West Jefferson, OH

Council

This is a regular meeting of the West Jefferson, OH Council. The agenda is largely procedural, including approval of minutes, committee and department reports, and a recognition of guests. The only substantive item is a presentation by Dr. Jessica Mamais, the Jefferson Local Schools Superintendent.

• Presentation by Dr. Jessica Mamais, Jefferson Local Schools Superintendent
• Approval of minutes from July 20, 2026 Regular Meeting, June 15 Finance Committee, and July 9 Strategic Planning Committee
• Reports from seven council committees and six department heads

The council held a regular meeting with no formal votes on ordinances or resolutions. The Jefferson Local Schools superintendent reported that hail damage repairs are ahead of schedule and that a permanent improvement levy will replace the expiring emergency levy on the November 3 ballot at the same millage rate. The council also received updates on the Safe Rider Challenge for e-bike and scooter safety, strategic planning focus groups, and upcoming community events.

• Adopted the August 3, 2026 agenda (voice vote)
• Approved minutes of July 20, 2026 regular meeting, June 15 finance committee, and July 9 strategic planning committee
• No ordinances or resolutions voted on; no unfinished or new business

Council

The West Jefferson Council is holding a regular meeting with routine items such as approving minutes and receiving reports from committees and departments. The main business includes a second reading of an ordinance for supplemental appropriations in the general fund, and two new resolutions: one updating employee cell phone reimbursement allowances, and another temporarily waiving a village code section to allow bow hunting on certain land with a permit from Toagosei America / Krazy Glue and ODNR.

• Second reading of Ordinance 26-043 authorizing supplemental appropriations in the general fund
• Resolution 26-046 amending Resolution 24-032 to update employee cell phone reimbursement allowances
• Resolution 26-047 temporarily waiving Section 549.09 to allow bow hunting on certain village land with a permit from Toagosei America / Krazy Glue and ODNR

Council approved Ordinance 26-043 for supplemental appropriations in the general fund, including an additional $4,000 to utilize a $20,000 Battelle grant. They also adopted Resolution 26-046 updating employee cell phone reimbursement allowances and Resolution 26-047 temporarily allowing bow hunting on certain land with permits from Toagosei America/Krazy Glue and ODNR. All votes were unanimous except for the bow hunting resolution, which passed 5-0-1 with President Patterson abstaining due to a possible employment conflict of interest.

• Adopted Ordinance 26-043 supplemental appropriations (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 26-046 updating cell phone reimbursement allowances (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 26-047 allowing bow hunting with permits (5-0-1, Patterson abstained)

Strategic Planning Committee

The West Jefferson Strategic Planning Committee is holding a routine operational meeting on July 9, 2026. The agenda contains only standard procedural items—call to order, roll call, agenda and minutes approval, unfinished and new business, and adjournment—with no specific decisions or discussion items listed. The meeting is intended for the consultant team and key Village staff for coordination and progress tracking, not design or solutioning.

• No specific action items, contracts, or proposals are listed on the agenda

The committee received updates from StructurePoint on public engagement and upcoming comprehensive plan work. No formal decisions were made; the meeting was informational and operational, covering survey results, focus group planning, and coordination meetings.

• Adopted July 9, 2026 agenda (voice vote)
• Approved March 31, 2026 minutes (voice vote)
• Moved first coordination meeting to July 28 at 3:00 PM
• Agreed chair will attend focus groups

Council

The West Jefferson Village Council will consider several second‑reading ordinances authorizing supplemental appropriations for the Christmas in the Park event, the Parks & Recreation Superintendent position, and the Parks & Recreation Superintendent salary. A first‑reading ordinance proposes additional supplemental appropriations in the General Fund. The council will also vote on a resolution to temporarily waive a zoning provision to allow bow hunting on designated village land, and a resolution to place the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations on the November general election ballot.

• Ordinance 26-036 – second reading to authorize supplemental appropriation for the Christmas in the Park event
• Ordinance 26-040 – second reading to change the Recreation & Special Events Manager position to Parks & Recreation Superintendent and set the pay rate
• Ordinance 26-041 – second reading to authorize supplemental appropriations for the Parks & Recreation Superintendent
• Resolution 26-044 – temporary waiver of section 549.09 to allow bow hunting on certain village land with permits
• Resolution 26-045 – place Charter Review Commission recommendations on the November general election ballot

Council members and the Mayor stated that Chief Brandon Smith will investigate reports of fireworks violations and conflicting information provided by dispatch. The meeting also included reports on pool operations, upcoming Uptown events, and a $20,000 STEM grant for the Lunch and Learn program.

