The Celina City Council met Monday Night April 28th. After discussion, the Celina City Council passed two ordinances under suspension of rules for rental agreements with the Bryson Pool and the Celina Dolphins and Sharks swim teams. The Council heard from Jeremiah Schmidt with the Dolphins and Larissa Albert with the Sharks. To watch the Celina City Council meeting in its entirety:

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Meeting Notes

1. City Council Meeting covering agenda approval, corrections of previous minutes, utility infrastructure updates with EPA mandates, community initiatives, and new business for a public park event.

• Opening and Roll Call
  The meeting began with a prayer, the pledge, and roll call for the regular City Council meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025. The agenda was accepted without change, and members were reminded to silence cell phones.
• Corrections and Acceptance of Minutes
  A detailed review and correction of the April 14th meeting minutes took place, addressing issues such as title formats, reference notes, and specific corrections regarding discussion records on page two and page four.
• Committee Reports - Utilities and Infrastructure
  The Utilities Committee report covered a meeting held on April 14th. Key points included a study by Jones & Henry Engineers on eliminating bypasses related to an Ohio EPA mandate, discussions on aging plant infrastructure, estimates including $1.9 million for inflow/infiltration reduction and $32 million for treatment plant upgrades, and funding avenues including a WPCLF 0% interest loan requiring nomination by August. Historical context of the plant and bypass data were also provided.
• Communications and Community Initiatives
  Various communications were shared including the city being awarded Tree City USA for the first time, details on tree planting events and public seminars, as well as a presentation by Vance Cuthrell of West Ohio CAP on mediating fair housing issues. Specific details on events, such as the Arbor Day celebration and tree planting at Bryson Park, were provided.
• New Business - Ordinance 20-25-0
  The new ordinance authorizes a lease agreement between the City of Celina and the Moms on the Mound for exclusive use of Eastview Park for an annual non-alcohol baseball tournament on May 10, 2025. The emergency measure was declared necessary to facilitate the event, with details on game scheduling and vendor arrangements for food and photography discussed.

2. Approval and refinement of key ordinances for loan fund administration and energy supply, including urgent adjustments to contractual terms.

• Suspension Procedure and Voting
  Discussion on motions to suspend meeting rules regarding the three readings and the subsequent voting process. Multiple council members (Baltzell, Gray, Sanford, Buxton, Fleck, Clausen, Wolfe) voted to suspend the rules and pass the motions unanimously (7-0).
• Ordinance 21-25-0: Revolving Loan Fund Administration Agreement
  Review of the first reading of Ordinance 21-25-0 authorizing the mayor to sign a revolving loan fund administration agreement with the State of Ohio Department of Development. Key points include its effective term from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2026, attachment of Exhibit A, and the declaration of an emergency measure to ensure timely return of the agreement. Discussions touched on demolition projects funded by the discipline (demolition of an old motel on Main Street and the old Stokely building on the Mersman property) and clarifications on the contractual period being three years.
• Ordinance 22-25-0: Fixed Volume Energy Supply Schedule
  Review of the first reading of Ordinance 22-25-0 authorizing execution of a fixed volume energy supply schedule with American Municipal Power Inc. (AMP) effective from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2027. The ordinance outlines energy purchase terms including a cap of $70 per megawatt hour and a volume limit of 5 megawatt hours per hour (i.e., 4 megawatts each hour). Discussions included reference to the master services agreement, bidding waiver provisions, and a recommendation to add an emergency clause to expedite the process given the potential for low-priced power acquisition.

Conclusion

1. The motion to suspend the rules and pass the ordinance was approved by a roll call vote of 7-0.
2. The ordinance is set to take effect immediately upon passage and mayoral approval, with clarifications provided regarding the state’s timing information.
3. The ordinance is approved pending the addition of an emergency clause and further confirmation of statutory and contractual details.

