On the agenda: Monroeville agenda — flock camera (Jul 14)

Regular Council Meeting July 14, 2026
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., Mayor Joseph Galea opened the Council meeting with a word of
prayer. The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited by those present.
The regular meeting for the Council of the Village of Monroeville was then called to order.
Present at roll call:
Chris Raftery
Mark Miller
Sue Rogers
Tammy Schachter
Jim Ehrman

and

Joseph Galea, Mayor
Eunice Collene, Fiscal Officer
Jim Barney, Solicitor
Chief Jon Earl, MPD

Also attending: Sam Wiley, Tom Vitaz, Jill Tangeman, Paul Skidmore, Melinda Gies, Justin Kerner, Max
Upton, Curt Stang, Bonnie Beck, Roshan Shah, Aaron Pickrell.
The Mayor asked Council to excuse Mr. Andrew Brown from tonight’s meeting. Ms. Sue Rogers made a
motion, seconded by Ms. Tammy Schlachter. Motion carried with no discussion.
The June 2026 financial reports, bank statements, balance sheets, check reports, and bank reconciliations
were previously distributed to the Council via e-mail.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
The Mayor asked for Council’s approval of the agenda. Mr. Mark Miller made a motion to amend the
agenda to remove Ordinance 2026-10 from the agenda, seconded by Mr. Jim Ehrman. Mr. Miller stated
he did not think we were ready. Ms. Raftery noted this was only the first reading and that it would go
through two more readings. Mr. Miller said he did not have enough time to review. Mayor Galea asked
for a vote. Mr. Miller and Mr. Ehrman voted yes to the amendment while, Ms. Chris Raftery, Ms. Sue
Rogers, and Ms. Tammy Schlachter voted no. Agenda was approved as presented.
DISPOSITION OF MINUTES
The Mayor asked Council for a motion to approve the minutes from the regular council meeting on June
9, 2026, and the special Council meeting on June 16, 2026, 2026. Ms. Chris Rafterey made that motion,
seconded by Ms. Sue Rogeers. Motion carried with no discussion.
APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL REPORTS
The Mayor asked Council for a motion to approve the June 2026 financial reports. Ms. Sue Rogers made
that motion, seconded by Ms. Chris Raftery. Motion carried with no discussion.
APPROVAL OF THE MONTHLY CREDIT CARD REPORT
The Mayor asked Council for a motion to approve the June 2026 credit card report. Ms. Chris Raftery made
that motion, seconded by Mr. Jim Ehrman. Motion carried with no further discussion.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Administrator – The Mayor presented the report given by the department superintendents in lieu of the
administrator report. Recertifications were performed for employees of the water treatment plant. All
four passed and received their new lab certificates. Water service line inspections will continue. Quotes
are being sought for inspections of the water towers and the treatment plant Clearwell. Quotes are also
being sought for a Vac truck. The electric department delt with a lightning strike at the Herbert Substation,
resulting in an outage. Work on the baseball fields at Clark Park is underway including work on the infields
and a sprinkler system. Repairs from vandalism of the park restroom was completed and were reopened.
Yard waste continues for the street department along with daily check ins on the Hamiton road
construction project.
Fiscal Officer – Ms. Eunice Collene presented her report that had been previously submitted to Council.
Ms. Collene informed Council that the village ended the month of June with a cash balance of
$5,939,3445.75 across all funds. Revenue and expenditure figures were provided as well. 911 utility
invoices were sent out with 909 being paid by month end. An update was given of the camera and door
being installed in the lobby. Work with ES Consulting is continuing with changing our emails over to .gov
for improved security. Ms. Collene informed council that she was notified by the State Auditor’s Office
that they will be contracting out our 2026 to 2030 fiscal year audits to an independent public accountant.
That's not uncommon. They do that just to help with their staff shortages, and they are restricted as to
how long they're allowed to contract that out before the state takes it back in-house. A Request for
Proposal process is being worked on for this.
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Regular Council Meeting July 14, 2026

