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LANCASTER, OHIO
REGULARMEETING
March 23, 2026
PRAYER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGTANCE
President Porter led Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CALL TO ORI}ER
President Porter called the meeting to order al approximately 6:30 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. Ogg, Mr.
Schoonover, Ms. Smiley and Mr. Sollie.
President Porter asked that the record reflect that ten ( l0) members are in attendance tonight.
READING AND DISPOSING OF THE JOURNAL
Regular Meeting minutes dated March 9, 2026
The Clerk presented the Regular Meeting Minutes dated March 9,2026.
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 Much 9,2026, regarding Hocking Township Annexations public
records request, submined by Law Director Stephanie Hall.
2.
Email dated March 10,2026, regarding February 2025 collection report,
submitted by Tax Commissioner Amy Hamilton.
3.
Series ofemails between Council member Robert Knisley, Council Clerk Scon
and Law Director Stephanie Hall, dated March 19,2026, regarding legislation
request on feathered flag regulations.
4.
Email dated March 20, 2076, regarding Temporary Resolution 39-26,
submitted by Environmental Engineer Denise Crews.
5. Email dated March 20, 2026, regarding Final Plat for Victory Commons
Development of Election House Rd., submifted by City Planner Chasilyn
Carter.
6.
Email dated March 23, 2026, regarding annual audit letter to Council and City
Administration, submitted by Auditor Patricia Nettles.

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Mr. Schoonover made a motion to receive and file the Reports of City Officials, seconded by
Mr. Bizjak. The motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS
l.
Email dated March 13,2026, regarding public records requests on a list of
arrests in 2025, submitted by Joe Borus.
2.
Mail dated March 20,2026,regardingpamphlets to all of City Hall submitted
by Baihua Zhou.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to receive and file the Communications, seconded by Mr
Bizjak. The motion carried.
SPECIAL PRESENTATION (Awa rds)
None
PETITIONS & MEMORIALS
There were no petitions or memorials this evening.
PERMISSION OF VOTERS AND TAXPAYf,RS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
Bryan Everitt, Lancaster resident, expressed concern on road safety, street safety and
pedestrian safety.
Terrance Fike, Lancaster taxpayer, expressed concern on law enforcement speeding and safe
speed limits.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
l. Finance Committee meeting agenda, dated March 20, 2026, submitted by Mr.
Schoonover.
2.
Code Enforcement & Zoning meeting dates, dated March 21, 2026, submitted by Mr.
Sollie.
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
There were no Reports of Special Committees presented to Council this evening.
PUBLIC HEARING
None

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READING OF RESOLUTIONS
THIRD READING
Resolution Temporary 25-26 - Third Reading - March 23, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO ACCEPT A
NORTHEAST OHIO PUBLIC ENERCY COUNCIL 2026 ENERGIZED COMMUNITY
CRANT
Finance Committee (Schoonover/Ailes) (3 Readings)
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to pass, engross, and enler upon the written record
Temporary Resolution 25-26, seconded by Mr. Ailes.
Mr. Schoonover reminded council that this was a NOPEC grant where the funds were going
Io be used to upgrade lighting in city hall.
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 l0-0.
Resolution Temporary 27-26 - Third Reading - March 23, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE AND DECREASE APPROPRIATIONS IN THE
WATER REVENUE FLND (6003) TO COVER A SHORTFALL IN THE RETIREMENT
BENEFITS ACCOLINT
Water/Water Pollution Control Committee (Bizjak/Cohen) (3 Readings)
Mr. Bizjak made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record Temporary
Resolution 27-26, seconded by Ms. Cohen.
Mr. Bizjak explained that this legislation is a corrective measure intended to lransfer
S5,983.66 within the water department's budget. The funds are being moved from the
administration salary line item to the retirement line item to rectiff an original appropriation
error. Essentially, the request ensures the money is placed in the proper account after being
accidentally misallocated during the initial budgeting process.
President Porter asked ifthere is any furlher discussion on the motion Io pass, with there
being non, he requested lhe Clerk to call the roll. The motion to pass carried 10-0.
Resolution Temporary 28-26 - Third Reading - March 23, 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 Committec (Bizjak/Cohen) (3 Readings)
Mr. Bizjak made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record Temporary
Resolution 27-26, seconded by Ms. Cohen.
Mr. Bizjak provided a briefrecap ofthe legislation, explaining that il authorizes the Safety
Service Director to enter into a contract for the Frederick Street sewer separation project. He
noted that lhe commencement ofthis construction is not a discretionary choice, but rather a
projecl mandated by the Ohio Environmental Proteclion Agency.

