessory structures over 200 square feet.

City Council

The City Council will consider several ordinances and resolutions, including adopting the Ashtabula County Hazard Mitigation Plan, approving the 2027 tax budget, and setting compensation for municipal court employees. Other items include disposing of obsolete vehicles, repealing a prior resolution on accessory structures, renewing a prescription benefit consultant contract, purchasing recycling containers, and authorizing HVAC repairs at the Annex Building. Public hearings continue on ordinances removing background check requirements for certain permits.

• Adoption of Ashtabula County Hazard Mitigation Plan (Resolution 2026-124)
• Approval of 2027 tax budget (Ordinance 2026-129)
• Municipal court employee compensation and wages (Ordinances 2026-127 and 128)
• Disposal of obsolete vehicles round 2 (Ordinance 2026-121)
• Repeal of resolution on accessory structures over 200 sq ft (Resolution 2026-122)

The Ashtabula City Council approved all legislation on the agenda, including a resolution repealing the moratorium on accessory structures over 200 square feet, an ordinance to purchase recycling and rubbish containers to complete the curbside recycling program, and a renewal agreement for prescription benefit consultant services. The council also adopted the county hazard mitigation plan, authorized the disposal of obsolete vehicles, and passed ordinances related to municipal court employee compensation and the 2027 tax budget. All votes were unanimous except for Ordinance 2026-125 (recycling containers), which passed with President John Roskovics voting no, and Ordinances 2026-97 and 2026-98 (background check requirements), which passed with Ward 3 Councilor RoLesia Holman voting no.

• Approved Ordinance 2026-121 authorizing disposal of obsolete and unneeded vehicles (Round 2).
• Approved Resolution 2026-122 repealing the moratorium on accessory structures over 200 square feet.
• Approved Ordinance 2026-123 authorizing a renewal agreement with EPLS, LLC for prescription benefit consultant services.
• Approved Resolution 2026-124 adopting the Ashtabula County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Approved Ordinance 2026-125 authorizing purchase of recycling and rubbish containers from Wastequip, LLC (passed with President Roskovics voting no).
• Approved Ordinance 2026-126 making supplemental appropriations for 2026.
• Approved Ordinances 2026-127 and 2026-128 regarding municipal court employee compensation (repealing and replacing Ordinance 2026-88).
• Approved Ordinance 2026-129 adopting the 2027 tax budget, and Ordinance 2026-130 authorizing HVAC repairs at the Annex Building with Ziegler Heating and Cooling.

Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Recreation Committee

The Ashtabula City Council committee will meet to hear a presentation on emergency preparedness and discuss unfinished and new business. The meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2026.

• Emergency Preparedness presentation by Yvonka Hall
• Parks & Recreation Committee Report
• Unfinished Business
• New Business
• Next meeting scheduled for August 5, 2026

The committee received updates on various city grants and infrastructure projects. City Manager James Timonere announced his intention to recommend the repeal of the current accessory structure moratorium to City Council.

• Proposed repeal of the accessory structure moratorium for structures over 200 square feet
• Noted $743,184 Brownfield grant award for Tannery Hill cleanup
• Noted $295,000 CDBG Flexible Grant received for Renick second-floor improvements
• Deferred Hulbert Hill critical infrastructure work to next spring

Public Works/Public Utilities/Cable/Schools Committee

The Public Works, Public Utilities, Cable, and Schools Committee will meet to receive reports from the City Manager, Public Works, and Water Pollution Control. The meeting includes a special presentation from Ashtabula Area City Schools Superintendent Lisa Newsome.

• Presentation by Superintendent Lisa Newsome of Ashtabula Area City Schools
• Water Pollution Control Report
• Public Works Report
• City Manager's Report

The committee heard a detailed update from Ashtabula Area City Schools Superintendent Lisa Newsome on the Lakeside High School reconstruction, including a $7.5 million roof repair contract approved by the school board, ongoing litigation with Liberty Mutual, and plans to return students to campus by early 2027. No formal votes were taken by the committee; the meeting was informational, with reports from city staff on infrastructure projects and operations.

