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LANCASTER, OHIO
REGULARMEETING
March 9, 2026
PRAYER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Porter led Council in the Pledge ofAllegiance.
CALL TO ORDER
President Porter called the meeting to order at approximately 6:40 p.m., in Council's Chambers.
ROLL CALL
The following members ofCouncil were present:
Mr. Ailes, Mr. Bizjak, Mr. Can, Ms. Cohen, Mrs. Hoop, Mr. Knisley, Mr. Schoonover and Ms.
Smiley.
President Porter asked that the record reflect that eight (8) members are in attendance tonight.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to excuse Mr. Ogg and Mr. Sollie from this evening's regular
meeting, seconded by Mr. Bizjak. After no discussion, the motion carried.
READING AIID DISPOSING OF THE JOURNAL
Regular Meeting minutes dated February 23,2026
The Clerk presented the Regular Meeting Minutes dated February 23,2026.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to receive and file the Joumal, seconded by Mr. Bizjak. After
no discussion, the motion carried.
REPORTS OF CITY OFFICIALS
l.
Email dated February 12,2026, regarding March 126 Planning Commission
meeting, submitted by City Planner Chasilyn Carter.
2.
Email dated February 23,2026, regarding public records request on Hocking
Twp, submitted by Law Director Stephanie Hall.
3. Email dated February 25, 2026, regarding 2025 LFD Annual Report,
submitted by Fire ChiefSlade Schultz.
4.
Series ofemails dated March 3, 2026, regarding Legislative Process, submitted
by President Jeff Poner and Law Director Stephanie Hall.
5.
Email dated M arch 5,2026,rcgarding flooding near the west side oflancasler,
submined by Environmental Engineer Denise Crews.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to receive and file the Reports of City Officials, seconded by
Mr. Bizjak. The motion carried.

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COMMUNICATIONS
l.
Email dated March 4, 2026, rcgarding hoposed Zoning Language for Data
Centers, submitted by Meg Fruth.
2.
Mail dated March 5,2026, regarding Liquor License for 1454 Warehouse Inc.,
submitted by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to receive and file the Communications, seconded by Mr.
Bizjak. The motion carried.
SPECIAL PRXSENTATION (Awards)
None
PETITIONS & MEMORIALS
There were no petitions or memorials this evening.
PERMISSION OF VOTERS AND TAXPAYERS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
Daniel Delsignore Jr., a resident of Lancaster living at 1035 Sugar Grove Road SE, addressed
the city council to formally request lhe lifting ofthe moratorium on cannabis.
Brian Everitt, a resident ofLancaster living at 201 S. High St, addressed the city council to
advocate for the inclusion of physical traffic calming measures in the upcoming redesign of
Arbor Valley Drive.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
l.
Law Committee meeting minutes, dated February 24,2026, submitted by Ms. Smiley.
2. Service Committee meeting minutes, dated February 23, 2026, submined by Mr.
Knisley.
3.
water/Water Pollution Meeting minutes, dated March 2,2026, submitted by Mr. Ailes.
4. Finance Committee meeting agenda, dated March 6,2026, submitted by Mr.
Schoonover.
5. Finance Committee meeling minutes, dated March 6, 2026, submitted by Mr.
Schoonover.
6.
Public Works Committee meeting schedule, dated March 9, 2026, submitted by Mr.
Carr.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to receive and file the Reports of Standing Committees,
seconded by Mr. Bizjak, the motion carried.
REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Tlrere were no Reports of Special Committees presented to Council this evening.

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PUBLIC HEARING
None
READING OF RESOLUTIONS
THIRD READING
Resolution Temporary 23-26 - Third Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE RECEIPTS, APPROPRIATE FROM THE
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE, AMEND THE CERTIFICATE WITH THE COLTNTY
AUDITOR IN THE.45 POLICE & FIRE LEVY FUND (2047) FOR CPT STATE GRANT
REIMBURSEMENT
Safety Committ€e (Bizjak/Schoonover) (3 Readings)
Mr. Bizjak made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record Temporary
Resolution 23-26, seconded by Mr. Schoonover.
Mr. Bizjak reminded council that this piece oflegislation is seeking to accept reimbursement
in the amount ofabout $95,225 from the Ohio Attomey General's office.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to pass, with there
being non, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to pass carried 8-0.
SECOND READING
Resolution Temporary 25-26 - Second Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO ACCEPT A
NORTHEAST OHIO PUBLIC ENERCY COLINCIL 2026 ENERGIZED COMMUNITY
GRANT
Finance Committee (Schoonover/Ailes) (3 Readings)
Mr. Schoonover indicated this is the second ofthree readings.
Resolution Temporary 27-26 - Second Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE AND DECREASE APPROPRIATIONS IN THE
WATER REVENUE FUND (6003) TO COVER A SHORTFALL IN THE RETIREMENT
BENEFITS ACCOUNT
Water/Water Pollution Control Committee (Bizjak/Cohen) (3 Readings)
Mr. Bizjak indicated this is the second ofthree readings.
Resolution Temporary 28-26 - Second Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SERVICE.SAFETY DIRECTOR TO ENTER
INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FREDERICK STREET
SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT
Water/Water Pollution Control Committee (Bizjak/Cohen) (3 Readings)
Mr. Bizjak indicated this is the second ofthree readings