• Approved July 6, 2026, Agenda
• Approved June 15, 2026, meeting minutes

Finance Committee

The West Jefferson Finance Committee will consider several financial items, including a resolution to waive the mid-year tax budget, an ordinance to donate additional funds to the Christmas in the Park event, a resolution to set up a merchant bank account, an ordinance for liability insurance renewal, and ordinances setting the pay rate for the Parks & Recreation Superintendent and appropriating funds for that position. The meeting will also include approval of the agenda and minutes from the May 18, 2026 meeting.

• Resolution 26-035: Waive mid-year tax budget
• Ordinance 26-036: Supplemental appropriation for Christmas in the Park donation
• Resolution 26-037: Set up merchant bank account
• Ordinance 26-039: Supplemental appropriation for annual liability insurance renewal, declared emergency
• Ordinance 26-040: Set pay rate for Parks & Recreation Superintendent

The Finance Committee voted 2-0 to recommend six items to full Council: waiving the mid-year tax budget, a $3,000 donation to Christmas in the Park, setting up a merchant bank account, supplemental appropriations for liability insurance and the Parks & Recreation Superintendent position, and creating/setting the pay rate for that position. All motions passed unanimously with no discussion or opposition.

• Recommended Resolution 26-035 to waive mid-year tax budget (2-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-036 for $3,000 supplemental appropriation to Christmas in the Park (2-0)
• Recommended Resolution 26-037 to set up merchant bank account (2-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-039 for supplemental appropriation for liability insurance renewal (2-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-040 creating and setting pay rate for Parks & Recreation Superintendent (2-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-041 for supplemental appropriation for Parks & Recreation Superintendent (2-0)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider several financial items including a resolution to waive the mid-year tax budget, ordinances to donate additional funds to the Christmas in the Park event and to set the pay rate for a new Parks & Recreation Superintendent, and supplemental appropriations for insurance renewal and the superintendent position.

• Resolution 26-035: Waive mid-year tax budget
• Ordinance 26-036: Donate additional amount to Christmas in the Park
• Ordinance 26-040: Set pay rate for Parks & Recreation Superintendent
• Ordinance 26-039: Supplemental appropriation for annual liability insurance renewal
• Ordinance 26-041: Supplemental appropriation for Parks & Recreation Superintendent

The Finance Committee unanimously recommended six items to full Council: waiving the mid-year tax budget, a $3,000 donation to Christmas in the Park, setting up a merchant bank account, supplemental appropriations for liability insurance and the Parks & Recreation Superintendent position, and creating/setting the pay rate for that position. All votes were 2-0. The pay rate discussion noted the employee was previously offered $87,500 by Marysville, but the committee approved the proposed rate as part of a planned progression.

• Recommended Resolution 26-035 to waive mid-year tax budget (2-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-036 for $3,000 donation to Christmas in the Park (2-0)
• Recommended Resolution 26-037 to set up merchant bank account (2-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-039 for liability insurance supplemental appropriation (2-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-040 creating and setting Parks & Recreation Superintendent pay rate (2-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-041 for Parks & Recreation Superintendent supplemental appropriation (2-0)

Employee Benefits Committee

The Employee Benefits Committee will hold first readings of two ordinances: one setting the pay rate for the Parks & Recreation Superintendent and another authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for that position. No decisions are expected at this meeting, as these are first readings only. The rest of the agenda is procedural.

• [FIRST READING] ORDINANCE 26-040: Setting pay rate for Parks & Recreation Superintendent
• [FIRST READING] ORDINANCE 26-041: Authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Parks & Recreation Superintendent

Council

Council will discuss a draft charter review and vote on several resolutions and ordinances. Key actions include a resolution to adopt a cybersecurity program per state law, a resolution to waive the mid-year tax budget, and first readings of ordinances for supplemental appropriations and pay rates. An executive session is scheduled for security arrangements.

