On the agenda: Whitehall meeting — data center (Apr 7)

WHITEHALL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026

CALL TO ORDER:
7:00 p.m., Council Chamber at City Hall by President Thomas Potter
MOMENT OF SILENCE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
Amy Harcar
Mike Adkins
Brian McCann
Gerald Dixon
Devin Brown
Lori Elmore
Larry Morrison
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
March 17, 2026 Agenda & Regular Meeting Minutes
March 24, 2026 Committee Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL PRESENTATION:
Mayor Michael T. Bivens – National Child Abuse Prevention Month

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Administration and Financial Management – Chairperson Elmore
Community and Elder Advocacy – Chairperson Harcar
Community Standards and Enforcement – Chairperson McCann
Economic Development – Chairperson Dixon
Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Services – Chairperson Brown
Public Safety – Chairperson Morrison
Parks and Recreation – Chairperson Adkins
OFFICIALS' REPORTS:
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Mayor Michael T. Bivens
City Auditor Shaquille Alexander
City Attorney Bradley S. Nicodemus
Treasurer Trevel Balser
Director of Public Service Casey Rowlands
Director of Economic Development Jackie Russell
Director of Public Safety Van Gregg
Director of the Department of Neighborhoods Gerald Wright
President Thomas M. Potter
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS AND CLAIMS:
POLL PUBLIC:
VERIFICATION OF COPIES:
Roll call on whether each member of the Council was given a copy of each item of legislation listed on the
agenda prior to the meeting and including any add-on legislation.
THIRD READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 011-2026
AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF THE MAY 2026 REPLACEMENT PAGES TO THE CODIFIED
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
SECOND READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 022-2026
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE TO REQUIRE SPECIAL
PERMITS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR OPERATION OF DETENTION FACILITIES.

FIRST READING:
ORDINANCE NO. 024-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AN APPROPRIATION TRANSFER IN THE AMOUNT OF
TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND AND NO/DOLLARS ($24,000.00) FROM APPROPRIATED MONIES IN
THE SERVICE ADMIN ASST 1 ACCOUNT (101.600.51200) TO SERVICE ADMIN ASST 2 ACCOUNT
(101.600.51650) AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

ORDINANCE NO. 025-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF
TWO HUNDRED SIXTY THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($260,000.00) FROM
UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE WMPITIE FUND (279) TO THE HAMILTON-BROAD
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INCENTIVE 90-117 EXPENSE ACCOUNT (279.000.50004).

ORDINANCE NO. 026-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF
TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($25,000.00) FROM UNAPPROPRIATED
MONIES IN THE GENERAL FUND (101) TO THE TECHNOLOGY LIFECYCLE FUND (315).

ORDINANCE NO. 027-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE
CITY OF WHITEHALL 161 TABLE OF AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

ORDINANCE NO. 028-2026
AMENDING ORDINANCE 129-2025; AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE FOLLOWING
CHANGES TO 161.38 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

ORDINANCE NO. 029-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF
FORTY THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS ($40,000.00) FROM UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN
THE GENERAL FUND (101) TO THE ELECTION EXPENSE ACCOUNT (101.950.59000).

ORDINANCE NO. 030-2026
RECLASSIFYING A FUND ADVANCE AS A FUND TRANSFER.

ORDINANCE NO. 031-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF SEVENTY-FIVE
THOUSAND AND 00/00 DOLLARS ($75,000.00) FROM UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE
GENERAL FUND (101) TO THE AUDITOR TECH EXPENSE ACCOUNT (101.300.58314).

ORDINANCE NO. 032-2026
APPROPRIATING SEVENTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($17,500.00)
FROM PREVIOUSLY UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT GRANT FUND
(212) TO THE LICENSE PLATE READER PROGRAM GRANT EXPENSE ACCOUNT 212.000.50030.

RESOLUTION NO. 011-2026
RESOLVING TO APPROVE “THEN AND NOW” CERTIFICATES.

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RESOLUTION NO. 012-2026
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTION OF THE RECALL OF
MAYOR MICHAEL BIVENS TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY AND THE DECLARATION OF AN
EMERGENCY.

RESOLUTION NO. 013-2026
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTION OF THE RECALL OF
COUNCILMEMBER LORI ELMORE TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY AND THE DECLARATION
OF AN EMERGENCY.

RESOLUTION NO. 014-2026
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTION OF THE RECALL OF
COUNCILMEMBER AMY HARCAR TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY AND THE DECLARATION
OF AN EMERGENCY.

POLL PUBLIC:
COMMUNITY DATE BOARD:
POLL COUNCIL:
ADJOURN

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Whitehall City Council Meeting
March 17, 2026 Meeting minutes
President Potter ordered the Tuesday, March 17, 2026, agenda meeting at 6:30 p.m. All members were
present except for Councilor Elmore.
President Potter reviewed the agenda and confirmed who would handle the required motions this
evening.

The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
Submitted by,

Julie A. Ogg, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: April 7, 2026

Thomas M. Potter, Council President

City Council Meeting minutes March 17, 2026

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Whitehall City Council Meeting
March 17, 2026 Meeting minutes
CALL TO ORDER
President Thomas Potter called the Whitehall City Council meeting to order at 7:00 PM on Tuesday,
March 17, 2026, in the Council Chamber at City Hall.

MOMENT OF SILENCE AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Potter led the meeting with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL
Clerk Ogg conducted the roll call. Present were Councilors Morrison, Harcar, Adkins, McCann, Dixon,
and Brown. Councilor Elmore was absent. President Potter was also present.
Motion: Councilor Harcar moved to excuse the absent member. Councilor Brown seconded the
motion. The motion passed unanimously.

APPOVAL OF MINUTES
President Potter requested approval of the March 3, 2026, agenda and regular meeting minutes, as well
as the March 10, 2026, committee meeting minutes.
Motion: Councilor Dixon moved to approve the minutes. Councilor Adkins seconded the motion.
The motion passed unanimously.

PRESENTATION
Dr. Nathan Harris, President & CEO of See Brilliance
President Potter introduced Dr. Nathan Harris, President and CEO of See Brilliance, thanking him for
coming to the meeting. Dr. Harris was asked to speak directly into the microphone due to sound echoing
issues in the chamber.
Dr. Harris delivered a comprehensive presentation about See Brilliance, describing it as a nonprofit
organization that focuses on exposing youth and families to science, technology, engineering, arts, and
mathematics (STEAM) experiences rooted within the cultural backgrounds of students who are
historically marginalized from STEM fields.
Dr. Harris explained that See Brilliance had finally made its way into programming in Whitehall, having
conducted two events at the Shine Bright Community Center on Broad Street within the past two
months, serving upwards of 150 children. He stated his purpose was to introduce the organization and
seek exposure to different organizations and schools that might be interested in bringing STEAM
programming within their walls.
He outlined the organization's four pillars of programming: parental involvement (teaching parents how
to remain involved in their children's STEM learning so it doesn't fall solely on teachers), academic
improvement (changing behaviors through interventions to help students build STEM skills and see
pathways to the workforce or collegiate classes), belonging (ensuring students know they can do STEM
based on who they identify with, without having to put aside their background and culture), and
awareness (being completely aware of all STEAM that surrounds them each day).

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Dr. Harris presented a timeline showing the organization started five years ago, with the first year
focused on building a foundation. In 2022, they launched programming and their "Stimulating
Saturday" model, which they brought to Whitehall in January and March 2026. This model works with
children K through 12, broken up by grade bands, with K through 3 focusing on literacy and efforts to
improve reading and overall understanding of literacy.
In 2023, they launched their first STEAM Festival, seeing upwards of 100 plus students at that one
event, where they invited several STEAM organization partners throughout Columbus to an outdoor
park to promote STEM learning, describing it as "really like a STEM block party." In 2025, it was one
of their largest years to date, affecting over 5,000 youth in Franklin County and expanding their reach
outside of Columbus, with strategic expansion into Whitehall to fill any voids that exist.
Dr. Harris described their organization as comprising five current board members, a staff of about 12
part-time students, and a gamut of volunteers helping to push the work forward. They show up through
Saturday programming, after-school programming, and parental involvement workshops called their
"STEAM coalition."
He described a recent workshop two weeks prior that focused on health and nutrition, discussing how
to change habits regarding consumption of unprocessed foods, and what parents can do to put value
into what they feed their children, and how that can change behavior. That workshop saw over 30
parents, four of whom came from Whitehall. Dr. Harris emphasized that it takes all of us to create and
motivate children, which is the purpose of the STEAM coalition.
Dr. Harris showed pictures from inside the discovery center, demonstrating student engagement in
making hand sanitizer and soap while learning about microorganisms, as well as learning to make
hydroponic systems to grow microgreens. He noted that both young and older students participated in
these activities.
Regarding public reception, Dr. Harris described See Brilliance as a "trusted partner," explaining that
they do not just come in and leave, but rather nurture relationships with schools, teachers, and parents.
He emphasized that they realize they are an entity that's here to stay and have the best interests of
everyone they serve, walking hand in hand to complete their missions together.
Dr. Harris outlined their goal for Whitehall as strengthening community presence by being intentional
with schools they go into, but more importantly, going into spaces that are open and want to bring the
community together. He stated they believe STEAM can be done anywhere - in religious spaces,
community centers, schools, libraries - to meet youth and families where they are and eliminate barriers
of transportation, access, and affordability. All of their programming is completely free, and they have
never asked a child for a dime to learn.
Dr. Harris made his ask for the evening, clarifying it was not for money. City Auditor Alexander
jokingly responded that he was not going to give him a dime tonight. Dr. Harris requested three things:
connection to the Whitehall School Board to foster conversations about which schools would like them
to come into their buildings; workforce connections, as they are aware of industry in Whitehall and
what's coming to Whitehall, wanting conversations with industry partners about fostering relationships
to build skills for youth to work in those industries, developing a pipeline; and sharing the word,
ensuring that when they are in the city, flyers and newsletters get distributed to the right channels to
reach the right audience.
Dr. Harris concluded by saying hello, that he is in the city to work alongside everyone to serve and
discover the brilliance that resides in all youth. He showed slides of partners they have worked with
over the years, reiterating that when he says they are a trusted partner, these are entities they work with
every single year. He noted that many organizations like to come into new spaces with them because
they trust Dr. Harris and See Brilliance, creating a chain of trust.

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Council Questions and Comments
President Potter thanked Dr. Harris for the informative presentation, specifically praising the parental
involvement pillar, stating that he believes it is often a partnership between schools and parents, and if
you are not having it hand in hand, you are really doing a disservice to the student.
Councilor Adkins asked if Dr. Harris had any contact with Superintendent Wells yet. Dr. Harris
responded not yet, but that was hopefully the goal by tonight.
Councilor Harcar asked about Dr. Harris's goal to get a connection with the school and perhaps start
programming or engage more in Whitehall City Schools, inquiring about the current enrollment status.
Dr. Harris explained they have open enrollment, so families from Whitehall can come to wherever they
have programming. He mentioned they are taking two buses of kids to the zoo and that when they do
have programming in Whitehall, students get signed up for Saturday experiences, and once families are
on board, they can follow them wherever they have programming.
Councilor McCann thanked Dr. Harris for joining them, stating this would be an extracurricular thing
and that he sees it as an extra tool for what the schools already do to make a difference, as presented.
Dr. Harris confirmed this was correct.
Councilor Brown expressed serious doubt there would be any issue with this being rolled out in
Whitehall, saying he could not wait for Dr. Harris to meet with the superintendent to get it going, calling
it a wonderful thing for all children in the community.
City Auditor Alexander made a humorous comment about loving to joke about money and believing
strongly in fiscal responsibility, though his complete statement was cut off in the transcript.
Dr. Harris thanked everyone and mentioned he had to get to another meeting in Columbus, having come
from Delaware, and wished to let the council get to business.

STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administration and Financial Management
Councilor Morrison, filling in for absent Chairperson Elmore, reported that Administration and
Financial Management met the previous week, with minutes on file. The committee would meet the
following week again sometime after 6:30.
Community and Elder Advocacy
Councilor Harcar reported that Community and Elder Advocacy met the previous week with minutes
on file, and would meet the following week after 6:30 again.
Community Standards and Enforcement
Councilor McCann reported that the committee met the previous week with minutes on file, and would
meet next Tuesday again at 6:30.
Economic Development
Councilor Dixon reported that Economic Development met the previous week with minutes on file, had
nothing on the agenda that evening, and intended to meet in the chambers the following week after 6:30.
Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Services
Councilor Brown reported that Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Services met the previous week with
minutes on file, and planned to meet again on Tuesday at 6:30.
Public Safety
Councilor Morrison reported that Public Safety also met the previous Tuesday with minutes on file, and
would meet next Tuesday again sometime after 6:30.

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Parks and Recreation
Councilor Adkins reported that Parks and Recreation met the previous Tuesday with minutes on file,
and would meet next Tuesday again sometime after 6:30.

OFFICIALS' REPORTS
Mayor Michael T. Bivens
Mayor Bivens began with a moment of levity, sharing that before coming to council, he had called a
customer service line and had the fortunate opportunity of speaking to his very first human-like voice
AI agent. He described being disturbed that it took him about two minutes to realize he was not talking
to a human being, and that he could not wrap his mind around the fact that this voice agent was coughing
and pausing in a way that made him believe he was speaking to a human being. He only realized it was
AI when he tried to engage in side talk. Mayor Bivens expressed that this experience left him feeling
like "the world is ending."
Mayor Bivens reported receiving many positive comments about the state of the city, which he
appreciated publicly and was incorporating into the administration. One comment of overwhelming
praise was the school compensation agreement done with economic development. As a result, he
informed the council and the public that the economic development department and he were engaged
in actively creating a standardized system for economic development incentives, tax abatements, CRA
agreements, and new community authorities, standardizing them into one format for when they go out
for economic development deals. He recalled from the state of the city that they have about ten projects
currently in the pipeline and wanted to ensure they are standardized.
Mayor Bivens emphasized that at the next committee meeting; he intended to have the economic
development director lay out a plan for how to get there, with obviously no standardization without the
council's approval. He promised council would be 100 percent aware and committed to providing
training and development if council wasn't feeling comfortable or educated in the technical nuances, so
that by the time they standardize and have one packet to give to community partners wanting to do
business in Whitehall, there would be no hidden or any type of question about where council would
land on the incentives they would offer to individuals wanting to do business in the city, either by
building houses or building business.
Mayor Bivens thanked the council for approving legislation to do the pavement assessment because
they were also in the process of standardizing that differently. He noted that everyone knows in
Whitehall that there is a difference, especially when it snows, between Whitehall and everywhere else.
He made the bold claim that eventually, if you hit a pothole, then you are not in Whitehall. That was
the goal, and the pavement assessment was going to get them there. They were ending the five-year
capital improvement plan, and the pavement assessment would give them the tools to be ready for the
next capital improvement plan, so they could make that big bold claim one day that if you hit a pothole,
you're not in Whitehall.
Mayor Bivens drew attention to a press release issued earlier that day, which received news coverage,
regarding an arbitration decision given the previous night. He emphasized that the administration was
100 percent on board and cherished their relationship with their unions, would always negotiate fairly,
uphold agreements, and ensure every single person in their union gets fairly represented and receives
just due regarding contract administration. He noted that contracts have grievances, and they went
through the grievance process, which ended in arbitration.
The arbitration involved two claims: first, that there was no just cause for the alleged discipline, and
second, that the chief's office targeted union leaders for engaging in union-protected activities. The
arbitrator reviewed and found that, based on the totality of evidence presented, the arbitrator determined
that the action of the city was the result of grievous conduct and resulting policy violations in connection
with an incident on June 24, 2024, and not related to her position as representative or her role in a survey
presented to Mayor Bivens on May 16, 2024.

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Mayor Bivens noted that many council members knew about the survey, and he would not rehash that.
He stated this marked the fourth time in the past two years that an arbitrator or the state employees'
relations board had rejected the laws' allegations of unfair labor practices by the city. This had been a
long two-year journey to get to this point with an independent arbitrator. While they respect the
arbitrator's decision to modify the discipline in this case, they also wanted to uphold and thank the
arbitrator publicly for rendering the decision regarding targeting union representatives and unjust labor
practices.
Mayor Bivens offered the council the opportunity to see the opinion, which was more than 100 pages,
available electronically if they wanted to review it. He noted that this arbitration would continue because
there was another part to it, but they were very confident they would go through that process as well,
and it would certainly be in the best interest of the city that justice would prevail regarding the contract.
City Attorney Bradley S. Nicodemus
Attorney Nicodemus provided an update on Avery's Law, which he had mentioned at the previous
meeting. He reminded everyone that Avery's Law stemmed from a very serious dog bite incident in the
state, leading the general assembly to modify dangerous and vicious dog penalties and processes. The
law includes additional criminal penalties and, most importantly, mandatory immediate seizures of
animals in certain instances, followed by relatively quick hearings to determine if the dog should be
euthanized in serious attacks.
Attorney Nicodemus explained that this changes how they do animal and dog policing in the city. He
noted that various agencies, including the Franklin County prosecutor's office, Columbus prosecutor's
office, Franklin County municipal court, Franklin County Animal Control, and Columbus Humane, had
held about 15-17 meetings on implementation, with him attending only the last couple of meetings since
they had worked out the nuts and bolts.
The difficulty in the new law is that the determination when taking a dog that has been part of an attack
is different now from the criminal case associated with it. At times, the criminal case is not filed right
away, but they may need to seize the dog at the time of the attack, creating a two-part process.
Attorney Nicodemus explained the difficulty with local ordinances in adhering to requirements. If they
seize a dog, the owner has 10 days to appeal, and if they appeal, they must have a hearing within 10
days. With the mayor's courts on Tuesdays, complying with this can be difficult. There is also a caveat
that he was not sure the mayor's courts could actually hear these designations, because it's not part of
the mayor's court's statutory authority.
After talking with Director Rowlands and animal control to figure out the best way forward for the city
with Avery's Law, which takes effect the following day, they decided that when there is an attack or
nuisance animal requiring seizure, their animal control officer would contact Franklin County Animal
Control. They already do some of their cases, so they would be the ones making the determination of
seizure. By making the determination of seizure, they are actually represented by the county prosecutor's
office, which has a unit that does canine and animal seizures.
Attorney Nicodemus explained that Franklin County would handle the seizure, so if someone's dog
seriously injures someone, they seize the dog, it needs to be euthanized, and they want their hearing,
the Franklin County prosecutor's office and Franklin County animal control would be the primary
parties on that. Their office would continue the criminal case with associated criminal charges in state
court.
He summarized about 20 meetings in 90 seconds, explaining that because some council members had
wanted and talked with him about potentially having Avery's Law brought into their local ordinances,
at this time, given some of the nuances, he thought the best way to proceed under the new law was to
do it under state law. This way, they would have assistance from Franklin County Animal Control and
county prosecutors if an animal needed euthanized, and they would have the criminal case that their
prosecutors would handle in municipal court, where, if someone owned a dog that attacked someone,
they probably wanted them there anyway, where they could have monitored probation.

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Attorney Nicodemus noted that their animal control officer works with Franklin County Animal
Control, so he would still be involved in cases, but they would let Franklin County take the lead on
these specific cases, which fortunately don't happen a lot in Whitehall but unfortunately do occur several
times per year.
Council Questions on Avery's Law
Councilor McCann asked for Attorney Nicodemus's advice about leaving it where it's at for now to see
how it goes, and questioned what the point would be of having it on their books when it's already state
law, wondering if that would make a difference.
Attorney Nicodemus explained that they do have local ordinances and mayor's court for local
enforcement of their laws, with the option to make some laws stricter in penalties than state law. That
was one possibility that could occur, but the new law already had strict penalties, so he did not know
that they would gain anything by making a local ordinance and doing everything in-house as opposed
to having it in municipal court.
Councilor McCann asked at what point Attorney Nicodemus would think something would change,
where he would say they should bring it in locally. Attorney Nicodemus responded that it would require
a change in how the designation (animal control saying this is a dangerous dog that needs euthanized)
appeal proceeds. He thought it would have to change and actually be like they used to do it under the
criminal case. As long as it is two separate cases with two separate timelines and two separate
evidentiary requirements, the municipal court, with the way they are set up, is the best place to handle
that as opposed to what they could do in a local mayor's court.
Recall Efforts Update
Councilor Harcar asked Attorney Nicodemus for updates regarding recall efforts. Attorney Nicodemus
reported that petitions were delivered to Ms. Ogg, and he attended with her. They were currently at the
board of elections for signature verification. Councilor Harcar asked how many signatures were turned
in. Attorney Nicodemus responded that it varied - 470 on one, 471 on another, and he believed 472 on
the third petition, but he did not remember which number went with whom. There were about 470
signatures each. They were about a week in, with 20 days total for the process.
City Auditor Shaquille Alexander
City Auditor Alexander reported he did not have an official report but reminded council and anyone
who cared about debits and credits that while his calendar was very busy, he was more than happy to
make himself available for 20 minutes (which could turn into an hour) to discuss the state of the city's
finances, which he could tell them were strong. He asked for favorable consideration of ordinances 20,
21, and 23.
Councilor Brown joked that the auditor was about a month away from his "Super Bowl" (April 15th),
and Alexander confirmed it couldn't get here soon enough, noting that since becoming a CPA, having
an April 6th birthday was no fun.
Director of Public Service Casey Rowlands
Director Rowlands reported she did not have an official report that evening, just that she and Jackie had
homework to go have a stern talking with Mother Nature to make sure she turned the heat back on.
Once that happened, they would get things rolling. They had many projects in the pipeline for the year
and had just gone out to bid for their waterline project. Residents would see literature coming in the
mail with updates on their projects. She had another Casey's update coming to Facebook in the next
week or so, mentioning the embarrassment she had every time she did it. She asked for favorable
consideration for ordinances 20 and 21.

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COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, AND CLAIMS
President Potter reported that there had been no communications, petitions, and claims filed in the
council office since the last meeting.