Discussion regarding the waiving of a demolition permit fee of $75.00, approval of a requisition for
Encompass Engineering for $7,300 for testing the 5 Megawatt solar recloser and a requisition for Main
Lite Electric for $14,214 for emergency work in the Industrial Park circuits. Also, a wage increase for Colton
Ott as he has completed his journeyman lineman training.
Mr. Dave Hamons was asked to elaborate on the request for Colton’s wage increase. Mr. Hamons stated
that council has received the letter regarding Colton’s wages. He is requesting a wage increase of
$3.00/hr., bringing Colton up to $31.00/hr. Mr. Hamons noted that we have not had a certified lineman
since 2008, which is when he became the superintendent. He has had five apprentices; however, Colton
is the first to complete all four years. He noted that Colton steps up when he is off on sick leave, or
vacation. Mr. Hamons stated that Colton is the future, as he won’t be around forever.
Mr. Miller asked about the requisition request for Encompass Engineering as Tom Gray had previously
stated at a council meeting that we don’t have to pay a dime. They’re taking care of everything. Mr.
Hamons stated that is a safety issue as he cannot close the recloser without having it tested and certified.
Mr. Miller said he understands that, however, Tom did say we wouldn’t have to pay anything. Ms. Collene
suggested, for clarity, that from what was communicated to us, she thinks it was that D3 was handling
this. But do you know why D3 is not completing this and that we have to have MainLite do it? Mr. Hamons
stated that he could not answer that. All he knows is that it had to be certified before we could energize
it and get it into the system before they try to push back on us with the five megawatts. Mayor Galea
asked if it was because of what side of the circuit it was on. Mr. Hamons replied, No, it has nothing to do
with the circuit. The recloser is programmed and D3 took care of the programming. This is the safety
aspect to make sure all parameters are met for this recloser. Mr. Hamons explained that he was told that
this had to be done before we energized it. Ms. Raftery asked if Mr. Hamons could explain what it
energizes. He replied that once we have power going out to the solar field, it takes AC to bring DC back.
DC is what the solar produces. So, we must have everything in place on our end, certified and tested so
they can turn around and turn their DC part back on so they can put the DC back into our system. Mayor
Galea asked for clarification if this was at the substation. Part of it is the solar field, the other part is we
have a recloser in place as of right now at Janotta and Herner. Before we can bring the five megawatts
into the Herbert substation where it's going to go, we have a recloser that must be reprogrammed for the
higher load coming back. Mr. Ehrman asked if the Janotta and Herner connection is part of the solar. Mr.
Hamons responded that it was as when it's producing power, it'll come back and go back down over to
the Herbert sub, which is, that's where the Janotta and Herner recloser's at. So yes, that must be changed
because the load from a five-megawatt solar field is higher than the load that's coming back now. Because
we're going to split the two solar fields having one going to the Gerber/Lee substation and the other to
the Herbert Substation. Solar one is the land base. Solar two is the floating solar. Jim added that Tom had
shared with him several times that the floating solar is, the unpaid affordability has no responsibility for
any payout on that. The Mayor stated that it doesn't hurt to investigate this, obviously it delays the work
being done, but I know that we can't send a bill. Chris asked for clarification that this work must be done
for it to work. Mayor Galea commented that it says point of interconnection recloser at the five
megawatts. His question is when you say point of interconnection I envision there's their equipment they
own and our equipment they own. Is this at that point where they meet? Mr. Hamons replied yes. The
mayor continued, so they're probably, my guess is, and I'm only speculating that they're saying that's your
recloser on your side of the circuit. So, is that something that council would like to check with these guys,
double check that that's the case before we spend, and we can investigate and take up at the next
meeting. Ms. Collene stated that she may have contact with an email. The mayor indicated he have their
contact as well. He continued by asking council if they are tabling the requisition on the recloser. Ms.
Raftery asked if we could put it into a motion that once we know that it is our responsibility or theirs, that
we are able to proceed with that, or they have to proceed with it, so we don't have to hold up that vote.
Mr. Miller stated he would agree with that. Mayor Galea asked for a motion to approve the requisition
contingent upon confirmation from D3 Solar about the responsibility for this. Mr. Mark Miller made the
motion, seconded by Ms. Chris Raftery, motion carried. The mayor asked for a motion to accept the
requisition for emergency work. Ms. Tammy Schlachter made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sue Rogers.
Motion carried. Next, the mayor asked for a motion to approve refunding Monroeville Schools the $75.00
demolition fee. Ms. Chris Raftery made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sue Rogers. Motion carried.
Discussion regarding Colton Ott’s lineman schooling through AMP as well as his wages as he completed
each step of the program of which Dave is asking for an increase of $3.00/hr. Ms. Chris Raftery made a
motion, seconded by Ms. Sue Rogers to approve the wage increase for Colton Ott retroactive to June 22,
2026. Ms. Collene added that she will probably be coming back to council for an increase in the
appropriations and the wages, because if you'll recall, we made a lot of cuts and stuff in the electric
department, so we'll have to appropriate more money because it was not in the budget. No further
discussion. Motion carried.