• Resolution 26-038 adopting a cybersecurity program with incident notification and ransomware payment protocols per Ohio law
• Resolution 26-035 waiving the mid-year tax budget
• Ordinance 26-036 (first reading) authorizing supplemental appropriation for Christmas in the Park event
• Resolution 26-042 approving a building/zoning official services agreement with Canaan Township
• Ordinance 26-040 (first reading) setting pay rate for Parks & Recreation Superintendent

Council adopted the meeting agenda and approved the minutes from June 1, 2026. The session primarily consisted of public comments regarding the Parks and Recreation Department, a deteriorating former funeral home, and charter amendments, alongside departmental project updates.

• Approved June 15, 2026, Agenda
• Approved June 1, 2026, meeting minutes
• Excused Karl Frybarger and Jimmy Little (5-0-0)

Council

The West Jefferson Village Council will discuss a draft charter review and consider several ordinances and resolutions. Key items include setting the salary for the Recreation & Special Events Manager and authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for that position. The council will also recognize local donations and update employee reimbursement policies.

• Charter Review Draft discussion (Item A)
• Ordinance 26-029 – setting the pay rate for the Recreation & Special Events Manager
• Ordinance 26-030 – authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Recreation & Special Events Manager
• Resolution 26-031 – recognizing donations to local organizations
• Resolution 26-032 – amending employee cell phone reimbursement allowances

The Village of West Jefferson Council met on June 1, 2026, and conducted routine procedural business: excusing absent members, adopting the agenda, and approving previous minutes. No ordinances, resolutions, contracts, or other substantive decisions were passed; the meeting consisted entirely of department reports, a public comment, and a presentation on the Charter Review Committee's recommendations.

• Approved motion to excuse Samantha Cahill and Greg Holben (5-0)
• Adopted June 1, 2026 agenda (voice vote, carried)
• Approved minutes of May 18, 2026 Regular Meeting and May 4, 2026 Employee Benefits Committee (no corrections)

Council

The West Jefferson Village Council will consider several new business items at its May 18 meeting, including ordinances to set pay rates for the Building Inspector and Recreation & Special Events Manager, and a resolution to change the council minutes to a full transcript. A supplemental appropriation in the General Fund for the Recreation & Special Events Manager is also up for a vote. Committee and department reports will be presented with no specific actions listed.

• Ordinance 26-027 setting pay rate for Building Inspector
• Resolution 26-028 amending Rules of Council to require full transcript of proceedings
• Ordinance 26-029 setting pay rate for Recreation & Special Events Manager
• Ordinance 26-030 authorizing supplemental appropriation in General Fund for Recreation & Special Events Manager
• Council committee reports from eight committees and department reports from seven offices

The Council approved two ordinances related to a Parks and Recreation employee's pay rate and the associated funds. The meeting focused on addressing ongoing odor issues from a local food processing plant and included updates on various village projects and department reports.

• Approved May 18, 2026 Agenda (unanimous)
• Approved previous Council minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance 26-029 setting Parks and Recreation employee pay rate
• Approved Ordinance 26-030 authorizing associated funds
• Village installing new sewer seals to mitigate odor concerns
• Renamed covered bridge to the 'David P. Brand Bridge' (ceremony scheduled for tomorrow)
• Pool opens this Saturday with adjusted weekday hours
• Next 'Uptown' car show scheduled for June 12

Finance Committee

The West Jefferson Finance Committee is meeting to consider two ordinances related to the Recreation & Special Events Manager position. One ordinance sets the pay rate for the role; the other authorizes supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for that position. The meeting will also approve previous minutes and hear public comments.

• ORDINANCE 26-029: Setting pay rate for Recreation & Special Events Manager
• ORDINANCE 26-030: Authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Recreation & Special Events Manager

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider Ordinance 26-029, which sets the salary for the Recreation & Special Events Manager. It will also consider Ordinance 26-030, which authorizes supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for that position. No other items are listed.

• Ordinance 26-029 – set pay rate for Recreation & Special Events Manager
• Ordinance 26-030 – authorize supplemental appropriations in General Fund for Recreation & Special Events Manager

The Finance Committee recommended two ordinances to adjust the pay rate for the Recreation & Special Events Manager and provide supplemental General Fund appropriations to cover the cost. Both measures were approved unanimously.