POLL PUBLIC
Amy Boyd thanked Mayor Bivens and explained that she had decided to attend the state of the city for
the first time because they were offering a free car. She had always been impressed by the weekly
newsletter about everything going on in Whitehall and all the programming for kids, youth, and seniors
that covers everything "from your dog to your grandma."
Ms. Boyd was very impressed that the city was financially and fiscally responsible and ahead of the
game because most cities, states, and federal entities do not always have as good an outcome as
Whitehall does. She was proud of that and the work being done.
Ms. Boyd announced she was the winner of the second car, feeling like Oprah, going, "You get a car,
you get a car." She thanked everyone, explaining that when they called the second person, and that
person was not there, she was the third person called. She was already thankful that she had been there
when the second person's name was called, even though she did not win initially. When she won the
car, she was grateful to the city council, Mayor Bivens, and everybody who did that. She confirmed the
car was good, with both heat and air conditioning working.

Diane Peters introduced "Mister T," explaining he would sit and keep track of three minutes, which was
important because when people stand and talk, they do not know where they are as far as time. She
noted that President Potter had offered "Misses T," but she could not see Misses T from where she was.
Miss Peters made two requests. First, they needed to do another PSA about people and mattresses, as
people were not wrapping their mattresses and were just putting them on the ground. She mentioned
one at Etna and Collingwood that she did not know where it started, but was moving down the street a twin mattress that needed to be wrapped so people could get it.
Second, regarding community updates, she loved them, as they were full of good information, but had
one request. She asked if Curtis Nutter could make it so that when you touch a picture, you can blow it
up, because most times when she gets things on her phone, you can touch the picture and blow it up to
see details. She could not read the print from the senior center, so she asked for those two things.
Miss Peters also stated she thought the recall was sad and was sorry they were in this position, but noted
"Whitehall votes, that's all Whitehall votes."

Marie Long first wanted to say that the state of the city was wonderful, and her face was worn out from
smiling when she got home, literally having to massage her face because it was the happiest, and most
wonderful event.
Ms. Long expressed concern about "the group that I call the haters," feeling that they would like for
much of the work in the last 24 years to truly make Whitehall great to just go away. She explained that
things really started to improve with Mayor Maggard, sharing a personal story about living in her house
in Norton Field for probably 8 years when she married Jack Long, who thought they needed to leave.
He used to call her house "the cottage in Whitehall," and she never cared what he said because it was
the perfect size. However, he was not thrilled to live there.
When Mayor Maggard became mayor, things started changing, and her husband started thinking, "Oh,
okay." It went so well that when Mayor Maggard retired, Ms. Long sent her a card thanking her for
making it possible for Jack Long to start loving the town. He really did like to tell people from other
communities, "Well, Whitehall, we do this" as a good thing, which was an accomplishment since he
was not the most positive man.
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Ms. Long stated that what Mayor Maggard started was terrific, but just the beginning. In the two years,
Mayor Bivens had been there with his "most amazing team," it was so much fun to go to the municipal
building and talk to people. Even City Auditor Alexander was pleasant, though he did not smile.
Everyone wanted wonderful things to happen, and it was positive and terrific.
She mentioned that the next day at the senior center, they would have "Cops and Coffee" with the police
and fire chief coming, and she had found two neat little pieces of information to share to embarrass
them about what they'd done, not just in Whitehall.
Ms. Long concluded by addressing the recall and "the haters," stating they were trying to destroy what
the last 14 years of progress by two mayors had worked hard for all of them, saying, "Shame on all of
you for trying to destroy so much that makes Whitehall a great place to live."

Micole Spicer acknowledged that the signatures had been submitted, but stated that she, along with
many fellow neighbors, was going to work to keep Mayor Bivens in office. She noted that Council
Member Elmore wasn't present but stated they were going to work very hard to keep all three of them
(Mayor Bivens, Council Member Elmore and Harcar) in office because they were phenomenal leaders
who were caring, compassionate, and get things done, which is what Whitehall needs.

VERIFICATION OF COPIES
Clerk Ogg conducted a roll call asking whether each member of council had been given a copy of each
item of legislation listed on the agenda prior to the meeting, including any add-on legislation. All
members responded affirmatively.

MOTION TO ACCEPT DRAFT RULES OF PROCEDURE
Motion: Council Member Dixon moved to accept the draft rules of procedure for the 2026-27
term. Council Member Morrison seconded the motion.
Council Member Harcar addressed the discussion they had over the last couple of months regarding
council rules, stating she would not drag it out but wanted to address comments made about some of
her questions. Specifically, there were comments made about her discussing obscenity at the council
meeting. She clarified she wasn't advocating for obscenity to be spoken in council but wanted to ensure
that if behavior needing discussion fell into that category, they would be able to discuss it.
She discussed the Department of Neighborhoods' explanations about why things are needed now. While
they all discussed the rule changes and some got things they wanted, while others did not, she
understood they had to compromise. Some rules she took issue with because she did not feel they were
there to protect a quorum, but more to protect an individual. She mentioned bringing back tabled
legislation, noting she could only think of one piece of legislation that had been tabled, questioning if
that was the reason for making it more difficult to bring that back.
Council Member Harcar stated she was supportive of decorum and being respectful to members she
agreed with and those she did not agree with at times, but thought they had to ensure they were doing
it in the best interest of the council as a whole and for residents. She questioned why they now had
concerns about signs in council chambers when they never had concerns before, including during issues
with the FOP when they had many signs in support of officers. She was glad they found a compromise
on that issue, but questioned the motivation behind many of the rule changes.
The motion passed unanimously, accepting the rules for the 2026-2027 term.

THIRD READING
No legislation scheduled for third reading.
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SECOND READING
ORDINANCE NO. 011-2026
Ordinance 011-2026 (Title Only) authorizing adoption of the May 2026 replacement pages to the
codified ordinances of the city of Whitehall, Ohio, and declaring an emergency was read by title only.

FIRST READING
ORDINANCE NO. 020-2026
Ordinance 020-2026 advancing $250,000.00 from previously unappropriated monies in the General
Fund (101) to the Fleet Reserve & Maintenance Fund (313) and appropriating $250,000.00 from the
Fleet Reserve & Maintenance Fund (313) to the Fleet Reserve & Maintenance Expense Account
(313.000.50000).
Motion: Councilor Morrison moved to introduce Ordinance 020-2026 and asked for suspension
of all rules. Councilor Brown seconded the motion. Rules were suspended unanimously.
Motion: Councilor Morrison moved to adopt. Councilor Brown seconded. Ordinance 020-2026
was adopted unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO. 021-2026
Ordinance 021-2026 authorizing and approving an appropriation in the amount of $400,000.00 from
unappropriated monies in the City Hall Rental Fund (330) to the 330.000.50000 City Hall Rental
Expense Account.
Motion: Councilor Morrison moved to introduce Ordinance 021-2026 and asked for suspension
of all rules. Councilor Brown seconded the motion. Rules were suspended unanimously.
Motion: Councilor Morrison moved to adopt. Councilor Brown seconded. Ordinance 021-2026
was adopted unanimously.
ORDINANCE NO. 022-2026
Ordinance 022-2026 (Title Only) - An ordinance amending the planning and zoning code to require
special permits for the construction or operation of detention facilities was read by title only.

ORDINANCE NO. 023-2026
Ordinance 023-2026 authorizing and approving an amendment to the codified ordinances of the city of
Whitehall 161 Table of Authorized Personnel for the fiscal year 2026 and declaring an emergency.
Motion: Councilor Morrison moved to introduce Ordinance 023-2026 and asked for suspension
of all rules. Councilor McCann seconded the motion. Rules were suspended unanimously.
Motion: Councilor Morrison moved to adopt. Councilor McCann seconded. Ordinance 023-2026
was adopted unanimously.

POLL PUBLIC
No one came forward for the second poll public.

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COMMUNITY DATE BOARD
Councilor Harcar announced that on March 21 (Saturday), Author Regina Bond would be at the March
towards Reading event at the Shine Bright Center, open to all ages and starting at 12 o'clock.

POLL COUNCIL
President Potter explained to the public that for poll public, they are allowed 3 minutes, and they felt
they should be held to the same 3 minutes. In the rules they just passed, council now had 3 minutes for
poll council, effective immediately.
Councilor Morrison
Councilor Morrison thanked everyone who came that evening and spoke, as well as the administration,
the public, and those watching at home. He apologized for his voice, which was giving him trouble, and
wished everyone a good week.
Councilor Harcar
Councilor Harcar stated she had little, so she would be able to adhere to the 3-minute rule without issue.
She thanked everyone for coming out and speaking, expressing appreciation for their support and help.
Regarding the recall issue, she acknowledged that sometimes they see arguing, bickering, and
disagreements, but being in this role has allowed her to meet amazing people, for which she was very
grateful. She wished everyone a happy Saint Patrick's Day and to be safe if they were out doing "young
people-ish things."
Councilor Adkins
Councilor Adkins thanked everybody for coming and speaking. He mentioned the Little Rams Roundup
at Kay Avenue on April 9 from 5 to 7 PM. He hoped everybody had a good week and jokingly hoped
they could do something about the weather, noting that Mayor Bivens had a lot to do next year since he
gave away two cars this year.
A resident reminded Councilor Adkins about a wrestler, and he mentioned that the wrestler's name was
Hamadi (though he said he would "butcher" the name), who finished second overall in the state
tournament at Ohio State University. He believed the wrestler was a junior at Whitehall, so they would
get him back one more year. There was some confusion about the name pronunciation."
Councilor McCann
Councilor McCann wished everyone a happy Saint Patrick's Day and thanked all for coming out. He
wanted to ask if people had an hour or two, the Rosemore girls’ softball team would be gearing up for
their season. He asked people to come out and cheer them on and let them know they are there
supporting them, as it would really mean a lot to these girls. He mentioned talking to his daughter about
some good players on the team this year, so they might have a better season than last year.
Councilor McCann offered to make copies of the schedule and mentioned that people could also go
online to a website called Dragonfly, where they could find Whitehall under Rosemore junior high. He
noted that tomorrow's first game at John Bishop would likely be postponed due to weather.
Councilor Dixon
Councilor Dixon thanked everyone for joining them in chambers and those watching at home, as well
as those who spoke. He noted they would need "Mister T" from Ms. Peters. He wanted to mention the
good news on the arbitration the mayor spoke of, shared his own AI story, expressing that he was no
fan of AI, and did not know that many people were. He found it disturbing.
Councilor Dixon recounted a time he was on the phone with what seemed like a woman in a call center
or restaurant with background noise and tinkling sounds. He knew it was AI but thought it was terrible
because they were trying to make it seem like a real person, which he viewed as manipulation to make
people not care that it is AI, but he cared, so he hung up.
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He complimented Director Rowlands on her reports, noting that as an actor, he thought she did a fine
job. He wished everyone to enjoy Saint Patrick's Day and advised not to "eat the green snow."
Council Member Brown
Councilor Brown thanked everyone who came that evening and those watching online. He thanked Dr.
Harris for coming out and sharing about his organization and work. Councilor Brown mentioned he had
been working on connecting schools to trades and real estate, architecture, construction, and
engineering, knowing there was demand and school support, so he imagined Dr. Harris would be fine
getting in there and was excited to see what happened.
Councilor Brown said it was good to hear how the arbitration played out, similar to other things they
had seen throughout the community. There could be whole movements and many things made up about
what may or may not be going on in certain situations, or negativity that continued to be spewed out.
He was glad to hear how things played out based on facts and data from a third-party arbitrator, not
from their side.
He thought it was good for people to hear these things because they talk about issues up front, and then
do not hear about them for a while, and they die down, but people remember how they felt in those
moments, and those rhetoric’s continue to be spread. He was happy to hear how things played out and
hoped the community was happy to hear the results, knowing that they seemingly do not have a corrupt
administration.
Councilor Brown expressed happiness that residents continued to show up week in and week out,
sharing thoughts and opinions - positive, negative, and everything in between - but doing so in a way
that made it obvious they cared about the community and were willing to work with people and have
good faith conversations. He believed that was what it took from everybody - citizens and leadership to get Whitehall where it needed to be.
He publicly appreciated Councilor Elmore and Mayor Bivens for continuing to do that, having watched
them do it repeatedly when people continued to "spew stuff that most people wouldn't be able to
handle." He appreciated it and hoped everyone had a wonderful evening and a great week.
President Potter
President Potter concluded by noting that although Dr. Harris was not with them at that moment, he
found the information very interesting and thought it would certainly be a good program that would fit
very well with the school system and benefit families in Whitehall. He wished everyone a very good
and safe Saint Patrick's Day.
ADJOURN
President Potter adjourned the meeting at 8:02 PM.
Submitted by,