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President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to pass, wilh there
being non, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion lo pass carried 10-0.
Resolution Temporary 3l-26 - Third Reading - March 23, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE AND DECREASE APPROPRIATIONS IN THE
GENERAL FUND (IOOI) TO COVER A LNIFORM ALLOWANCE FOR A RECENT
PROMOTION WITHIN THE LANCASTER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND TO DECLARE
AN EMERGENCY
Safety Committee (Bizjak/Ogg) (3 Readings)
Mr. Bizjak made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record Temporary
Resolution 3l-26, seconded by Mr. Ogg.
Mr. Bizjak explained that this legislation is seeking to transfer $4,800 here within the fire
deparlment to allow for the purchase of four new fire uniforms. One for an assistant fire chief
and then three for new firefighters we have on staff
President Porler 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 l0-0.
SECOND READING
Resolution Temporary 32-26 - Second Reading - March 23, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO INCREASE RECEIPTS, APPROPRIATE FROM THE
LINENCUMBERED 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 FUND (2009), FOR FUNDING OF THE ARBOR
VALLEY DRIVE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Public Works Committee (Carr/Smiley) (2 Readings)
Mr. Carr made a molion to suspend the rules and waive the third reading ofTemporary
Resolution 32-26, seconded by Ms. Smiley.
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 carried l0-0.
Mr. Carr made a motion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record Temporary
Resolution 32-26, seconded by Ms. Smiley.
Mr. Carr explained that lhis is to accept the funding from lhe conlribution from the city
schools and appropriate funds for the Arbor Valley Drive improvement project.
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 l0-0.

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Resolution Temporary 34-26 - Second Reading - March 23, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SERVICE.SAFETY DIRECTOR TO APPLY
FOR THE 2026 AARP COMMLTNITY CHALLENGE GRANT PROGRAM 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 34-26, seconded by Mr. Ailes.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to suspend, with lhere
being none, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to suspend carried 9-1.
Mr. Schoonover made a motion 1o pass, engross, and enter upon the written record
Temporary Resolution 34-26, seconded by Mr. Ailes.
Mr. Schoonover explained that this allows the Service Safety Director to submit an AARP
grant for some handicap ramps owned by the city to be used by city businesses.
Mr. Knisley expressed his gratitude to Law Director Hall and Safety Service Director Woody
for their collaborative efforts in addressing his concerns regarding the proposed legislation.
While he supports the ultimate goal of improving handicap access for local businesses, he
noled thal their attempts to find an altemative structure were unsuccessful due to the specific
constraints ofthe grant. Mr. Knisley remained opposed to the resolution, primarily because
he believes private businesses, rather than the city, should be responsible for owning and
maintaining the ramps. He highlighted significanl concems over polential liability, arguing
lhat even with legal protection, the city remains vulnerable to lawsuits should any injuries
occur involving city-owned equipment on private property.
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 9-1.
Resolution Temporary 35-26 - Second Reading - March 23, 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. Car indicated this is the second of three readings