• Recommended Ordinance 26-029 to set the pay rate for the Recreation & Special Events Manager (3-0-0)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-030 authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Recreation & Special Events Manager (3-0-0)

Finance Committee

The West Jefferson Finance Committee will consider two resolutions: one to create a Building Inspector position and another to set the pay rate for that position. No other business is listed on the agenda.

• Resolution 26-026 creating the position of Building Inspector
• Resolution 26-027 setting the pay rate for the Building Inspector position

The Finance Committee reviewed and recommended Ordinance 26-027, which sets the pay rate for a newly created full-time Building Inspector position. The committee also noted that Resolution 26-026, which created the position, was already finalized at a prior meeting. The recommendation will go to the full Village Council for a vote.

• Recommended Ordinance 26-027 setting pay rate for Building Inspector position (motion carried)
• Noted Resolution 26-026 creating the Building Inspector position was completed at a previous meeting

Employee Benefits Committee

The Employee Benefits Committee will consider two resolutions: one to create a Building Inspector position and another to set the pay rate for that position. The meeting also includes approval of the agenda and previous minutes.

• Resolution 26-026 creating the Building Inspector position
• Resolution 26-027 setting the pay rate for the Building Inspector position

The Employee Benefits Committee recommended creating a full-time Building Inspector position and setting a pay rate for the role. The committee also excused an absent member and approved the meeting agenda.

• Excused Council Member Little from the meeting
• Approved the May 4, 2026, agenda
• Recommended Resolution 26-026 to create Building Inspector position
• Discussed setting pay rate for Building Inspector position (informational only)
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:11 p.m.

Council

The Village Council will consider three new business resolutions: transferring stale dated checks to the Unclaimed Monies Fund, creating a Building Inspector position, and setting the pay rate for that position. Routine committee and department reports will also be presented. Public comment is invited with a three-minute limit.

• RESOLUTION 26-025: Authorize transfer of funds from stale dated checks to Unclaimed Monies Fund
• RESOLUTION 26-026: Create the position of Building Inspector
• RESOLUTION 26-027: Set pay rate for the Building Inspector position

Council adopted Resolution 26-026 creating the Building Inspector position (6-0) and Resolution 26-025 transferring stale check funds (6-0). The first reading of Ordinance 26-027 setting the pay rate for the position was presented. Residents raised concerns about odor from Michaels Foods; no formal action was taken.

• Adopted Resolution 26-025 authorizing transfer of stale check funds to unclaimed monies fund (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 26-026 creating the Building Inspector position (6-0)
• Heard first reading of Ordinance 26-027 setting pay rate for Building Inspector
• Approved the meeting agenda
• Approved minutes of April 20, 2026 meeting
• Excused Council Member Little from the meeting
• Discussed but did not vote on changing minutes format

Strategic Planning Committee

This meeting is largely procedural, covering call to order, roll call, approval of agenda and minutes, and unfinished/new business. No specific decisions, proposals, or financial items are listed; the session is described as operational and logistics-focused for the consultant team and village staff.

The Finance Committee recommended Ordinance 26-027 to Council, which sets the pay rate for a new full-time building inspector position. The committee discussed the need for the role due to increased inspection volumes and the elimination of a part-time position.

• Adopted May 4, 2026, agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 20, 2026, minutes (unanimous)
• Recommended Ordinance 26-027 to Council (unanimous)
• Confirmed Resolution 26-026 completed

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee meeting is largely procedural, with call to order, roll call, approval of agenda and minutes, and unfinished business. The only substantive items are discussions of Ordinance 26-024, Ordinance 19-123, and Resolution 25-024, but no details on their content are provided.

• Discussion of Ordinance 26-024
• Discussion of Ordinance 19-123
• Discussion of Resolution 25-024

The Finance Committee approved recommendations for two ordinances and one resolution. Ordinance 26-024 authorizes supplemental appropriations in various TIF funds; Resolution 25-024 allows transfer of stale-dated check funds to the unclaimed monies fund. Discussion on Ordinance 19-123 (purchase guidelines) was held but no vote taken; the finance director was asked to return with updated figures reflecting CPI and COLA increases.