• Heard update on Lakeside High School roof repair contract with Green Space ($7.5M, approved by school board March 23, 2026)
• Discussed ongoing litigation with Liberty Mutual over insurance coverage for roof replacement
• Noted district's plan to return students to Lakeside campus January-March 2027
• Discussed failed technology/textbook levy in May 2026; possible November 2026 ballot placement
• Discussed curbside recycling feasibility, including leasing dual-rear-end trucks
• Discussed future Lake Avenue paving project (W. 24th St. to Route 20) with cost estimate over $2M
• Reported sinkhole repairs traced to Enbridge; city to seek reimbursement
• Scheduled next committee meeting for July 28, 2026

City Council

Ashtabula City Council will vote on 14 ordinances covering residential tax abatements (100% for 7 years for new homes at 1034 Ohio Ave and 1802 W. 10th St), a garbage truck purchase, a change order for sidewalk restoration, and a CHIP grant application for housing. First readings include a proposal to remove the requirement for completed FBI and BCI background checks.

• Residential tax abatement at 100% for 7 years for new home at 1034 Ohio Ave (Ordinance 2026-107)
• Residential tax abatement at 100% for 7 years for new home at 1802 W. 10th St (Ordinance 2026-108)
• Purchase of 2009 IHC 7400 garbage truck from Refuse Equipment and Truck Services (Ordinance 2026-110)
• Change order for Main Avenue Streetscape improvements (Ordinance 2026-116)
• First reading to repeal requirement for FBI/BCI background checks (Ordinance 2026-97)

The City Council approved two residential tax abatement agreements for new structures. Additionally, the council passed a consent agenda containing multiple ordinances regarding city operations, equipment, and policies.

• Approved 7-year residential tax abatement for 1034 Ohio Ave (5-1)
• Approved 7-year residential tax abatement for 1802 W. 10th St (5-1)
• Passed consent agenda containing ordinances 2026-109 through 2026-120 (6-0)
• Passed consent agenda containing ordinances 2026-97 and 2026-98 (6-0)
• Approved excuse for Vice President Russell Simeone (6-0)

City Council

The City Council holds a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2027 tax budget. The meeting allows for public questions and comments on the budget.

• Public hearing on the 2027 tax budget

The City Council held a public hearing to review the proposed 2027 Tax Budget presented by Finance Director Vladimir Kan. The budget includes projected deficits for fiscal year 2026 and 2027 driven by union obligations and rising healthcare costs. A formal vote on the budget is scheduled for the July 6, 2026, regular meeting.

• Held public hearing on 2027 Tax Budget

City Council

This pre-council meeting will include administrative reports from the city manager, finance director, city solicitor, and clerk of council. Committee reports from five standing committees will be reviewed, and council will discuss a status update on the proposed Thriving Communities Commission Ordinance. New and old business items will also be discussed.

• Status update on proposed Thriving Communities Commission Ordinance
• Finance & Personnel committee meeting scheduled June 19 has been cancelled
• Administrative reports from city manager, finance director, city solicitor, and clerk of council
• Committee reports from Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Rec, Public Works/Public Utilities/Cable/Schools, Safety Forces, Planning Commission & Historic Preservation
• Discussion of new and old business/proposed legislation

The pre-council meeting included discussions on various ordinances regarding city services, construction projects, and updated financial policies. No formal votes were recorded during this session as it was a pre-council meeting to review upcoming items.

• Proposed change order for West Avenue Sidewalk Project wage language
• Proposed purchase of used garbage truck for up to $63,500
• Proposed rate increase for Concierge Nurse Navigator service
• Proposed YMCA lifeguard contract for Walnut Beach up to $41,215.20
• Proposed CHIP grant application partnership with the county
• Proposed change order for Main Avenue Streetscape Project deduction of $3,276
• Proposed repeal of MOU with Eastgate Regional Council of Governments
• Proposed adoption of Unclaimed Funds Policy

Safety Forces Committee

The Ashtabula Safety Forces Committee will receive monthly statistics from the police and fire departments, hear a presentation from Lt. Mike Palinkas on the Safe Streets Task Force, discuss bicycle regulations as unfinished business, and consider a new business item regarding a white truck on West 9th Street.