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FIRST READING
Resolution Temporary 38-26 - First Reading - March 23,2026
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CITY
OF LANCASTER AND ENTER INTO ANY AND ALL AGREEMENTS OR
SETTLEMENTS NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE IN NEW NATIONAL OPIOID
SETTLEMENTS WITH ASSOCIATED PHARMACIES, INC. (AND AMERICAN
ASSOCIATED PHARMACIES), J M SMITH CORPORATION, LOUISIANA
WHOLESALE DRUG COMPANY, INC., MORRIS AND DICKSON CO., NORTH
CAROLINA MUTUAL WHOLESALE DRUG COMPANY, INC., AND UNITED
NATURAL FOODS, INC. (INCLUDING ITS SUBSIDIARIES SUPERVALU AND
ADVANTAGE LOCISTICS), AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Law Committee (Smiley/Ogg) (3 Readings)
Ms. Smiley indicated this is the fint of three readings
Resolution Temporary 39-26 - First Reading - March 23, 2026
A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE SERVICE-SAFETY DIRECTOR TO WAIVE
THE REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS AND NEGOTIATE A DESICN BUILD
CONTRACT FOR ENERGY UPGRADE GRANT FOR THE SOUTH WATER
TREATMENT PLANT REHABILITATION. AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
Wrter/Water Pollution Control Committee (Aileycohen) (2 Readings)
Mr. Ailes indicated this is the first of three readings
READING OF ORDINANCIS
THIRD READING
Ordinance Temporary 4-26 - Third Reading - March 23,2026
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING 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 EMERGENCY
Law Committee (Smiley/Carr) (3 Readings)
Ms. Smiley made a molion to pass, engross, and enter upon the written record Temporary
Ordinance 4-26, seconded by Mr. Carr.
Ms. Smiley explained lhat this requesl involves four additional supplemental easements
required to complete ongoing transmission updates that have been underway for the past two
years. The City Engineer and the Right-of-Way Manager have reviewed and approved lhe
proposal, specifically noting that the compensation rates were calculated based on appropriate
land values. This utility work is concenlrated on the south side of Lancaster, specifically
along Logan-Lancaster Road, US 33, and Homsmill Road.
President Porter asked ifthere is any furlher discussion on the motion lo pass, with there
being non, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The motion to pass carried 10-0.

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SECOND READING
Ordinance Temporary 5-26 - Second Reading - Ma rch 23,2026
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 second ofthree readings.
Ordinance Temporary 6-26 - Second Reading - March 21, 2026
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SERVICE.SAFETY DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE
A LEASE AMENDMENT WITH PARK NATIONAL BANK AND TO DECLARE AN
EMERGENCY
Law Committee (Carr/Ogg) (3 Readings)
Mr. Can indicated that this is the second ofthree readings
FIRST READING
Ordinance Temporary 7-26 - First Reading - March 23, 2026
AN ORDINANCE TO ACCEPT THE FINAL PLAT FOR THE VICTORY COMMONS
DEVELOPMENT
Code Enforcement & Zoning Committee (Sollie/Knisley) (3 Readings)
Mr. Sollie indicated that this is the first ofthree readings
TABLED LEG ISLATION
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Council Clerk - Liquor License - Permit #10009896-l
Law Director Stephanie Hall formally expressed serious concems regarding illegal activities
at the location in question, specifically the unlawful sale ofTHC products and alcohol to
minors. She highlighted two specific incidents in 2024 and 2025 involving underage
individuals, including a l5-year-old and a I 7-year-old, emphasizing the flagrant nature of
these violations. Law Director Hall noted significant challenges in prosecution and law
enforcement due to the business's failure to maintain proper employee records; in recent
cases, clerks lacked social security numbers or full names, making it impossible to lrack
repeat offenders or issue warrants when they failed to appear in court.
Furthermore, Law Director Hall collaborated with the Major Crimes Unil and Lancaster High
School Principal Burray, who confirmed that multiple students caught with electronic
smoking devices admifted to purchasing them at this specific establishment. Citing these
widespread health and safety risks to the community's youth, Law Director Hall urged the
body to vote to object to the liquor license transfer. This objection would allow for a formal