Julie A. Ogg, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: April 7, 2026

Thomas M. Potter, Council President

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City of Whitehall
City Council Committee Meeting
March 24, 2026 minutes
President Potter called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Present at the meeting were the following:
Councilor Amy Harcar, Councilor Gerald Dixon, Councilor Lori Elmore, Councilor Devin Brown,
Councilor Brian McCann, Councilor Mike Adkins, and President Thomas Potter.
Director of Public Service Casey Rowlands and Economic Development Director Jackie Russell.

Committee of the Whole Legislation/Issues
Third Reading
Ordinance No. 011-2026 was presented for third reading, authorizing adoption of the May 2026
replacement pages to the codified ordinances of the City of Whitehall and declaring an emergency.
President Potter noted that the ordinance would be introduced by Councilor Morrison and seconded by
Councilor Adkins, stating that the council was familiar with the matter and no additional conversation
was needed.
Before proceeding to standing committees, Councilor Dixon requested a moment to address the
committee of the whole. He explained that he wanted to follow up on an email he had sent the previous
week regarding legislation and work that he, along with Mike and Julie, were working on to secure an
assistant clerk of council position. He noted that in his email, he had asked for suggestions regarding
the job description, emphasizing that while it did not need to be discussed immediately, it was part of
the process of developing this initiative. He requested that if any councilors had suggestions, they should
send them to Julie for review during their upcoming meeting.
President Potter immediately questioned the genesis of this proposal, noting that in his conversations
with Julie, she had not expressed feeling overworked or unable to keep up with her duties. President
Potter asked about the thought process behind the initiative and raised concerns about funding,
particularly since it was not included in the current year's budget.
Councilor Dixon responded that all such matters could be discussed once the proposal was properly
developed, but indicated they were currently in the genesis phase of working on putting the initiative
together before bringing it to the council for discussion. When President Potter pressed for more details
about why they were discussing it at the current meeting, when it was not even a piece of legislation
yet, Councilor Dixon maintained his position, stating that once they developed it further, it could be
discussed at council.
Councilor Harcar expressed confusion about the proposal, noting that in her two years on council, she
could not remember ever introducing legislation to create a new position. She questioned the agenda
behind the proposal, stating that she had never heard Julie express that an assistant clerk position was
needed, and that she had always received very timely responses to her requests, sometimes within
minutes but certainly by the next business day. Councilor Harcar argued that if this were needed, it
should have come from either President Potter or from the clerk herself, expressing the need, and she
felt uncomfortable providing suggestions for a job description when the clerk of council had expressed
no need. She also raised concerns about accountability, noting they had already completed the budget
for the year, and questioned why the council would be creating a job description, which she felt was an
overreach.
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Councilor Elmore shared similar concerns, noting that she had read Dixon's email regarding research
and legislative support. She explained that when the council has issues or wants legislation created, they
typically go to the appropriate department for research and assistance. Councilor Elmore mentioned
having a conversation with Julie over her ten years on council, maintaining open communication about
workload, and she noted that Julie had never expressed being overworked or needing assistance. She
emphasized that Julie was very capable and professional, and when she needed help, she had leaned on
colleagues. Councilor Elmore pointed out that the position was not budgeted for and questioned creating
a solution for a problem that did not exist, suggesting that if there were a real need, it should be
addressed in the next budget cycle.
Councilor Harcar reiterated that the job description should come from the clerk of council, not from the
councilors, and emphasized that while they might have different opinions on various matters, they all
agreed that Julie was amazing and would be 100 percent supportive if she came to them needing
something. She characterized the current approach as misguided.
Councilor Dixon concluded by reiterating that if councilors had suggestions, they could send them to
Julie, and if they did not want to participate, that was their choice. He stated that the meeting would be
held and the discussion would continue.
President Potter acknowledged that any councilor had the right to pursue such initiatives and indicated
they would move on to the next agenda item.

Standing Committees
Administration and Financial Management
Councilor Elmore opened the Administration and Financial Management committee at 6:38 p.m.
Draft 1 - Ordinance 024-2026 was presented for adoption on April 7, 2026, authorizing an appropriation
transfer of $24,000.00 from the Service Administrative Assistant 1 account to the Service
Administrative Assistant 2 account, and declaring an emergency. Councilor Elmore explained that two
positions had been separated and now needed to be combined. She had discussed the matter with
Director Rowlands and asked if she wanted to add anything.
Director Rowlands explained that in 2025, they had planned to have two separate part-time
administrative assistants for the service department and building and development department. When
Brittany no longer returned, they decided to offer Miss Tia the full-time position. She introduced Natia
Hinton as the service administrator who handles tasks for all departments when assistance is needed.
The ordinance would combine the two expense accounts to make payroll administration easier, with all
expenses coming from one account.
Councilor McCann asked about the total salary for the combination. Director Rowlands indicated she
would need to check the specific amount but emphasized that it would not increase or decrease
expenses, as they were not adding any additional expense. Councilor Elmore noted that Councilor
Harcar would not be present for the April 7 meeting due to a conference she will be attending.
Councilor Elmore will introduce the ordinance, and Councilor Adkins will second.
Draft 2 - Ordinance 025-2026 was presented for adoption on April 7, 2026, authorizing a supplemental
appropriation of $260,000.00 from unappropriated monies in the WMPITIE fund to the Hamilton-Broad
initiative expense account. The city is responsible for overages incurred by ODOT on the Broad Street
Hamilton intersection improvement project.
Director Rowlands explained that before her tenure, the negotiation for ODOT funding for the Broad
Hamilton project had been arranged with a contract stating that the city would pay any overages from
change orders. They had one change order and anticipated a second, with this appropriation covering
both. She noted that once reconciled, there might be reimbursement from OPWC funding, though they
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would not know until the end of the year when the project closes out. The funds were already allocated
in the fund and needed to be moved to the expense account.
When asked about the specific change orders, Director Rowlands explained that the first was for a
sanitary line that had to be moved. They had anticipated being able to tie into an existing line but had
to remove and replace it completely, spanning from the northeast corner to the northwest corner,
representing a significant expense.
Councilor Elmore will introduce the ordinance, and Councilor Brown will second.
Draft 3 - Ordinance 026-2026 was presented for adoption on April 7, 2026, authorizing a supplemental
appropriation of $25,000.00 from unappropriated monies in the general fund to the technology lifecycle
fund, representing a credit from Verizon on the utility bill.
Director Rowlands explained that the IT department had purchased equipment for police vehicles from
their 315 account and were eligible for a $25,000.00 rebate credit from Verizon. However, Verizon
would only credit it to their utility bill rather than issuing a credit check. Since the Verizon utility bill
comes from fund 101, they needed to transfer the money from 101 to 315 to return the funding to IT.
She characterized it as simple housekeeping.
Councilor Elmore will introduce the ordinance, and Councilor Brown will second.
Draft 4 - Resolution 011-2026 was presented for adoption on April 7, 2026, resolving to approve "then
and now" certificates. Under ORC 5705.41(d)(1), "then and now" certificates of $3,000.00 and more
must be approved by resolution within 30 days of receipt, and the city needed to reconcile certificates
over that sum.
Director Rowlands explained for City Auditor Alexander that this was routine monthly housekeeping
for "then and now" certificates, with the majority being utility bills, and they were closing out the
monthly process.
Councilor Elmore will introduce the ordinance, and Councilor Adkins will second.
Councilor Elmore closed the Administration and Financial Management committee at 6:45 p.m.

Community and Elder Advocacy
Councilor Harcar opened the Community and Elder Advocacy committee at 6:45 p.m., noting they had
no drafts or pending legislation.
Councilor Harcar informed the committee that she would be absent from the April 7th council meeting
to attend the End Violence Against Women International conference, which focuses on domestic
violence, sexual assault, and exploitation of children—something she attends every few years for
credentialing purposes.
She also reported that she had become a suicide prevention trainer the previous week and planned to
offer training to the community within the next 30 to 60 days while waiting for her materials to arrive.
She explained that the trainings would be conducted in small groups to teach simple steps that help
prevent suicide, noting the staggering numbers of people lost to suicide annually, both nationally and
in Ohio. She hoped to have specific dates available by the next committee meeting.
Director Rowlands mentioned that on April 1, they would be putting out pinwheels for National Child
Abuse Prevention Month. When Councilor Harcar asked if anyone typically comes in to discuss child
abuse and assault, Director Rowlands offered to forward information about who would be participating.
Councilor Brown publicly thanked Councilor Harcar "for the thousandth time" for all her work,
continuing to invest in herself and providing real value to the community and people going through
difficult situations. He expressed appreciation for her ongoing efforts.
Councilor Harcar closed the Community and Elder Advocacy committee at 6:48 p.m.

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Community Standards and Enforcement
Chairperson McCann opened the Community Standards and Enforcement committee at 6:48 p.m.
The committee had a second reading for Ordinance 022-2026, scheduled for adoption on April 21, 2026.
The ordinance amends the planning and zoning code to require special permits for the construction or
operation of detention facilities. Councilor McCann asked if there were any questions or discussion,
and seeing none, closed the committee at 6:49 p.m.