• Special guest presentation: Lt. Mike Palinkas, Safe Streets Task Force update
• APD May stats report
• AFD May stats report
• Unfinished business: Bicycle Regulations
• New business: White Truck on W. 9th Street

The committee received updates on the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and department statistics for police and fire services. Discussions included potential recruitment incentives for police officers and existing bicycle regulations. No substantive votes or formal decisions were recorded during this meeting.

• No substantive decisions or votes were recorded

Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Recreation Committee

The Community Development Committee will discuss unfinished business regarding food truck legislation and hear a presentation from a local real estate professional. The meeting is scheduled for June 3, 2026.

• Food Truck Legislation (Unfinished Business)
• Presentation by Bruce Schlosser of BHHS Professional Realty
• Parks & Recreation Committee Report
• City Manager’s Report
• Next meeting scheduled for July 1, 2026

The Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Recreation Committee received a housing market presentation, updates on code enforcement, tax abatement review, Main Avenue reconstruction, and Parks & Recreation activities. Members discussed food‑truck ordinance background‑check requirements, but no vote or formal action was recorded. The meeting concluded without any approved, denied, or tabled motions.

City Council

The City Council is meeting to review administrative reports and discuss new and old business. The agenda consists of procedural items and reports from city officials and committees.

The council discussed old business and legislation on second reading, but no action was recorded. Councilor Jane DiGiacomo offered and the council accepted formal recognition of individuals who contributed to the 2026 Memorial Day Parade. The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m. and the next council meeting is set for June 15, 2026.

• Formal recognition of 2026 Memorial Day Parade contributors (no vote recorded)
• Discussion of old business/legislation on second reading (no action taken)

City Council

The City Council will vote on several ordinances including a health insurance contract and a state grant application. The body is also considering changes to city parking rules and utility billing guidelines.

• Ordinance 2026-101: Application for $150,000 grant for Hulbert Avenue public parking lot improvements
• Ordinance 2026-100: Contract with Jefferson Health Care for employee health, dental, and vision insurance
• Ordinance 2026-102: Prohibiting parking on the north side of West 13th Street between Lake Avenue and Ohio Avenue
• Ordinance 2026-105: Adoption of utility billing write-off and abatement guidelines
• Ordinance 2026-103: Supplemental appropriation changes to the General Fund and other funds

President John Roskovics announced the Beach Glass Festival and a Pride Cookout at the end of the month, the re‑opening of the Crow's Nest, and encouraged residents to visit the new business Patina on the Lake on Bridge Street. No formal motions, votes, or policy decisions were recorded. The council adjourned at 7:40 p.m. and will meet again on June 15, 2026.

City Council

The Ashtabula City Council will hold a pre‑council meeting to hear reports from the City Manager, Finance Director, City Solicitor, and Clerk. Committee reports for Community Development, Finance & Personnel, Public Works, Safety Forces, and Planning/Historic Preservation will be presented. The council will then discuss new proposed legislation and review old legislation slated for a second reading.

• Discussion of New Business/Proposed Legislation
• Discussion of Old Business/Legislation on for 2nd Reading
• City Manager report
• Finance Director report
• City Solicitor report

Council members heard presentations on vehicle purchase ordinances, a finance employment agreement, supplemental appropriations, and a capital improvement policy, but no votes or approvals were recorded. The meeting also discussed the accessory‑structure moratorium and procedural questions, with the City Solicitor agreeing to research a variance option. The session adjourned without any formal decisions.

City Council

City Council will consider several ordinances regarding equipment procurement and personnel agreements. The body is also reviewing changes to the city's capital improvement policy and background check requirements.