• Recommended Ordinance 26-024 (supplemental TIF appropriations) to Council (motion carried, no tally recorded)
• Recommended Resolution 25-024 (transfer of stale-dated check funds) to Council (motion carried, no tally recorded)
• Discussed Ordinance 19-123 (purchase guidelines) but tabled action pending updated figures
• Approved agenda for April 20, 2026 (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of March 16, 2026 (motion carried)

Charter Review Commission

The Charter Review Commission discussed revisions to the village charter, including adding language that allows a decision denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission to be appealed to the Council for a vote. Members also reviewed changes to the definition of “any matter” in section 9.04, the numbering and formatting of charter sections, and the interim Clerk of Council position, including the length of interim appointments and compensation. A public meeting for comments is scheduled for May 20 at the Community Center.

• Add provision allowing Council vote on appeals of denied Planning & Zoning Commission decisions
• Clarify the term “any matter” in charter section 9.04
• Update charter numbering to eighteen sections and adopt strikeout formatting for changes
• Discuss interim Clerk of Council appointment length (suggested 60 days) and compensation
• Public comment meeting set for May 20, 7:00 pm at the Community Center

The Charter Review Commission discussed proposed changes to the charter, including adding a process for appeals to Council after a Planning and Zoning denial and defining the role and salary of an interim Clerk of Council. The commission did not vote on any items.

• Discussed adding appeal process for P&Z denials to charter
• Discussed defining interim Clerk of Council role and salary
• Discussed ethics rules for council members related to employees
• Discussed adding 'absence or vacancy' to interim clerk ordinance
• Public meeting scheduled for May 20 at 7:00pm at Community Center

Council

The council will consider Ordinance 26-024, which authorizes supplemental appropriations in various tax increment financing (TIF) funds and declares an emergency. The meeting also includes routine reports from committees and departments.

• Ordinance 26-024: Authorizing supplemental appropriations in various TIF funds and declaring an emergency

Council unanimously approved Ordinance 26-024 to authorize supplemental appropriations in various TIF funds. The meeting also included reports on fire department equipment needs and ongoing efforts to resolve a local odor issue involving Michael's Foods.

• Approved Ordinance 26-024 for supplemental TIF fund appropriations (6-0-0)
• Adopted April 20, 2026, Agenda
• Approved April 6, 2026, Regular Meeting minutes

Charter Review Commission

The West Jefferson Charter Review Commission is reviewing proposed changes to the village charter ahead of a public presentation on May 20. Members discussed potential updates to the 1% municipal tax rate, candidate petition requirements, recall procedures, and ward boundary definitions. The commission will consider input from the public, council, and mayor but is not obligated to adopt requested changes. If adopted, the revisions would alter how the village is taxed, how candidates run for office, and how the mayor and council are structured if the village becomes a city.

• Review of proposed charter amendments
• Discussion of the current 1% municipal tax rate and potential increases
• Changes to candidate petition signature requirements
• Proposal to raise the recall threshold to 25% of votes cast
• Public presentation scheduled for May 20 at the Community Center

The Charter Review Commission discussed proposed changes to the village charter, including nepotism rules, petition signature requirements, and council composition. The commission set May 20 as the date to present the proposed changes to the public at the Community Center.

• Set May 20, 2026 at 7pm for public presentation of proposed charter changes at Community Center
• Commission will review proposed changes to the charter by Village Council and the Mayor
• Commission tasked with researching petition signature requirements and ward boundary language
• Commission tasked with researching nepotism and ethics provisions for the charter

Council

The West Jefferson Village Council will consider two items: Resolution 26-022 supporting the Ohio Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, and Ordinance 26-023 which repeals Resolution 20-014, adopts a new website and digital communications policy, and declares an emergency. The meeting also includes routine approvals of the agenda and previous minutes, committee and department reports, and other standard business.

• Resolution 26-022 supporting the Ohio Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250-OH)
• Ordinance 26-023 repealing Resolution 20-014, adopting a new website and digital communications policy, and declaring an emergency
• Approval of the agenda
• Approval of the previous meeting minutes
• Committee and department reports

The West Jefferson Village Council approved Resolution 26-022 supporting Ohio's semi‑centennial commission and adopted Ordinance 26-023, which repeals a 2020 resolution and creates a new village website and digital communications policy. Both measures passed unanimously (6‑0‑0). The council also excused a member, adopted the agenda and prior minutes, and adjourned with a motion to reconvene on April 20, 2026.