Economic Development
Councilor Dixon opened the Economic Development committee at 6:49 p.m., noting they had no
legislation but that Economic Development Director Russell had a presentation for the committee.
Director Russell apologized for not being able to stand at the front due to microphone limitations and
proceeded with her presentation on economic development standardization, focusing on tools used and
how to continue moving forward with good business practices in Whitehall.
Education Component
Director Russell began with educational content for new council members, referencing a previous
presentation from August that covered how economic development works in Ohio. She emphasized that
their largest funding source is income tax from people working in Whitehall or working remotely from
Whitehall, with a 2.5% income tax rate applied to gross wages, salaries, corporate net profits, and other
personal service compensation including bonuses.
Income tax comprises 86% of general fund revenues, with the remaining 14% split for end-of-month
transfers to various departments including economic development, service, parks and recreation, and
IT.
She noted that Whitehall's 2.5% rate puts them on the higher end compared to other Central Ohio
municipalities, with some like Pickerington at 1%. Importantly, Whitehall offers 100% credit to
residents working elsewhere, preventing double taxation.
Using a $50,000.00 salary example, she illustrated how a Whitehall resident working in Whitehall
would pay the full $1,250.00 to the city, while a resident working in Columbus (also 2.5%) would pay
nothing to Whitehall due to the credit system. A resident working in Pickerington (1%) would pay
$500.00 to Pickerington and the remaining to Whitehall.
Property Tax Breakdown
Director Russell explained property tax distribution, emphasizing that Whitehall City Schools receives
59% of property taxes. Using a $262,000.00 house example (with 35% assessed value), schools would
receive approximately $2,400.00 of the $4,000.00 total property tax bill, while the city receives only
7% or $282.00. She stressed the importance of income tax ($1,250.00 in her example) versus property
tax ($282.00) for the city's general fund impact.
When Councilor Elmore asked about assessment calculations, Director Russell confirmed the 35%
assessed value standard, with President Potter noting that information is available on the Franklin
County auditor's website. President Potter also clarified that the parks levy goes to Franklin County
parks, not Whitehall parks, and that libraries funding goes to Columbus Metropolitan Library system,
which operates the Whitehall branch.
Five Requirements for Economic Development Success
Director Russell outlined five requirements, noting she had crossed off items they had accomplished:
●

Right people in forward-facing relationships (crossed off - she felt she was the right person)

●

Supportive council (left uncrossed for educational purposes)

●

Strategic plan (crossed off - actively in development)

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●

Aggressive ways to secure deals (not crossed off - topic of current discussion)

●

School compensation (crossed off - completed)

She explained leaving council support uncrossed was part of her education tour, emphasizing the need
for learning, understanding, and building comfort with deal packaging. Her goal was to achieve 100%
support once they completed the standardization process and the council was fully bought into their
packages.
Competitive Market Reality
Director Russell stressed that while the Columbus region is collaborative with good inter-municipal
relationships, it remains highly competitive. She emphasized that tax incentives and development
agreements are currently the primary tools for winning deals, with no one-size-fits-all approach. She
provided examples of different municipal strategies: Dublin historically gave away free land, New
Albany offers 100% tax abatements for 15 years, while Whitehall has historically "dibbled and dabbled
in everything," providing flexibility but sometimes creating misinformation about tool purposes and
usage.
Councilor Dixon asked about the standardization scope, whether it involved legislative standardization
or administrative standardization. Director Russell explained it was both - standardizing legislation
types and agreements so the council would be familiar with consistent templates (like CRA
agreements), while also creating a standard menu of options with set rates, percentages, or processes.
She wanted to eliminate surprises and create transparency where the council would understand the
available menu options and which ones were selected for specific projects.
Economic Development Tools Overview
Director Russell provided detailed explanations of economic development tools:
Community Reinvestment Areas (CRAs). These are real property tax abatement agreements for new
construction, abating the building cost but not the land purchase price. They have statutory requirements
for reporting jobs, payroll, and investment, with potential for performance standards like community
involvement requirements. She emphasized that developers must perform to maintain abatements,
contrary to public misconceptions. The areas must be designated before abatements can be offered,
currently along commercial corridors, and each abatement requires a council-approved agreement.
President Potter asked about the annual review mechanism. Director Russell explained they must report
to the Ohio Department of Development by March 31 annually, with information from active
agreements (currently seven). The Tax Increment Review Council (TIRC), chaired by the Franklin
County auditor with representation from Whitehall City Schools, Eastland Career Center, and residents,
reviews each agreement and can revoke CRAs for non-performance. However, they typically prefer
working with companies through probation periods rather than immediate revocation.
Councilor Brown asked about residential versus commercial CRA oversight, with Director Russell
promising to follow up on TIRC's specific jurisdiction.
Councilor Brown asked about abatement impacts on property tax payments. Director Russell clarified
that developers continue paying taxes on land value, with abatements only affecting building taxes. The
maximum abatement period is 15 years (30 for mega-projects with billion-dollar investments and
thousands of jobs), but land value taxes continue throughout, and full property taxes resume when
abatements expire.
Tax Increment Financing (TIF). TIFs redirect property value increases by establishing base values
when TIF districts are created, with incremental increases going to city TIF funds for public
improvements. Whitehall's TIF districts were established long ago with low base values, creating a $9.4
million fund rarely used. TIF money must be used within or adjacent to the district for public
improvements like roads, sidewalks, recreation centers, or amphitheaters.

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TIFs allow developers to build infrastructure with city reimbursement from TIF funds, preventing the
city from bonding or increasing resident taxes. President Potter asked about the best-funded district,
with Director Russell identifying Town and Country due to recent Broad Street redevelopment.
Councilor Brown provided a developer perspective on these tools, explaining how CRAs help
developers' cash flow by controlling property tax increases that could hurt their ability to raise private
investment capital. Director Russell agreed, noting that tight capital markets make infrastructure costs
particularly expensive, so public-private partnerships help developers invest more in building finishes
and marketable spaces while the city handles infrastructure it would maintain anyway.
Director Russell addressed misconceptions about TIF areas, emphasizing that money goes into city
accounts, but is not given to developers without specific council-approved agreements. She noted that
TIFs could be structured as non-school, non-fire TIFs to protect those services, something they could
consider for standardization.
Councilor Harcar raised resident concerns about impacts on schools, ADAMH, and other services.
Director Russell explained they could use non-school, non-fire TIFs and emphasized there's always
some tax bill, never complete elimination. The school compensation agreement specifically protects
schools with 35% of income tax revenue sharing on abated projects, plus TIF sharing for residential
components.
Director Russell noted that most successful school compensation agreements do not make schools 100%
whole but minimize negative impacts. At New Albany, excluding data centers, they were within two
percentage points of making schools whole, with consistent income tax revenue sharing, meaning
schools did not see dramatic increases when abatements expired.
Councilor Dixon expressed concerns about residents paying for deals when other entities suffer funding
shortfalls. Director Russell clarified that they are not giving away existing money but redirecting money
property owners pay, with mechanisms like school compensation agreements providing more funding
than schools would otherwise receive (increasing from $180,000.00 to $300,000.00 annually in their
example).
President Potter emphasized the competitive necessity, noting that developers choose between multiple
communities, and Whitehall would be eliminated without competitive incentives. He pointed to the
post-2010 period when Whitehall began offering incentives, leading to significant new employers who
would not have located there otherwise.
Councilor Harcar acknowledged the educational value of the presentation, noting how differently she
understood these issues as a council member versus how she would have perceived them as a resident.
She thanked Director Russell for the education.
Additional Economic Development Tools
New Community Authority (NCA). NCAs establish separate corporate subdivisions with boards
overseeing designated areas, placing special assessment charges on property tax bills that cannot be
abated. They create funding for public infrastructure, improvements, and programming, either through
monetization via bonds or collection over time. Community authorities can be municipally or
developer-owned, depending on board composition, and can be created for any time-period. They are
often used with CRAs to offset abatements.
Director Russell noted they are exploring where NCAs might benefit Whitehall, possibly for street
improvements or sidewalk improvements, though they do not currently have specific projects identified.
When Councilor Elmore asked about applying NCAs to existing communities, Director Russell
explained it would create additional charges for property owners, which typically are not popular unless
coupled with abatements. NCAs are usually implemented with new projects rather than existing areas.
Job Creation Tax Credit. These are cash incentives based on significant payroll or job creation,
typically reimbursing companies based on their income tax contributions. Usually lasting 5-7 years,
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they are often implemented after companies reach maximum employment levels during ramp-up
periods.
Development Agreement Creativity. Development agreements outline obligations and performance
requirements between parties. They can be simple (defining who builds what infrastructure) or complex
(including job creation tax credits, waived fees, and expedited permitting). Director Russell noted that
expedited permitting and waived fees are often more attractive than cash incentives, and agreements
should document all commitments to prevent future misunderstandings.
Councilor Dixon asked about accountability for promises made to communities. Director Russell
emphasized the importance of written development agreements to protect both the city and developers,
ensuring all commitments are documented and enforceable.
President Potter referenced past situations where promised community amenities were removed after
installation, emphasizing the need for monitoring and enforcement.
Councilor Brown noted that Fairway Cliffs had included CRA, TIF, NCA, and development agreement
components, representing the type of tool stacking discussed in the presentation.
Standardization Concepts
Director Russell presented preliminary standardization ideas while emphasizing nothing was set in
stone:
●

CRAs: Template agreements with consistent performance benchmarks varying by project type
(manufacturing vs. office vs. residential), and potentially standardized terms and incentive
levels

●

TIFs: Formal TIF policies, possibly focusing on non-school, non-fire TIFs or specific project
magnitude requirements

●

Community Authorities: Creating expandable community authorities with flexible guidelines

●

Job Creation Tax Credits: Clear thresholds based on job creation and payroll levels

●

Development Agreements: Menu of creative items like expedited permitting, waived fees,
public-private infrastructure partnerships

Next Steps
Director Russell outlined three next steps:
●

Survey: She would send council members a survey about their knowledge and comfort levels
with each tool to identify educational needs and standardization priorities.

●

Education Courses: Small group sessions (maximum three council members to avoid quorum
issues) where she could demonstrate calculations and tool applications, with groups potentially
organized based on survey responses.

●

Collaborative Standardization: Continuing work on standardizations while ensuring council
review and approval, emphasizing that she would not make decisions in isolation and wanted
council to feel confident in their tools and usage.

Councilor Elmore requested the survey have a clear deadline to avoid delays, with discussion settling
on approximately one week after Director Russell provides advance notice.
Councilor McCann asked about addressing situations where standardization might not work. Director
Russell explained they would always bring development agreements to council for legislative review,
and she aimed to standardize in ways that would not break, focusing on performance metrics and
flexible menus rather than rigid restrictions.

City Council Committee Meeting minutes March 24, 2026

Page 23 of 49

Councilor Brown expressed appreciation for the presentation and interest in learning calculation
methods, particularly noting recommendations for performance metrics to avoid situations like
Rockwell, where incentives were approved, but no development occurred.
Councilor Dixon asked about the criteria for receiving incentives. Director Russell explained that
companies must apply with job, payroll, and investment information, but equally important is the
proposed use. She might offer incentives for community-desired amenities like recreation centers even
without high job creation, but she had turned down more requests than approved since arriving,
emphasizing they don't want to "give away the farm."
Community Discussion
Councilor Dixon emphasized the evolution from postwar business development to current competitive
inter-municipal environments, stressing that successful communities must offer competitive incentives.
He argued that government and citizens share responsibility for creating attractive communities,
mentioning his personal investment in improving his childhood home as an example of individual
responsibility.
Councilor Harcar expressed concerns about current community atmosphere, describing experiences of
unwelcoming behavior toward immigrants, people of color, and women over recent months. She
contrasted this with her original reason for moving to Whitehall 21 years ago—seeking a diverse,
welcoming community—with current online comments and attitudes that she felt would discourage
diverse businesses and professionals from locating in Whitehall.
Councilor Brown agreed that professional development contacts had expressed unwillingness to partner
with Whitehall due to recent community movements, emphasizing the responsibility to call out
unwelcoming behavior to maintain a truly community-centered city.
Councilor Dixon closed the Economic Development committee at 8:06 p.m.

Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Services
Chairperson Brown opened the Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Services committee at 8:06 p.m.,
noting no drafts or pending legislation.
Director Rowlands provided updates on infrastructure projects, noting they had posted recent updates
and were "warming up" for spring work, though Mother Nature was not being cooperative despite
providing an 85-degree day. She mentioned that people had noticed water coming from blue pipes on
Yearling Road as part of the chlorination process for cleaning new water lines, emphasizing that no one
was being charged for this water and it posed no public danger.
She reported that contractors would hopefully finish the cleaning process the next day, with Breezy and
their subcontractors expected to begin sidewalk work and pavement discussions by the end of the
following week. Their hard deadline for completion was July 29.
Councilor Brown thanked Director Rowlands for the online updates that residents appreciated and
jokingly asked Director Russell if her media team could make Director Rowlands famous worldwide,
to which Director Rowlands replied that his mother already thought she was famous.
Councilor Brown closed the Infrastructure, Maintenance, and Services committee at 8:08 p.m.

Public Safety
President Potter noted that Councilor Morrison was absent, with Councilor Elmore volunteering to chair
the Public Safety committee.
Councilor Elmore opened the Public Safety committee at 8:08 p.m., noting no drafts or pending
legislation.
She shared an observation from a recent windstorm where a tree and a large branch had blocked the
street at Fairway and Greenwood. Two police officers got out of their cruiser, walked down the street,
City Council Committee Meeting minutes March 24, 2026

Page 24 of 49

borrowed a saw from residents (the Grahams), returned, and cut the branches to clear the roadway for
traffic. Councilor Elmore emphasized that this was beyond their required duties, praising officers for
going beyond their safety responsibilities despite dangerous conditions with continuing high winds. She
wanted to commend the officers publicly, though she did not have their names.
Councilor Elmore closed the Public Safety committee at 8:10 p.m.

Parks and Recreation
Councilor Adkins opened the Parks and Recreation committee at 8:10 p.m., noting no drafts or pending
legislation.
Councilor Harcar congratulated everyone involved in the March towards Reading event over the
weekend, noting she had stopped by Discover and she found great resources and activities for
children—describing it as a nice event.
Councilor Elmore discussed seeing a Today Show program about senior playgrounds and reaching out
to the mayor and Director Shannon about implementing such facilities in Whitehall. She noted this was
catching on nationally, with Cincinnati already having one, and emphasized that seniors need to keep
moving as they age, making outdoor exercise equipment similar to children's playgrounds a valuable
community resource.
Councilor McCann asked about adding shuffleboards to such facilities, expressing enthusiasm for the
game. Councilor Elmore clarified that senior playground equipment involved active movement and
exercise rather than games, though she acknowledged shuffleboard's entertainment value.
Councilor Adkins closed the Parks and Recreation committee at 8:12 p.m.
President Potter noted no additional business and adjourned the meeting at 8:12 p.m.

Submitted by:

Julie A. Ogg, Clerk of Council
APPROVED: April 7, 2026

Thomas M. Potter, Council President

City Council Committee Meeting minutes March 24, 2026

Page 25 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 011-2026
AUTHORIZING ADOPTION OF THE MAY 2026 REPLACEMENT PAGES TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY
OF WHITEHALL, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, it is desirable and necessary that the City of Whitehall maintain an organized and published
code of ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the codified ordinances for the City of Whitehall should be amended regularly to conform with
current state law as required by the Ohio Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the council has passed various ordinances of a general and permanent nature and should be
included in the codified ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the Walter H. Drane Company of Cleveland, Ohio, has entered into a contract with the City of
Whitehall to prepare and publish such revisions twice a year, and the May 2026 replacements are now before the
council; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1.
That the ordinances of the City of Whitehall, Ohio, of a general and permanent nature, as
revised, recodified, rearranged, and consolidated into component codes, titles, chapters, and sections within the
May 2026 replacement pages to the codified ordinances are hereby approved and adopted.
SECTION 2.
That the President of Council and Clerk of Council shall certify that the permanent and
general ordinances of the City, as codified in the current replacement pages, are correctly set forth therein.
SECTION 3.
That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to draw his warrant upon the Treasurer of the
City to pay the Walter H. Drane Company for said services and products from previously appropriated monies in
the City Council Office Supplies Account (101-100-52000).
SECTION 4.
That this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure immediately
necessary for the preservation of the public health, peace, safety and welfare; and for the further reasons that it is
necessary that the City of Whitehall maintain an organized and published code of its ordinances and that it
conforms with current state law provisions; WHEREFORE, this Ordinance shall go into full force and effect
immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor.
PASSED this ___________ day of _____________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
Clerk of Council
APPROVED this ____________ day of _________________, 2026.

President of Council
Mayor

Requested and Prepared by: Julie A. Ogg, Clerk of Council
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney BSN 2/23/26

Page 26 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 022-2026
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PLANNING AND ZONING CODE TO REQUIRE SPECIAL PERMITS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OR OPERATION OF DETENTION FACILITIES.
WHEREAS, the City of Whitehall has an obligation to enact policies that protect our residents; and
WHEREAS, amending the Planning and Zoning Code to prohibit the construction or operation of detention facilities
without a special permit; NOW THEREFORE;
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1: Chapter 1128 of the Whitehall Codified Ordinances, the Planning and Zoning definitions, is hereby
amended as follows:
***
Detention Facility means any place used for the confinement of a person arrested for, charged with, or
convicted of an offense or charged with being or adjudicated to be a juvenile offender or held for extradition or
as a material witness or otherwise confined pursuant to an order of a court or in any work release, furlough, or
other such facility or program.
***
SECTION 2: Table 1103.02 STUR PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1103.02: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE
PERMIT REQUIRED BY
SPECIFIC USE
DISTRICT
REGULATIONS
STUR
PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Detention Facility
***
***
SECTION 3: Table 1103.03 MUR PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1103.03: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE
PERMIT REQUIRED BY
SPECIFIC USE
DISTRICT
REGULATIONS
MUR
PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Page 27 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 022-2026
Detention Facility
***

***
SECTION 4: Table 1104.02 BRD PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1104.02: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE

PERMIT REQUIRED BY
DISTRICT
BRD

SPECIFIC USE
REGULATIONS

PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Detention Facility
***

SECTION 5: Table 1104.03 MAIN PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1104.03: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE

PERMIT REQUIRED BY
DISTRICT
MAIN

SPECIFIC USE
REGULATIONS

PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Detention Facility
***
SECTION 6: Table 1104.04 SH PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1104.04: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE

PERMIT REQUIRED BY
DISTRICT
SH

SPECIFIC USE
REGULATIONS

PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
Page 28 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 022-2026
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Detention Facility
***
SECTION 7: Table 1104.05 YEAR PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1104.05: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE

PERMIT REQUIRED BY
DISTRICT
YEAR

SPECIFIC USE
REGULATIONS

PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Detention Facility
***
SECTION 8: Table 1104.06 CCD PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1104.06: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE

PERMIT REQUIRED BY
DISTRICT
CCD

SPECIFIC USE
REGULATIONS

PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Detention Facility
***
SECTION 9: Table 1105.02 MILO PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1105.02: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE

PERMIT REQUIRED BY
DISTRICT
MILO

SPECIFIC USE
REGULATIONS

PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
Page 29 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 022-2026
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Detention Facility
***
SECTION 10: Table 1105.03 INDD PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS shall read as follows:
***
TABLE 1105.03: PERMITTED LAND USES & PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
LAND USE TYPE

PERMIT REQUIRED BY
DISTRICT
INDD

SPECIFIC USE
REGULATIONS

PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
***
Governmentally Owned and/or
Operated Buildings and Facilities
Detention Facility
***

***
SECTION 11: Table 1108.01 COMPREHENSIVE USE TABLE shall read as follows:
***

TABLE 1108.01 PRINCIPLE
USES BY ZONING DISTRICT

STUR

MUR

BRD

MAIN

SH

YEAR

CCD

MILO

INDD

FP

USE DEFINITION &
STANDARDS

***
PUBLIC FACILITIES, INSTITUTIONS AND TRANSPORTATION
Detention Facility

***
SECTION 12: This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the earliest time provided for by law.

Page 30 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 022-2026
PASSED this ____ day of _______________________, 2026
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Clerk of Council

______________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this _____ day of _______________, 2026

______________________________
Mayor

Requested and Prepared by: Jackie Russell, Director of Economic Development
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 03/06/2026

Page 31 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 024-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AN APPROPRIATION TRANSFER IN THE AMOUNT OF TWENTY-FOUR THOUSAND AND
NO/DOLLARS ($24,000.00) FROM APPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE SERVICE ADMIN ASST 1 ACCOUNT (101.600.51200) TO
SERVICE ADMIN ASST 2 ACCOUNT (101.600.51650) AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, the City separated the service administrative assistant salary accounts when the Service
Department planned to have two part-time employees in 2026; and,
WHEREAS, the Service Department has reverted back to one full-time service administrative assistant; and,
WHEREAS, the funds need to be transferred into one account for payroll to administer salaries; NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:
That the Council of the City of Whitehall, Ohio authorizes and approves the following
appropriation transfer in the total amount of twenty-four thousand and no/dollars ($24,000).
From
101.600.51200 Service Admin Asst 1

Amount
$24,000.00

To
101.600.51650 Service Admin Asst 2

SECTION 2:
That this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure immediately necessary for
the preservation of the public health, peace, safety and welfare and for the further reason that is necessary to have the
monies available to pay these expenses in order to keep the building serviceable and open; WHEREFORE, This Ordinance
shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor.
PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

___________________________________
Mayor

Requested and prepared by: Casey Rowlands, Director of Public Service
Approved as to financial form: Shaquille Alexander, City Auditor
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 03/20/2026

Page 32 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 025-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF TWO HUNDRED SIXTY
THOUSAND AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($260,000.00) FROM UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE WMPITIE FUND (279) TO THE
HAMILTON-BROAD INCENTIVE 90-117 EXPENSE ACCOUNT (279.000.50004).
WHEREAS, the City of Whitehall is responsible for any change order overages incurred on the ODOT Broad &
Hamilton Intersection Improvement Project; and
WHEREAS, once the project has closed out, ODOT will reconcile the account and use up federal funds towards any
outstanding balance;
WHEREAS, the City of Whitehall may be reimbursed at the close-out of the project for any City funds paid up front;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:
The Council of the City of Whitehall, Ohio authorizes and approves a supplemental appropriation
in the amount of two hundred sixty thousand and 00/100 dollars ($260,000.00) from unappropriated monies in the
WMPITIE Fund (279) to the Hamilton-Broad Incentive 90-117 Expense Account (279.000.50004)
SECTION 2:
That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to draw his warrant upon the Treasurer of the City for
these funds for the purpose stated.
SECTION 3:
by the Mayor.