3. Pool Rental Agreements, Scheduling, and Legal/Financial Challenges

• Fixed Volume Energy Supply Explanation
  Discussion focused on clarifying the distinction between energy and demand in power consumption, explaining how energy consumption is separate from demand charges incurred when high spikes occur.
• Motion for Adding an Emergency Clause and Suspension
  A motion was made, seconded, and passed 7-0 to amend proposals by adding an emergency clause, along with a suspension motion raised by Mr. Fleck and supported by several council members.
• Old Business – Rental Agreement Amendments for Pool Use
  Discussion of the second readings of Ordinance 13-25-0 for the Celina Dolphins swim team and Ordinance 14-25-0 for the Celina Sharks swim and dive team, both authorizing rental of the Bryson Pool and amended on April 25, 2025 (one ordinance shows the date as 4-25-2025). The dollar rate previously set as $100 per hour was eliminated in favor of a form similar to the overall agreement, with an emergency clause to suspend rental under specific conditions.
• Administrative Summary of Agreement Changes
  Summary of administrative updates including: addition of an emergency cancellation provision for equipment or facility issues (eg, pump failure or lack of sanitizer); removal of specific scheduled meet dates and practice times (now to be completed before signing the rental agreement); clarification on timing system ownership with city-held equipment; storage of blocks in a trailer; maximum of six meets per year with possible division among teams; a minimum team requirement of 12 participants; and a revised fee schedule set at $30 per hour for practices, $50 per hour for meets lasting less than four hours, and $100 per hour for longer meets and end-of-year parties.
• Council Q&A on Participant Requirements and Season Pass Policy
  Council questioned the 12-participant requirement and the removal of season pass requirements, noting uncertainties in team registration. It was clarified that the minimum number was experimental and season passes were eliminated for simplification of the fee schedule.
• Audience Communication and Record Entry
  Audience member Jeremiah Schmidt signed in and provided his residence address as for the record.
• Scheduling Challenges and Legal Concerns
  In-depth discussion on challenges including tight scheduling (eg, practices starting at 8:30 with exit by 10:50), setup and teardown difficulties, potential safety risks with heavy equipment removal, and conflicts such as overlapping team schedules. Legal issues raised include claims that a 12-participant minimum may violate Ohio public accommodations laws, the infeasibility of preventing interactions between unrelated groups, and the subjective nature of the cancellation clause which grants the city broad discretion.
• Financial and Billing Concerns
  Discussion touched on the financial aspects including end-of-year billing practices that usually total around $2,200, the basis for charges regardless of participant numbers, and potential challenges with staff payments (mention of five to nine coaches).

Conclusion

1. Motion passes and proceeds to be implemented.
2. Both ordinances are amended with the emergency clause and accepted by council.
3. Changes were detailed and agreed upon, though some elements (eg, 12 participant requirement) remain under scrutiny.
4. Multiple unresolved scheduling and legal issues were identified that need further discussion and clarification.

4. Swim meet operations and contract adjustments

• Equipment Liability and Damage Documentation
  Discussion about recording the condition of pool blocks by taking pictures before removal and after placement to determine liability for any damage. This process was highlighted as causing delays if equipment is damaged.
• Meeting Scheduling and Set-up/Tear-down Duration
  Issues raised regarding the scheduling of swim meets, including the capacity of the pool, use of lifeguards, and the challenges of managing setup and tear-down. Specific numbers mentioned include four hour meets versus extended dual meets that can last up to five hours and cost $100 per hour for the larger meets.
• Swim Team Management and Booster Club Proposal
  A proposal was presented to transition the Celina Dolphins into a booster club. Discussion included potential city takeover of the swim teams, sharing of equipment like lane lines and concession items, and offering volunteer coaches following proper background checks.
• Council Procedures and Motion Suspensions
  Discussion on the procedural aspects, including suspending rules on three hearings, splitting questions for the Dolphins and Sharks contracts, and the approval of motions with votes of 6-0 and Councilman Tom Sanford’s abstention. Detailed voting and motion procedures were recorded.
• Engineering Water Line Project Clarification
  A clarification was provided regarding Ordinance 17-25-0 about the 703 water line project. It was noted that this project is solely under the water fund with $75,000 in funding and is not tied to other interdepartmental engineering studies.

Conclusion

1. Council to relook at scheduling details and adjust practice schedule parameters, particularly for meets starting in early June.
2. The proposal has been forwarded for further legal and administrative review.
3. Motions were passed as proposed, paving the way for separate contract discussions for the Dolphins and Sharks.

5. Budget appropriations, capital project updates, and operational challenges with municipal services and recreational programs.