• Excused Council member Jimmy Little from the meeting (6-0-0)
• Adopted the April 6, 2026 agenda (6-0-0)
• Adopted the minutes of the March 16, 2026 meeting (carried)
• Adopted Resolution 26-022 supporting the Ohio semi‑centennial commission (6-0-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-023 repealing Resolution 20-014 and establishing a new website and digital communications policy (6-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. and set the next regular council meeting for April 20, 2026 (carried)

Strategic Planning Committee

The Strategic Planning Committee will conduct routine procedural steps, including approving the agenda and prior meeting minutes. It will then address any unfinished business and consider new business items. The meeting is intended for coordination, progress tracking, and issue resolution among the consultant team and village staff.

• Call to Order by the Chairperson
• Roll Call
• Approval of the Agenda
• Approval of the Previous Minutes
• Unfinished Business (and New Business) discussion

The committee approved a recurring bi‑weekly meeting schedule to begin on March 31, 2026 at 3:00 pm in the Village Council Chambers, to be held via Zoom or Microsoft Teams and recorded for residents. It also approved the first stakeholder listening session for April 23, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Council, through Resolution 26‑019, confirmed the 12‑member Advisory Board that will attend the listening session.

• Approved bi‑weekly Strategic Planning Committee meetings starting March 31 2026, 3:00 pm
• Approved first stakeholder listening session for April 23 2026, 4:00‑5:00 pm
• Confirmed 12‑member Advisory Board via Resolution 26‑019

Charter Review Commission

The Charter Review Commission met to discuss potential amendments to the Village Charter, including the Clerk of Council appointment process, council member education requirements, and the future role of a Village Administrator. The commission plans to have a full draft ready by the end of April.

• Discussion on Clerk of Council appointment requirements
• Review of council member education and training rules
• Consideration of a Village Administrator position
• Review of petition signature requirements for candidates
• Next meeting scheduled for April 13, 2026

The Charter Review Commission examined several charter sections, including the Clerk of Council appointment process, conflict‑of‑interest rules, and training requirements for council members. Members also talked about election signature requirements, the future role of the Safety Director and a Village Administrator, and possible ward‑boundary resets. No votes or formal approvals were recorded; the commission will continue work and present a draft by the end of April. The next meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2026 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers.

Council

The West Jefferson Council will meet to approve past minutes from March 2, 2026, and consider Ordinance 26-021, which authorizes supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Clerk of Council. The meeting will reconvene on April 6, 2026.

• Approval of March 2, 2026 Council minutes
• Ordinance 26-021: Supplemental appropriations for Clerk of Council
• Committee Reports
• Department Reports
• Reconvene April 6, 2026 at Village Hall

The council approved Ordinance 26-021, authorizing a supplemental appropriation of $20,000 for the Clerk of Council. The motion to waive the second reading passed unanimously (7-0-0), and the ordinance was adopted by a 4-3 vote. The council also adopted the meeting agenda and minutes, and adjourned to reconvene on April 6, 2026.

• Adopted meeting agenda (motion carried)
• Adopted March 24, 2026 minutes (motion carried)
• Waived second reading of Ordinance 26-021 (7-0-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 26-021 authorizing $20,000 clerk appropriation (4-3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion carried)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider Ordinance 26-021, which would authorize a supplemental appropriation in the general fund for the Clerk of Council. The committee may make a recommendation to the Council on this ordinance. The meeting also includes routine items such as adopting the agenda, approving minutes from the previous meeting, and adjourning.

• Ordinance 26-021 – authorizing supplemental appropriation in the general fund for the Clerk of Council

The committee voted 2-1-0 to adopt Ordinance 26-021, adding a $20,000 supplemental appropriation to the General Fund for the Clerk's salary, OPERS, and Medicare. The agenda and prior meeting minutes were also approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.

• Approved Ordinance 26-021 supplemental appropriation for Clerk ($20,000) (2-1-0)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn carried

Charter Review Commission

The Charter Review Commission discussed how the village charter currently addresses the clerk position and hiring process, including whether it should follow the employee handbook. Members reviewed recent hiring controversy, the June 16, 2025 ordinance 25-027 that ended pay for a substitute clerk, and possible charter language to spell out hiring steps. They asked Nathan to research how other municipalities handle clerk hiring and the applicability of the handbook. The commission plans a public meeting on the charter revisions in May, with a council vote expected in June.