That this Ordinance shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval

PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

____________________________________
Mayor

Requested and prepared by: Casey Rowlands, Director of Public Service
Approved as to financial form: Shaquille Alexander, City Auditor
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 03/20/2026

Page 33 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 026-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND AND
00/100 DOLLARS ($25,000.00) FROM UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE GENERAL FUND (101) TO THE TECHNOLOGY
LIFECYCLE FUND (315).
WHEREAS, the City of Whitehall was issued an account credit of $25,000.00 on the Verizon utility bill; and
WHEREAS, this credit was issued to the general fund (101) and used for utility expenses;
WHEREAS, the credit amount is needed for various technology expenses coming from the Technology Lifecycle
Fund (315); NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:
The Council of the City of Whitehall, Ohio, authorizes and approves a supplemental appropriation
in the amount of twenty-five thousand and 00/100 dollars ($25,000.00) from unappropriated monies in the General Fund
(101) to the Technology Lifecycle Fund (315).
SECTION 2:
That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to draw his warrant upon the Treasurer of the City for
these funds for the purpose stated.
SECTION 3:
by the Mayor.

That this Ordinance shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval

PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

____________________________________
Mayor

Requested and prepared by: Casey Rowlands, Director of Public Service
Approved as to financial form: Shaquille Alexander, City Auditor
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 03/20/2026

Page 34 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 027-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
WHITEHALL 161 TABLE OF AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 AND DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, the budget presented by various departments includes updated titles that best
represent what employees do in their daily work and includes position(s) added, revised, and/or no longer
required; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1: The Council of the City of Whitehall, Ohio approves the following changes to the Table
of Authorized Personnel for the fiscal year 2026.

161.37 TABLE OF AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL.
The following legends shall apply to all tables delineating authorized strength:
Column
1
2
3
4
5

Name
Position title
Pay grade or salary pay range
Classified civil service
Unclassified civil service
Number authorized
Union bargaining unit
Exempt from union

Code
SPR
CCS
UCS
UBU
EFU

(b) Development Department.
1
Director of Development
Economic Development Specialist
Chief Building Official
Assistant Building Inspector (part-time)
City Planner
Permit Specialist

2
SPR
SPR
SPR
SPR
SPR
C-21

3
UCS
UCS
CCS
UCS
UCS
CCS

4
1
1
1
1
1
1

5
EFU
EFU
EFU
EFU
EFU
UBU

SECTION 2:
That this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure immediately
necessary for the preservation of the public health, peace, safety and welfare and for the further reason
these title changes reasonably reflect the duties of the position, and additional positions that were
budgeted; WHEREFORE, This Ordinance shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage
and approval by the Mayor.

PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.

Page 35 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 027-2026
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ___________________, 2026.

________________________________
Mayor

Requested by: Jackie Russell, Director of Development
Prepared by: Tracy Wentz, Director of HR
Approved as to form: Brad Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 03/27/2026

Page 36 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 028-2026
AMENDING ORDINANCE 129-2025; AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING THE FOLLOWING CHANGES TO 161.38 AND
DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, efficient personnel and payroll record keeping requires a permanent definition of uniform published
standards; and
WHEREAS, the current salary ordinance requires updating for the year 2026; NOW, THEREFORE,
SECTION 1:

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:

161.38 SALARY SCHEDULE.
(a) The following salary ranges are hereby set, with pay to be determined by the respective appointing
authority.
Clerk of Council (hourly)
2020
25.00 to 35.39
Office Assistant Part-time (hourly)
2020
11.00 to 22.57
Deputy Auditor (hourly)
2026
30.10 to 44.23
Deputy Tax Commissioner (hourly)
2026
to 48.08
Payroll Administrator (hourly)
2026
to 39.06
Accounting Specialist (hourly)
2026
to 37.02
Payroll Clerk (hourly)
2026
to 36.00
Director of Public Service (hourly)
2025
to 55.57
Administrative Assistant (hourly)
2024
to 36.00
Code Enforcement Officer (hourly)
2024
to 36.00
Chief Building Official (hourly)
2026
to 52.61
Assistant Building Inspector Part-time (hourly)
2020
to 30.00
Director for Public Safety (salary)
2026
to 54,900.00
Assistant City Attorney/Prosecutor (salary)
2026
to 89,000.00
Assistant City Attorney, Part-time (salary)
2023
to 75,000.00
Prosecutor (Part-Time)* (salary)
2024
to 123,600.00
Legal Assistant (hourly)
Parks and Recreation Director (hourly)
Police Deputy Chiefs (hourly)
Assistant Fire Chief (hourly)
Chief of Police (hourly)
Chief of Fire (hourly)
Crime Analyst Supervisor

2026
2026
2026
2026
2026
2026
2026

to 39.90
to 57.69
to 82.14
to 82.14
to 92.81
to 92.81
to 43.82

Coordinator of Victim Services (hourly)
Property Room Coordinator (hourly)
Property Room Clerk (hourly)
Crime Analyst (hourly)
Human Resources Director (hourly)
HR Generalist (hourly)

2020
2026
2026
2026
2026
2026

21.00 to 33.89
to 27.86
to 27.86
23.04 to 35.93
38.53 to 49.28
28.00 to 33.17
Page 37 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 028-2026
Director of Development (hourly)
Deputy Director of Public Affairs (hourly)
Director of Information Technology (hourly)
Systems Administrator (hourly)
Senior Administrative Assistant (hourly)
Executive Assistant to the Mayor (hourly)
Clerk of Courts (hourly)
Paralegal (hourly)
Recreation Superintendent (hourly)
Code Enforcement/Animal Control Officer (hourly)
IT Security Specialist
Full-Time IT Technician (hourly)
Grants Administrator (hourly)
Records Clerk Part-time (hourly)
Economic Development Specialist (hourly)
City Planner (hourly)
Adult Resource & Engagement Specialist
Street Superintendent
P&R Program Supervisor (hourly)
Recreation Manager (full-time)
Program Assistant (part-time)
Assistant Clerk of Courts
Communication and Marketing Specialist
Police Community Coordinator
Director of Neighborhoods
Events and Advancement Coordinator

2022
2023
2026
2024
2026
2026
2026
2026
2023
2026
2026
2024
2025
2026
2026
2026
2026
2026
2025
2026
2024
2026
2026
2026
2026
2026

to 55.00
to 42.79
to 54.33
to 44.00
to 40.37
to 40.87
to 41.20
20.00 to 33.65
to 38.25
to 32.53
to 38.20
to 37.09
to 46.34
to 28.96
to 36.59
to 33.17
to 27.89
to 54.62
to 34.06
22.00 – 27.00
15.00 – 25.00
to 34.13
to 33.65
to 26.25
to 44.23
to 29.33

Service Maintenance Custodian
Police Custodian

2026
2026

to 26.44
to 26.44

SECTION 2:
That this Ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure immediately necessary for
the preservation of the public health, peace, safety, and welfare; WHEREFORE, this Ordinance shall go into full force and
effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor.
PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

___________________________________
Mayor

Requested by: Michael T Bivens, Mayor
Prepared by: Tracy Wentz, Director of HR
Approved as to form: Brad Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 03/27/2026

Page 38 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 029-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION IN THE AMOUNT OF FORTY THOUSAND AND NO/100
DOLLARS ($40,000.00) FROM UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE GENERAL FUND (101) TO THE ELECTION EXPENSE
ACCOUNT (101.950.59000).
WHEREAS, petitions to recall three City of Whitehall elected officials were determined to be sufficient; and
WHEREAS, the City is required to schedule a special election; and
WHEREAS, the City must cover the cost of the special election; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1: The Council of the City of Whitehall, Ohio, hereby approves a supplemental appropriation in the
amount of forty thousand and no/100 dollars ($40,000.00) from unappropriated monies in the General Fund (101) to the
Election Expense Account (101.950.59000).
Mayor.

SECTION 2: This Ordinance shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval by the

PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

____________________________________
Mayor

Requested and prepared by Chris Peterson, Deputy Auditor
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney BSN 4/3/26

Page 39 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 030-2026
RECLASSIFYING A FUND ADVANCE AS A FUND TRANSFER.
WHEREAS, Council previously authorized an interfund advance of seventy-five thousand and no/100 dollars
($75,000.00) from the General Fund (101) to the Fleet Reserve & Maintenance Fund (313) on April 1, 2025, via Ordinance
024-2025 for the outfitting of police cruisers; and
WHEREAS, the Fleet Reserve & Maintenance Fund disbursed such monies to the vendor selected to perform the
outfitting work, and the vendor failed to complete the work and has since ceased operations and/or entered insolvency
proceedings; and
WHEREAS, the City is pursuing available legal remedies to recover all or a portion of the disbursed monies, but the
amount and timing of any recovery are uncertain; and
WHEREAS, Council finds that repayment of the April 2025 interfund advance from Fund 313 to Fund 101 is no
longer expected to occur within a reasonable period, and that the advance should therefore be reclassified as a transfer
pursuant to applicable Ohio law and Auditor of State guidance.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:
The outstanding interfund advance in the amount of $75,000.00 from General Fund 101 to Fleet
Reserve & Maintenance Fund 313, previously authorized in April 2025, is hereby forgiven and reclassified as a transfer
from General Fund 101 to Fleet Reserve & Maintenance Fund 313. The Auditor/Fiscal Officer is authorized and directed
to make all accounting, appropriation, and certificate entries necessary to reflect this action.
SECTION 2:
Nothing in this Ordinance shall be construed as a waiver or release of any claim the City may
possess arising from the vendor’s failure to perform, and any future recovery shall be recorded in the manner determined
appropriate by the City Auditor and City Attorney consistent with applicable law and accounting guidance.
SECTION 3:
That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to draw his warrant upon the Treasurer of the City for
these funds for the purpose stated.
SECTION 4:
by the Mayor.

That this Ordinance shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval

PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council
APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

___________________________________
President of Council
____________________________________
Mayor

Requested and prepared by: Casey Rowlands, Director of Public Service
Approved as to financial form: Shaquille Alexander, City Auditor
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney BSN 4/3/26

Page 40 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 031-2026
AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION OF SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND AND 00/00 DOLLARS
($75,000.00) FROM UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE GENERAL FUND (101) TO THE AUDITOR TECH EXPENSE ACCOUNT
(101.300.58314).
WHEREAS, in 2025, it was determined that beginning in 2026, all departments would be responsible for budgeting
for technology intended for their sole departmental use, while the Information Technology Department would be
responsible for budgeting for citywide technology; and
WHEREAS, certain recurring technology subscriptions and services that support operations citywide were not
appropriated in the account from which such costs were anticipated to be paid for 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Auditor’s Office prepared its 2026 technology budget for department-specific needs and did not
include appropriations for those citywide recurring technology costs; and
WHEREAS, invoices for such recurring technology subscriptions and services have been or are expected to be
received, and the Auditor Tech Expense Account does not contain sufficient appropriations to cover those costs; and
WHEREAS, Council finds it necessary to authorize a supplemental appropriation to provide adequate funding for
these existing and recurring technology expenses and to ensure continuity of operations; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:
The Council of the City of Whitehall, Ohio, authorizes and approves a supplemental appropriation
of seventy-five thousand and 00/00 dollars ($75,000.00) from the General Fund (101) to the Auditor Tech Expense Account
(101.300.58314).
SECTION 2:
That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to draw his warrant upon the Treasurer of the City for
these funds for the purpose stated.
SECTION 3:
by the Mayor.