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{
Resolution Temporary 30-26 - Second Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE A THEN AND NOW CERTIFICATE FOR
PAYMENT OF AN AEP ELECTRIC BILL FOR STREET LIGHTING IN THE GENERAL
FUND (IOOI) AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Finance Committee (Schoonover/Ailes) (2 Readings)
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to suspend the rules and waive the third reading of
Temporary Resolution 30-26, seconded by Mr. Sollie.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to suspend, with there
being none, he requested lhe Clerk to call the roll. The motion to suspend carried 8-0.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record
Temporary Resolution 29-26, seconded by Mr. Sollie.
Mr. Schoonover had no discussion.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to pass, with there
being non, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to pass carried 8-0.
Resolution Temporary 3l-26 - Second Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE AND DECREASE APPROPRIATIONS IN THE
GENERAL FUND ( I OO I ) TO COVER A UNIFORM ALLOWANCE FOR A RECENT
PROMOTION WITHIN THE LANCASTER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND TO DECLARE
AN EMERGENCY
Safety Committee (Bizjali/Ogg) (3 Readings)
Mr. Bizjak indicated this is the second ofthree readings.
FIRST READING
Resolution Temporary 32-26 - First Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE RECEIPTS, APPROPRIATE FROM THE
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE, AMEND THE CERTIFICATE WITH THE COUNTY
AUDITOR IN THE LDOT IMPROVEMENT FUND (30I4), TO AMEND THE
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATIONS AND APPROPRIATE FROM THE
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE IN THE GENERAL IMPROVEMENT FUND (30I6) AND
THE 3 MIL STREET IMPROV LEVY FLTND (2009), FOR FLTNDING OF THE ARBOR
VALLEY DRIVE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Public Works Committee (Carrlsmiley) (2 Readings)
Mr. Carr indicated this is lhe first of two readings.

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Resolution Temporary 33-26 - First Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZINC THE LANCASTER FIRE DEPARTMENT TO APPLY
FOR THE BETTER UTILIZINC INVESTMENTS TO LEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT
GRANT PROGRAM THROUGH THE US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND
TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
(l
Safety Committee (Bizjak/Schoonove0 Reading)
Mr. Bizjak made a motion to suspend the rules and waive the second and third readings of
Temporary Resolution 33-26, seconded by Mr. Schoonover.
Mr. Bizjak reiterated a point previously made during the finance comrnittee meeting,
explaining that the request is driven by a tight deadline that the city must meet.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to suspend, with there
being none, he requesled the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to suspend carried 8-0.
Mr. Bizjak made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record Temporary
Resolution 33-26, seconded by Mr. Schoonover.
Mr. Bizjak had no further discussion.
Presidenl Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to pass, with there
being non, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to pass carried 8-0.
Resolution Temporary 34-26 - First Reading - March 9,2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SERVICE.SAFETY DIRECTOR TO APPLY
FOR THE 2026 AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE GRANT PROCRAM AND TO
DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Finance Committee (Schoonover/Ailes) ( I Readings)
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to suspend the rules and waive the second and third readings
ofTemporary Resolution 34-26, seconded by Mr. Ailes.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to suspend, with there
being none, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to suspend failed 7-1.
Resolution Temporary 3$26 - First Reading - March 9,2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SERVICE.SAFETY DIRECTOR TO RE-
ADVERTISE FOR BIDS AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF
THE EAST SIXTH AVENUE BRIDGE OVER FETTERS RUN REPLACEMENT
PROJECT AND TO HIRE A CONSULTANT TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION
INSPECTION SERVICES, AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Public Works Committee (Carr/Bizjak) (3 Readings)
Mr. Carr indicated this is the first of three readings.