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Regular Council Meeting July 14, 2026
Police – Chief Earl presented his report that had been previously submitted to Council. He began with the
recent vandalism at Clark Park and indicated that they have a couple of suspects in mind that they are
looking into. The Chief presented multiple camera options for the parks in the past. He has recently
written a $52,500 grant for cameras to be installed at both of our parks, the reservoir and the track and
field, which comes with a guardian mode, which will alert our officers at night should any movement be
occurring at any of those locations during the night. That's through the FLOC system, and that is a video.
He submitted that grant through OCJS and is still waiting to hear about that. In the meantime, since this
has occurred, we're going to take it upon ourselves as a police department to go ahead and purchase a
camera through the community fund, potentially, to get something at least up and running that we can
have at our park until we get that grant done. Which is good, because it's costing the parks a lot of money
to replace those windows, and we understand that. This past month AMCOR requested active shooter
training, which he is trained in. It ran for two hours for each shift. He thanked the American Legion for
providing rifles and blanks. Chief Earl stated that if anyone is interested in this training, our police
department does offer it.
We recently had a flock camera intentionally struck and destroyed and he is currently working with
Ashland County with the suspect in jail at this time. Chief noted that this person has damaged six to ten
cameras all over this part of the state and we will be seeking restitution. Council was informed that the
police department received a $24,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security for the flock
cameras with that money going to help cover the cost in 2027. His first action item for the police
department is a section of the wage ordinance regarding fees for special services as well as a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for mutual aid requests with the Put-N-Bay police department. If
they have a very busy weekend, they can request one of our officers to go there and help as they have
funding that is needed to be paid out and this would cover not only their pay, but also contributions to
workers comp, and retirement. This would also give our officers valuable experience in situations they
would typically not deal with here. The second item is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the
Monroeville Schools for the School Resource Officer. The chief stated that interviews have been
conducted for this position and we will be hiring officer Frank Sirse, who comes to us from the Woodville
police department. The final action item is for a wage increase for Office Logan Gale, who has completed
his probationary period, at a rate of $27.00/hr. Mayor Galea asked for a motion to move Office Gale to a
Level 2 Officer with a pay of $27.00/hr. Ms. Sue Rogers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jim Ehrman.
Motion carried. The mayor then asked for a motion to approve the MOU that was negotiated with
between the village and the school. Ms. Chris Raftery made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sue Rogers. The
Mayor stated that he had looked it over a couple of times and it looks reasonable to him. Mr. Miller asked
if the 50 – 50 split included benefits, it does. Motion carried with no further discussion. Mayor Galea
asked for a motion to accept the appointment of Frank Sirse as the school Recourse Officer beginning on
July 28, 2026, at a rate of $25.00/hr. Ms. Chris Raftery made a motion, seconded by Ms. Tammy
Schlachter. Motion carried. The Mayor asked if there were any thoughts on our officers assisting the PutN-Bay police department if needed. He clarified that we do have immunity if there were any concerns
with regards to any type of lawsuit. Jim Barney added that he has seen a lot of change for the good under
the new Chief of Police for Put-N-Bay. Chief Earl added that he had worked with Chief Dillon for 16 years
in Columbus as one of the field training officers. The expectation is not to have our officer out there on
their own, they would be with one of the Put-N-Bay officers as backup. Ms. Chris Raftery made a motion
to approve, seconded by Ms. Sue Rogers.
Solicitor – Jim had no information to report.
Mayor – The Mayor had no information to report.
BOARD AND COMMISSION REPORTS
HRJFD
Huron River Joint Fire District convened on July 1, 2026: Mr. Ehrman reported that the department had a
total of 16 calls, which included the Townships of Peru, Ridgefield, and Sherman. The Village, as well as
mutual aide. Firefighters have Ladder Evolutions Training, which is required, as climbing a ladder as a
firefighter adds a twist to that. They practice ladder placement, climbing, rescue tactics, locking into a