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hearing with the Division of Liquor Control to address the ongoing public safety issues at this
address.
Mr. Ogg asked ifthe entity is applying for a liquor license, not a THC and why the focus was
on the selling ofTCH and marijuana.
Law Director Hall confirmed, no they have a liquor license, and the liquor license is being
transferred from one entity to another enlity. She further clarified the limitations ofcurrent
enforcement efforts, noting that while the Ohio Investigative Unit monitors these
establishments, their authority is often limited to charging the individual clerk responsible for
the underage sale. However, she emphasized that prosecution is effectively stalled because
the business employs individuals without providing Social Security numbers or proper
identificalion. This lack ofdocumentation prevents the court from enforcing the law, issuing
warrants, or ensuring that those responsible for the illegal sales are held accountable.
If
Mr. Sollie asked for the time frame for a response so that there may be more discussion.
there was a request for a hearing, would it put the curent entity out ofbusiness.
Clerk Scott responded, the due date for a response on Fiday,March27ft,2026.
Law Director Hall clarified that a "no" vote by the Council would serve as a formal objection
to the transfer of licenses. This action would trigger a hearing with the Division of Liquor
Control, providing a dedicated forum to address and resolve the ongoing illegal activities and
public safety concems associated with the property.
Mr. Knisley asked Law Director Hall about additional legal or legislative measures available
to the Council, beyond objecting to the liquor permit, should they wish to lake further action
against the establishment's operations.
Law Director Hall explained that cunent legal options are significantly limited, as criminal
charges for illegal sales can only be brought against individual clerks rather than the business
owners themselves. Because these infractions are classified as misdemeanors, the property
does not qualiQ for nuisance abatement actions. While the Lancaster Police Department and
Major Crimes Unit have investigated the "quality of life" issues surrounding the sale of
black-market marijuana to minors, the process is stalled by evidentiary hurdles. Specifically,
seized THC products must be sent to the Ohio Auomey General's lab for quantity and
potency testing; however, due to the high volume ofcases involving lethal substances like
fentanyl and methamphetamine, these tesls are often deprioritized, leaving the city with few
immediate enforcement alternatives.
Mr. Bizjak made a motion to object to the lransfer of proposed liquor license permit number
10009896-1, seconded by Mr. Ogg.
President Porter asked ifthere is any further discussion on the motion to object, with there
being non, he requested the Clerk to call the roll. The molion to object carried 10".0.

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Committee Updates -
Economic Development Committee - Mrs. Hoop announced April 30h meeting at
7:30 a.m.
Water & Water Poltution Committee - Mr. Ailes announced April 106 at ?:30 a.m.
Finance Committee - Mr. Schoonover had no update.
Public Works Committee - Mr. Carr announced April l7'h meeling at 7:30 a.m. in
the 1897 conference room-
Law Committee - Ms. Smiley announced April l7s meeting at l2:30 p.m. in the I 897
conference room.
S€rvice Committee - Mr. Knisley announced the next meeting will be in May 2026.
He also informed the body to expect upcoming legislation regarding the city's
sanitation fleet. He noted that a sanitation vehicle was recently involved in an accident
and is considered a total loss, necessitaling the purchase of a replacement. While
specific details are still being finalized, Mr. Knisley provided this update to ensure the
Council is prepared for the forthcoming requesl for funding and procurement.
Council Member Knisley further informed the Council thal several community
members have expressed interest in utilizing "feather flags" or "fealher signs," which
are currently prohibited under existing city ordinances. He expressed a desire to revisit
these regulations to allow for the responsible use of such signage and announced that
he will be collaborating with Council Member Sollie with Code Enforcement, and the
Zoning Department to develop future legislation. Mr. Knisley intends to explore ways
to remove the current prohibition while ensuring that any new permissions are balanced
with community standards and responsible implemenlation.
Administrative Services Committee - Ms. Cohen announced the next meeling will
be in May 2026.
Safety Committee - Mr. Bizjak announced April 3'd meeting at 8 a.m. in the 1897
conference room.
Safety Committee - Mr. Ogg had no report.
Code Enforcement & Zo[itrg Committee - Mr. Sollie announced April 9'h meeting
and there is going to be a variety oftopics to be discussed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Next Regular Sessions of Council:
l.
April 6th, 2026, at 6i30 p.m. - Council Chambers
2.
April 20th,2026, at 6:30 p.m. -Council Chambers
Upcoming Special Meetings:
None

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Upcoming Committee Meetings for the next 30 days:
l.
Safety Committee April 3rd,2026,at8:00 a.m. - 1897 Conference Room-City Hall
2. Water/Water Pollution Control Committee April l0th, 2026 at 7:30 a.m. 1897
Conference Room - City Hall
3. Law Committee meeting April l7th,2026, at l2:30 p.m. - 1897 Conference Room -
City Hall
4. Economic Developmenl meeting April 30th,2026, at 7:30 a.m. - 1897 Conference
Room - City Hall
5. Code Enforcement meeting April 9'n,2026, at 7:30 a.m. - 1897 Conference Room -
City Hall
READING OF BILLS
None
EXECUTIVE SESSION
There were no requests for the Executive Session this evening.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Schoonover made a motion to ad seconded by Mr. Bizjak. Motion carried. The
nl ourned at approxim 7..1 n1
Anitra Scott, Clerk ouncil