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6
Resolution Temporary 36-26 - First Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SERVICE.SAFETY DIRECTOR TO APPLY
FOR THE OHIO I36TH CENERAL ASSEMBLY CAPITAL BUDGET COMMLINITY
PROJECT AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
(l
Finance Committee (Schoonover/Ailes) Readings)
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to suspend the rules and waive the second and third readings
of Temporary Resolution 36-26, seconded by Mr. Ailes.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on lhe motion to suspend, with there
being none, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to suspend carried 8-0.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the writlen record
Temporary Resolution 36-26, seconded by Mr. Ailes.
Mr. Schoonover had no discussion.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to pass, with there
being non, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to pass carried 8-0.
Resolution Temporary 37-26 - First Reading - March 9, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SERVICE.SAFETY DIRECTOR TO SUBMIT A
FISCAL YEAR 2027 COMMLINITY PROJECT FUNDING REQUEST THROUGH
CONCRESSMAN TROY BALDERSON AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Finance Committee (Schoonover/Ailes) ( I Readings)
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to suspend the rules and waive the second and third readings
ofTemporary Resolulion 37-26, seconded by Mr. Ailes.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to suspend, with there
being none, he requested the Clerk lo call the roll. The motion to suspend carried 8-0.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record
Temporary Resolution 37-26, seconded by Mr. Ailes.
Mr. Schoonover had no discussion.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to pass, with there
being non, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The molion to pass carried 8-0.
READING OF ORDINANCES
THIRD READING
None

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'7
SECOND READING
Ordinance Temporary 4-26 - First Reading - March 9, 2026
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZINC THE MAYOR TO GRANT FOUR PERMANENT
SUPPLEMENTAL EASEMENTS TO THE OHIO POWER COMPANY NECESSARY FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF ELECTRIC FACILITIES AND TO
DECLARE AN EMERCENCY
Law Committee (Smiley/Carr) (3 Readings)
Ms. Smiley indicated that this is the second ofthree readings
FIRST READING
Ordinance Temporary 5-26 - First Reading - March 9, 2026
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND PERMANENT ORDINANCE 63.25, THE
MANAGEMENT PAY ORDINANCE, TO ADD AN ASSISTANT PROSECUTOR
POSITION FOR A LIMITED PERIOD OF TIME, AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Finance Committee (Schoonover/Sollie) (3 Readings)
Mr. Schoonover indicated that this is the first ofthree readings.
Ordinance Temporary 6-26 - First Reading - March 9, 2026
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SERVICE.SAFETY DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE
A LEASE AMENDMENT WITH PARK NATIONAL BANK AND TO DECLARE AN
EMERGENCY
Law Committee (CarrlOgg) (3 Readings)
Mr. Carr indicated lhat this is the first ofthree readings.
TAI}LED LEGISLATION
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Council Clerk - Liquor License - Permit #10009896-l
Law Director Hall has requested additional information at this particular address and
has asked council to discuss this at the next regular council meeting pending further review.