That this Ordinance shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval

PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

____________________________________
Mayor

Requested and prepared by: Chris Peterson, Deputy Auditor
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney BSN 4/3/26

Page 41 of 49

ORDINANCE NO. 032-2026
APPROPRIATING SEVENTEEN THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED AND 00/100 DOLLARS ($17,500.00) FROM PREVIOUSLY
UNAPPROPRIATED MONIES IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT GRANT FUND (212) TO THE LICENSE PLATE READER PROGRAM
GRANT EXPENSE ACCOUNT 212.000.50030.
WHEREAS, the City of Whitehall Police Department (WPD) was awarded a grant through the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice
Services (OCJS) to pay the costs associated with expanding the license plate reader program; and
WHEREAS, the OCJS grant is in the amount of seventeen thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars ($17,500.00)
to offset the costs associated with making Whitehall a safer community; and
WHEREAS, the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services has recognized that license plate readers have contributed
to reductions in violent crime in areas utilizing this technology; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1: That this Council approves the appropriation of seventeen thousand five hundred and 00/100 dollars
($17,500.00) from previously unappropriated monies in the Police Department Grant Fund (212) to the License Plate
Reader Program Grant expense account (212.000.50030).
SECTION 2: That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to draw his warrant upon the Treasurer of the City for these
funds for the purpose stated.
SECTION 3: That this Ordinance shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage and approval by
the Mayor.

PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

____________________________________
Mayor

Requested and prepared by: Chris Peterson, Deputy Auditor
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn/jo 4/3/2026

Page 42 of 49

RESOLUTION NO. 011-2026
RESOLVING TO APPROVE “THEN AND NOW” CERTIFICATES.
WHEREAS, O.R.C. 5705.41(D)(1) states that “then and now” certificates of three thousand dollars and no/100
($3,000.00) and more must be approved by resolution or ordinance within thirty days of receipt of the “then and now”
certificates; and
WHEREAS, the City has processed the attached “then and now” certificates over the sum of three thousand dollars
and now these certificates require approval by City Council; and
WHEREAS, the Auditor of the City of Whitehall, Ohio has determined that, at the time of the making and execution
of the certificates, a sufficient sum was appropriated by Council for the purpose of the requisition, and is currently
deposited in the treasury and allocated to the appropriate account and free from any previous encumbrances; NOW,
THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:

That the City Council does hereby approve the attached “then and now” certificates:

SECTION 2:
That the City Council of the City of Whitehall, Ohio, lawfully appropriated the expenditure, which
the expense originated.
SECTION 3:
That this Resolution shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage by the Council
of the City of Whitehall and approval by the Mayor.

PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

APPROVED this ____ day of ____________________________, 2026.

____________________________________
Mayor

Requested and prepared by: Shaquille Alexander, City Auditor
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 03/20/2026

Page 43 of 49

RESOLUTION NO. 012-2026
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTION OF THE RECALL OF MAYOR MICHAEL BIVENS TO THE
ELECTORS OF THE CITY AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2026, petitions demanding the recall of Mayor Michael Bivens were filed with the Clerk
of Council;
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2026, the Clerk of Council certified that pursuant to Charter §68 the petitions were
sufficient to demand the recall of Mayor Michael Bivens;
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2026, Mayor Michael Bivens was provided notice of the sufficiency of the petitions
demanding his recall;
WHEREAS, Mayor Michael Bivens did not resign within five (5) days of receiving notice of sufficient recall petitions;
WHEREAS, Charter §68 requires Council to set a date for a recall election if the person subject to recall does not
resign and such election shall be set no earlier than thirty (30) days nor later than sixty (60) days after notice was provided
thus providing for an election date between April 30, 2026, and May 30, 2026;
WHEREAS, Council recognizes the burden this places on the Board of Elections so close to the May 5, 2026, primary
election and respects the request of the Board of Elections with regards to the election date so as to minimize interference
with its duties and staffing with regards to the primary election; and
WHEREAS, Council is now required to set a date for the recall election; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:
May 26, 2026.

Pursuant to Charter §68, Council hereby determines and sets the date for the recall election as

SECTION 2:
The form of the ballot to be given at the election on the question of recall of Mayor Michael
Bivens shall be substantially as follows, as directed by Charter §68 and Ohio law:
"Shall Michael Bivens be allowed to continue as Mayor?”
Yes
________
No
________
SECTION 3:
The Clerk of Council is hereby directed and authorized to cause notice of this recall election to be
published according to law.
SECTION 4:
The Clerk of Council is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this Resolution
immediately after its passage and to deliver it to the to the Board of Elections of Franklin County, Ohio for the purpose of
having the question set forth in Section 2, above, placed on the ballot in order to submit the question of the recall of
Mayor Michael Bivens to the electors of the City of Whitehall, Ohio, at the election to be held as set herein.
SECTION 5:
This Resolution setting a date for a recall election is required pursuant to Charter §68 and
therefore not subject to mayoral veto nor requires mayoral approval.
SECTION 6:
The Council finds and determines that all formal actions of this Council relating to the adoption
of this Resolution have been taken at open meetings of this Council; and that deliberations of this Council and of its
committees, resulting in such formal action, took place in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all statutory
requirements including the requirements of R.C. §121.22.

Page 44 of 49

RESOLUTION NO. 012-2026
SECTION 7:
That this Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure immediately necessary for
the preservation of the public health, peace, safety and welfare and for the further reason time of the essence in this
election matter; WHEREFORE, This Resolution shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage by Council.
PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

Required by: Charter §68
Prepared by: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 04/03/2026

Page 45 of 49

RESOLUTION NO. 013-2026
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTION OF THE RECALL OF COUNCILMEMBER LORI ELMORE
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2026, petitions demanding the recall of Councilmember Lori Elmore were filed with the
Clerk of Council;
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2026, the Clerk of Council certified that pursuant to Charter §68 the petitions were
sufficient to demand the recall of Councilmember Lori Elmore;
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2026, Councilmember Lori Elmore was provided notice of the sufficiency of the petitions
demanding her recall;
WHEREAS, Councilmember Lori Elmore did not resign within five (5) days of receiving notice of sufficient recall
petitions;
WHEREAS, Charter §68 requires Council to set a date for a recall election if the person subject to recall does not
resign and such election shall be set no earlier than thirty (30) days nor later than sixty (60) days after notice was provided
thus providing for an election date between April 30, 2026, and May 30, 2026;
WHEREAS, Council recognizes the burden this places on the Board of Elections so close to the May 5, 2026, primary
election and respects the request of the Board of Elections with regards to the election date so as to minimize interference
with its duties and staffing with regards to the primary election; and
WHEREAS, Council is now required to set a date for the recall election; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:
May 26, 2026.

Pursuant to Charter §68, Council hereby determines and sets the date for the recall election as

SECTION 2:
The form of the ballot to be given at the election on the question of recall of Councilmember Lori
Elmore shall be substantially as follows, as directed by Charter §68 and Ohio law:
"Shall Lori Elmore be allowed to continue as Councilmember?”
Yes
________
No
________
SECTION 3:
The Clerk of Council is hereby directed and authorized to cause notice of this recall election to be
published according to law.
SECTION 4:
The Clerk of Council is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this Resolution
immediately after its passage and to deliver it to the to the Board of Elections of Franklin County, Ohio for the purpose of
having the question set forth in Section 2, above, placed on the ballot in order to submit the question of the recall of
Councilmember Lori Elmore to the electors of the City of Whitehall, Ohio, at the election to be held as set herein.
SECTION 5:
This Resolution setting a date for a recall election is required pursuant to Charter §68 and
therefore not subject to mayoral veto nor requires mayoral approval.
SECTION 6:
The Council finds and determines that all formal actions of this Council relating to the adoption
of this Resolution have been taken at open meetings of this Council; and that deliberations of this Council and of its
committees, resulting in such formal action, took place in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all statutory
requirements including the requirements of R.C. §121.22.
Page 46 of 49

RESOLUTION NO. 013-2026

SECTION 7:
That this Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure immediately necessary for
the preservation of the public health, peace, safety and welfare and for the further reason time of the essence in this
election matter; WHEREFORE, This Resolution shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage by Council.
PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

Required by: Charter §68
Prepared by: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 04/03/2026

Page 47 of 49

RESOLUTION NO. 014-2026
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE QUESTION OF THE RECALL OF COUNCILMEMBER AMY HARCAR
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE CITY AND THE DECLARATION OF AN EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2026, petitions demanding the recall of Councilmember Amy Harcar were filed with the
Clerk of Council;
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2026, the Clerk of Council certified that pursuant to Charter §68, the petitions were
sufficient to demand the recall of Councilmember Amy Harcar;
WHEREAS, on March 31, 2026, Councilmember Amy Harcar was provided notice of the sufficiency of the petitions
demanding her recall;
WHEREAS, Councilmember Amy Harcar did not resign within five (5) days of receiving notice of sufficient recall
petitions;
WHEREAS, Charter §68 requires Council to set a date for a recall election if the person subject to recall does not
resign, and such election shall be set no earlier than thirty (30) days nor later than sixty (60) days after notice was provided
thus providing for an election date between April 30, 2026, and May 30, 2026;
WHEREAS, Council recognizes the burden this places on the Board of Elections so close to the May 5, 2026, primary
election and respects the request of the Board of Elections with regards to the election date so as to minimize interference
with its duties and staffing with regards to the primary election; and
WHEREAS, Council is now required to set a date for the recall election; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WHITEHALL, OHIO:
SECTION 1:
May 26, 2026.

Pursuant to Charter §68, Council hereby determines and sets the date for the recall election as

SECTION 2:
The form of the ballot to be given at the election on the question of recall of Councilmember Amy
Harcar shall be substantially as follows, as directed by Charter §68 and Ohio law:
"Shall Amy Harcar be allowed to continue as Councilmember?”
Yes
________
No
________
SECTION 3:
The Clerk of Council is hereby directed and authorized to cause notice of this recall election to be
published according to law.
SECTION 4:
The Clerk of Council is hereby authorized and directed to certify a copy of this Resolution
immediately after its passage and to deliver it to the to the Board of Elections of Franklin County, Ohio for the purpose of
having the question set forth in Section 2, above, placed on the ballot in order to submit the question of the recall of
Councilmember Amy Harcar to the electors of the City of Whitehall, Ohio, at the election to be held as set herein.
SECTION 5:
This Resolution setting a date for a recall election is required pursuant to Charter §68 and
therefore not subject to mayoral veto nor requires mayoral approval.
SECTION 6:
The Council finds and determines that all formal actions of this Council relating to the adoption
of this Resolution have been taken at open meetings of this Council; and that deliberations of this Council and of its
committees, resulting in such formal action, took place in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all statutory
requirements including the requirements of R.C. §121.22.
Page 48 of 49

RESOLUTION NO. 014-2026

SECTION 7:
That this Resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure immediately necessary for
the preservation of the public health, peace, safety and welfare and for the further reason time of the essence in this
election matter; WHEREFORE, This Resolution shall go into full force and effect immediately upon its passage by Council.
PASSED this ___ day of ____________________________, 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Clerk of Council

___________________________________
President of Council

Required by: Charter §68
Prepared by: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney
Approved as to form: Bradley S. Nicodemus, City Attorney bsn 04/03/2026

Page 49 of 49