• Review of charter section 4.08 regarding clerk duties and hiring procedures
• Discussion of ordinance 25-027 (June 16, 2025) that stopped pay for a substitute clerk
• Proposal to amend the charter to specify step‑by‑step clerk hiring process
• Request for Nathan to provide information on other municipalities' clerk hiring practices and handbook applicability
• Plan to hold a public meeting on charter changes in May, pending council vote in June

The Charter Review Commission examined Section 4.08 of the charter concerning the clerk position and debated whether hiring should follow the employee handbook or a separate process. Members also talked about conflict‑of‑interest rules, the need for a public meeting on charter changes, and training for council members. No formal actions or votes were recorded. The next meeting is set for March 23, 2026.

Council

The West Jefferson Council will consider Resolution 26-020, which sets the pay rate for Clerk of Council Jimmy John Hall at his fifth year of service. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order, reports, and a public hearing. No other substantive actions are listed.

• Resolution 26-020 – sets pay rate for Clerk of Council Jimmy John Hall (Year 5)

The council adopted the March 24 agenda and the February 17 minutes without opposition. It then passed Resolution 26-020, setting Clerk of Council Jimmy Hall’s pay at the Year 5 rate, with a start date tentatively set for March 16, 2026. The vote on the resolution was 5 in favor and 2 against.

• Adopted March 24, 2026 agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted February 17, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-020 to set Clerk Jimmy Hall’s pay at Year 5 (5‑2)

Charter Review Commission

The West Jefferson Charter Review Commission discussed several charter language corrections and clarified the need for legal counsel regarding the Clerk of Council vacancy under Section 4.08 and Ordinance 125.04. Members also reviewed wording in sections 9.01, 10.02, 13.03, and the positions listed in 7.03. No final decisions were made; further legal review and possible input from department heads will be scheduled for the next meeting.

• Correct pronoun in section 10.02 to "he/she"
• Fix missing parenthesis in section 13.03
• Consider removing extra wording in section 9.01 about the Planning and Zoning Commission
• Confirm all positions listed in section 7.03 (Chief, officers, patrol, etc.) are necessary
• Discuss Section 4.08 and Ordinance 125.04 on acting Clerk of Council; determine need for legal advice

The commission reviewed several charter sections, noting typographical errors and wording that may be removed. Members agreed that legal counsel is needed to address the Clerk of Council vacancy and employee promotion issues. No formal actions or votes were taken, and further discussion will continue at the next meeting.

Council

West Jefferson Council will hold a public hearing and consider a development plan for two parcels zoned as Planned Mixed Use Development District. The body will also consider creating an advisory board to assist with comprehensive and economic development plans.

• Public hearing and vote on Resolution 26-012 regarding development plans for Parcel Nos. 16-00027.000 and 16-00031.000
• Resolution 26-019 to create an advisory board for the Village Strategic Planning Committee

The council adopted the February 17 agenda after a motion by Erica Bogner and a second by Greg Holben, with all seven members voting in favor. The council also adopted the minutes of the February 2 meeting after a motion by Jen Warner and a second by Karl Frybarger, with all members voting in favor. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Adopted February 17, 2026 agenda (all in favor, 7 votes)
• Adopted minutes of February 2, 2026 meeting (all in favor)

Charter Review Commission

The commission reviewed draft language for the village charter, including wording fixes and new sections. Members discussed adding a Fiscal Officer title, clarifying financial record terminology, and setting parameters for issuing debt. They also considered language giving council authority to create, merge, or abolish departments and the possible inclusion of a Village Manager role. Current village debt was noted at about $10‑12 million with $860,000 annual repayments.

• Correct pronoun in Article V, paragraph 3 of 5.02 from “his” to “his/her”.
• Proposed language to use “Fiscal Officer of the Village” and replace “books” with “financial records”.
• Discussion of debt‑limit language; village debt cited as $10‑12 million (total $11,154,403) with $860,000 yearly repayment.
• Suggested addition giving council power to establish, merge, or abolish departments under council duties.
• Consideration of adding a Village Manager/Administrator position and related department authority.

The commission reviewed language in the charter, noted typographical errors, and debated possible additions such as a Village Manager, department authority, and public safety roles. No motions were voted on or adopted, and no items were formally approved, denied, or tabled.