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8
Committee Updates -
Economic Development Committee - Mrs. Hoop, chair of the Economic
Development Comminee, repofied that while there are currently l'ew departmenlal
updates, a significant housing study completed last year is now available for public
review. She directed interested parties to the Port Authority's website, where the study
can be found under the "Live, Work, Play" section by selecling the "Live" category.
Mrs. Hoop concluded by announcing that her next committee me€ting is scheduled for
Thursday. April 30th. at 7:10 AM.
Water & Water Pollution Committee - Mr. Ailes had no new updates
Finance Committee - Mr. Schoonover emphasized the imponance of departmental
budget oversight, particularly for the five new members currently serving. He stressed
that committee chairs should strive to be experts in their respective areas and noted
that he has coordinated with the Mayor and the Sewice-Safety Director (SSD) to
ensure department heads present their budgets during committee meetings to prevent
any financial surprises. Reflecting on how quickly the year is progressing, he
commended the council members for their diligence and preparation, noting that their
proactive engagement with department updates is essential for handling the high
volume of upcoming legislation.
Public Works Committee - Mr. Carr provided several key updates from the February
20th Public Works Committee meeting, focusing heavily on the Lancaster Department
of Transportation (LDOT) and cemetery maintenance. He detailed the costs ofa recent
major snowstorm, which totaled $93,000 and required over 1,000 man-hours. Looking
ahead 1o next winter, he reported a successful procurement ofsix new snowplows at a
cost of $14,000 each-a $2,000 savings per unit compared to initial estimates-with a
significantly reduced lead time of 180 days. Additionally, Mr. Carr noted a budget
challenge regarding cemetery mowing contracts for Maple Grove and Forest Rose,
which came in at S 185,000 against a $ 150,000 budget, though some of this $35,000
deficit is offset by a $22,000 savings on a new dump truck purchase. Finally, he
confirmed that bids for the Arbor Valley and general streel improvernenl projects have
been awarded, while the 6th Avenue bridge construction faces a delay as it must be
sent back out for bidding.
Law Committee - Ms. Smiley reported on the Law Commifiee meeting held on
February 20th, which featured Greenfield Township Trustee Jennifer Sinerly as a guesl
to discuss potential partnership agreemenls and future considerations for buffer zones
and rezoning. While these discussions aim to increase awareness and cooperation
between the city and township, the Mayor confirmed that no immediate aclions are
currently pending. The committee also reviewed budget and staffing updates ior the
Law Director's office, noting that a new prosecutor is set to begin in March.
Additionally, the Law Director addressed and corrected misinformation circulating on
social media from another elected official regarding the funding requirements for the
Violence Against Women Act. Ms. Smiley also louched on upcoming legislation and
a successful public presentation by the Community Development Department
regarding the housing assistance program. Council Member Smiley commended the
department for their informative session, which clarified available resources for Iocal
organizations. The Law Comminee's next meeting is scheduled for February lTth at
l2:30 PM in the Main Street 1897 conference room.

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9
Service Committee - Mr. Knisley reported on the Service Committee meeting from
February l2th, which featured updates from the parks, sanitation, utilities, and gas
departments. The parks department provided progress reports on the Miller Park
redevelopment and Bowers Park, while also signaling a potential future request for a
new maintenance shop. In the utilities sector, the colleclions office highlighled the
success of several modemization efforts, including a new notificalion system,
automated e-check payments, and improved data access for mulli-family unit renlers.
Additionally, Ihe committee discussed streamlining the process for transferring utility
services between city addresses.
Regarding the Municipal Gas Department, Mr. Knisley noted that their major main
replacement project was completed significantly under budget despite a year and a half
of intensive work. He also addressed the impact ofthe January "cold snap" on gas costs
and provided an update on the smart meter pilot program. A key takeaway from the
session was the continued cost savings provided by the municipal gas service when
compared to private ulilities like Columbia Gas. The committee is set to meet again in
May to continue these discussions
Administrative Services Committee - Ms. Cohen provided an update on several
departmental highlights, noting that while legislation has been light, aside from the
NOPEC energy granl, lhe session served as a comprehensive overview ofcity projecls.
She highlighted the significance ofthe City's fiber network, noting that specialist Dave
Farllo detailed its importance to bolh the City and external organizations, which
compensate Lancasler for its use. Additionally, Ms. Cohen expressed Scott Snider's
enthusiasm for the GIS department's new drone technology, explaining how it has
streamlined damage assessments on cily buildings and simplified the evaluation
process for the Community Development Department's roof replacement program.
The update concluded with a report from HR representative Danielle Williams, who
noted the ongoing success of the city's medical and mental health clinics. Ms. Cohen
also shared that Lancaster's performance regarding Workers' Compensation was
recently featured in an article by Sedgwick, the City's managed care organization. This
recognition underscores the effectiveness of the City's current administrative and
health-focused initiatives.
Safety Committee - Mr. Bizjak had no new updates. Mr. Ogg was excused from lhe
meeting.
Code Enforcement & Zoning Committee - Mr. Sollie was excused from meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Sessions of Council:
l.
March 23'd, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
2. April 6lh,2026, at 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
Upcoming Special Meetings:
None

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l0
Upcoming Committee Meetings for the next 30 days:
I . Safety Committee April 3rd,2026, al8:00 a.m. - 1897 Conference Room - City Hail
2. Waler/Water Pollution Control Committee April l0th, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. 1897
Conference Room - City Hall
3. Law Committee meeling April l7th, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. - 1897 Conference Room -
City Hall
4. Economic Development meeting April 30th, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. - 1897 Conference
Room - City Hall
READING OR BILLS
MNCO - S65.78 - for publication of ordinance PO 3-26
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to pay the bills, seconded by Mr. Bizjak. Motion canied.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
There were no requests for the Executive Session this evening.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Bizjak. Motion carried. The
ourned al rox ly 7:l7 .m.
l1 Scott, Cl Council