ladder as well as the use of a hose stream while on a ladder. Types of ladder rescues are also practiced.
OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
Ken Underwood stated that he was still not comfortable with the solar panels being on the reservoir. He
did read the very detailed description and speck sheet and was thankful for the information it provided.
Mr. Underwood continued that with or without the Data Center we need to put our best impression
forward to get other small businesses interested in our village, and with that in mind we need to press
forward on the downtown sidewalks, clean up some unsightly debris and get some buildings painted. He
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Regular Council Meeting July 14, 2026
would like a progress report regarding the sidewalks. Mayor Galea stated that he had spoken with the
engineer from McKeever and Assoc. and that they are working on preliminary drawings and are also going
to apply for a grant. He indicated that this is something that will not be completed this construction
season. Dan Bemis then inquired about a tree stump that he has had in front of his house for
approximately five years and had approached the then village administrator about having it removed. He
stated that if we can’t manage stump removal how can we manage a Data Center. Dave Hamons informed
Mr. Bemis that his stump is on the current list to be removed. Eunice confirmed that this was discussed
at a recent department meeting and a list is being compiled and she will make sure he is on it and our
crew will be completing that work. Mindy Gies then asked about the science fair that was scheduled to be
held at the American Legion in August. She wanted to know if the information was going to be unbiased
information. An attendee stated he was not going to answer that question today. She also wanted to
thank council for looking into the reservoir project and answering questions regarding the water and
marine life in the reservoir.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS FOR 1ST READING
ORDINANCE 2026-10
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING A REINSTTING THE ZONING ORDIANCE FOR THE VILLAGE OF MONROEVILLE,
OHIO.
ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS FOR PASSAGE
The Mayor asked for a motion to suspend the rules for the following legislation. Ms. Sue Rogers made
that motion, seconded by Ms. Tamy Schlachter. Motion carried with no discussion.
ORDINANCE 2026-11:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING OR SUPPLEMENTING CERTAIN FUNDS FOR APPROPRATIONS ORDINANCE
2025-24 AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Motion made by Ms. Chris Raftery, seconded by Ms. Tammy
Schlachter. Eunice provided an explanation for each of the sections to be amended. Motion carried with
no further discussion.
APPROVAL OF BILL SUMMARY
The Mayor asked Council for a motion to approve the June 2026 bill summary. Ms. Tammy Schlachter
made a motion, seconded by Ms. Sue Rogers, to approve the bill summary as presented, which included
memo expenses and check #47740 to check #47809, for a total of $986,917.92. Motion carried with no
discussion.
COUNCIL BUSINESS
Discussions for scheduling meetings for the Handbook, Finance, and Utilities Committees as well as a
special council meeting. Sue Rogers asked where we were with interviews for the Village Administrator
position. The Mayor stated that we were close to the end of the application period and scheduling for
interviews can be scheduled depending on availability. Eunice informed the members that she had
received a phone call from the Huron County Commissioners office regarding donations for their basket
raffle at the Huron County Fair. Eunice stated that the village cannot provide that but wanted council to
know if they wanted to possibly reach out to our local businesses.
ADJOURNMENT TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Galea asked Council for a motion to enter into executive session to consider the employment or
compensation of a public employee or official. Ms. Sue Rogers made that motion, seconded by Mr. Jim
Ehrman. The regular Council meeting adjourned to executive session at 7:09 pm and reconvened on
record at 7:46 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business to come before them, the Mayor asked Council for a motion to adjourn.
Ms. Sue Rogers made that motion, seconded by Ms. Chris Raftery.
Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.

________________________________
Eunice A. Collene, Fiscal Officer
________________________________
Joseph Galea, Mayor

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Regular Council Meeting July 14, 2026

The minutes of this meeting were recorded by Administrative Assistant Ann Beck. Fiscal Officer Eunice A.
Collene examined them for both form and content, subsequently approving them as transcribed.
THIS IS NOT A RATIFIED OR APPROVED COPY

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