• Purchase of a Dodge Ram 2500 from Montrose Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram
• Acquisition of a Dodge Ram 5500 dump truck from Columbiana Chrysler Jeep Dodge
• Contract with Proline Technology for security cameras in the City Annex
• Two-year employment agreement for Ms. Rachelle Babcock starting June 8, 2026
• Adoption of the City of Ashtabula Capital Improvement Policy

The council excused two absent members and added pending payroll ordinances to the agenda before approving the agenda order. It adopted several consent‑agenda ordinances, including vehicle purchases and a capital‑improvement policy, and voted to repeal the FBI and BCI background‑check requirement for food‑truck permits (Ordinance 2026‑97). All motions passed, with the repeal vote 4‑1.

• Excused Councilor Jodi Mills (voice vote, unanimous)
• Excused Councilor Jane DiGiacomo (voice vote, unanimous)
• Added Ordinances 2026‑87 and 2026‑88 to agenda (voice vote, 5 yeas, 1 nay)
• Approved order of agenda (voice vote, unanimous)
• Disposed Ordinances 2026‑87 and 2026‑88 by consent agenda (voice vote, unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinances 2026‑91 through 96 and 99 (voice vote, unanimous)
• Repealed food‑truck background‑check requirement (Ordinance 2026‑97) (roll‑call vote, 4 yeas, 1 nay)
• Approved May 4 minutes with added comment (voice vote, unanimous)

Finance & Personnel Committee

The Finance & Personnel Committee will hear the Finance Director's report on May 2026 financial statements including income tax, cash position, revenue, and expenses. Unfinished business includes discussion of a court credit card. The committee will also consider rescheduling the June meeting due to the Juneteenth holiday.

• Finance Director’s Report: May 2026 Income Tax Report, Statement of Cash Position, Revenue and Expense Reports
• Unfinished Business: Discussion of Court Credit Card
• Reschedule June meeting due to Juneteenth holiday

The Finance & Personnel Committee instructed Finance Director Vladimir Kan to send a memorandum to the Municipal Court requesting additional documentation for disputed credit‑card charges. The committee also cancelled the scheduled June 19, 2026 meeting and set the next meeting for July 17, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

• Directed Finance Director Kan to send memo to Court requesting documentation for disputed credit‑card charges
• Cancelled the June 19, 2026 meeting and rescheduled the next meeting for July 17, 2026

City Council

The Safety Forces Committee will hear updates from the police and fire chiefs, including April statistics. The meeting also includes reports from the city manager and city solicitor, and addresses any unfinished or new business. No specific actions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Police Department – Chief’s Report (April stats)
• Fire Department – Chief’s Report (April stats)
• City Manager’s Report
• City Solicitor’s Report
• Unfinished Business

The Safety Forces Committee voted to advance an ordinance that would eliminate parking on one side of West 13th Street between Lake Avenue and Ohio Avenue. The motion was made by Vice Chair Kym Foglio, seconded by President John Roskovics, and carried by voice vote. No other substantive actions were decided during the meeting.

• Approved ordinance to eliminate parking on one side of West 13th Street between Lake Ave and Ohio Ave (voice vote)

Community Development/Economic Development/Parks & Recreation Committee

The Community Development, Economic Development, and Parks & Recreation Committee will meet to receive a special guest presentation regarding America 250 Ashtabula County. The meeting also includes reports from the City Manager and the Parks & Recreation Committee.

• Special guest presentation: America 250 Ashtabula County
• City Manager’s Report
• Parks & Recreation Committee Report

The committee heard a presentation on the America 250 celebration planned for July 4 at Giddings Park. Councilors raised questions about inclusive representation for the Walk of Time exhibit. The City Manager reported on park maintenance, lifeguard outreach, and the Bands on the Beach program. A $5,000 donation was offered for a swing set and court resurfacing at Clifford Kadon Presidential Park, but no formal approval or vote was recorded.