• Capital Fund Transfers and Appropriation Updates
  The meeting reviewed the annual transfer of funds from the half percent to the general fund to displace part of the one percent supporting fire and police salaries. Specific allocations included $2.3 million for fire capital projects, $600,000 for police capital after an emergency software upgrade, $500,000 for the street improvement capital fund, $300,000 for the park capital fund, $50,000 for concrete footers and flat work, and $200,000 for Montgomery Field’s visitors dugout funded by Bryson.
• Suspension of Rules Motions
  Multiple motions were discussed regarding the suspension of rules to allow for ordinance processing. Several council members including Mr. Clausen, Buxton, Gray, Sanford, Fleck, Wolf, and Baltzell voted unanimously (7-0) to suspend the rules, thereby proceeding with the agenda.
• Amended Ordinance for Capital Projects
  An amended ordinance (amended 4-25-2025) was presented to appropriate funds for purchasing and installing security cameras at the CMU Administration Building, replacing police department flooring, street maintenance repair material expenses, and State Route 703 waterline replacement project engineering fees. There was a discussion regarding the engineering fees, resolved through coordination with the auditor.
• Committee Meeting on Wastewater Plant Upgrade
  A committee meeting is scheduled to discuss the wastewater plant upgrade, focusing on the non-feasible alternative (NFA) option. The meeting, featuring a detailed presentation by Jones and Henry, is planned for 90 minutes at 5:30 p.m. on June 9th. It will also address an ordinance to fund the first 30% required by EPA.
• Pre-Construction Meetings for Public Works Facility and Westview Park Restroom
  Both the new public works facility and the new restroom in Westview Park have undergone pre-construction meetings with the contractor. Final dates are to be confirmed as the projects move ahead.
• City Takeover Discussion of the Swim and Dive Program
  The possibility of the city taking over the swim and dive program was discussed, highlighting issues related to the club nature of the program, increased liability, logistics, financial implications through fee adjustments, and the impact on team structure if open to all participants.
• Pool Scheduling and Fee Structure Concerns
  Discussion centered on the conflict between open swim times and the swim and dive sessions. Concerns were raised that altering afternoon open swim hours to accommodate the swim and dive team might force fee increases due to additional personnel requirements and affect public pool usage dynamics.
• Swim Lessons and Minimum Team Size Requirements
  Discussion included the need for swim lessons in the context of the swim and dive program, mandatory lifeguard staffing at $30 per hour for two lifeguards, and guidelines on minimum team sizes to avoid uneven team participation. The numbers discussed ranged between 10 and 18, settling on 12 based on lane capacity.
• Administrative Reports and Personnel Updates
  Administrative reports covered operational updates such as the performance of the four weeks of trash spring pickup and noted that only one week was rain-free. Additionally, congratulatory remarks were made for Patrolman Kyle Baltes for his promotion to Sergeant, along with the swearing-in of new patrolmen Connor Burr and Isaac Daniel from the cadet program.

Conclusion

1. Suspension of rules passed unanimously.
2. Amended ordinance accepted and passed.
3. Meeting scheduled for June 9th at 5:30 p.m.
4. Projects are moving forward; finalized dates pending.
5. Concerns raised; no decision reached.
6. Issue discussed; further consideration needed.
7. Clarifications provided; further review on minimum requirements suggested.
8. Reports completed with personnel acknowledgements.

6. Operational Updates and Safety Measures

• New Patrolmen Training and Shift Assignment
  Discussion on two new patrolmen who are sworn in and assigned to Field Training Officers. They are currently training on all three shifts with planned independent duty roughly in September-ish.
• Firefighters Certification and Park Incident Protocol
  Congratulations were offered to firefighters Engel and Shaw for passing Fire 1 and 2. A social media issue regarding Bryson Park was raised, focusing on incidents where older kids disturb younger children. The proper protocol was clarified: if parents are concerned about their children’s safety, they should call the police department or speak to the pool manager if at the pool.
• Electric Department Equipment and Traffic Curve Safety
  The electric department received new equipment including a hydro excavator and a smaller bucket truck for street lights. An accident on the curve on 29 was discussed, involving speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour and narrowly avoiding building contact. Previous attempts with reflectors failed, and an ODOT study on potential improvements (including reflectors or delineators) is anticipated, possibly within 60 to 90 days.
• High School South Stop Sign Violations
  Concerns were expressed regarding aggressive behavior and non-compliance with stop signs near high school south in the Holly area. Reports included aggressive fielding of traffic and multiple accidents, with instances of sideswiping and drivers not stopping as required.
• Fire Station Assessment Update
  An update was requested on the fire station assessment. A property owner associated with an alternate site needs to complete due diligence before finalizing the assessment, with results expected soon.

Conclusion

1. Procedures were confirmed: do not intervene personally; contact the appropriate authority.
2. ODOT will conduct a study to evaluate safety improvements on the curve.
3. Awaiting further information from the property owner to finalize the assessment.

Next Arrangements

•  Complete preliminary design for utilities improvements by the end of the current year.
•  Nominate for the WPCLF 0% interest loan by August.
•  Follow up on periodic updates regarding the EPA mandate and similar requirements in other cities.
•  Ensure rapid approval and implementation of Ordinance 20-25-0 for the May 10, 2025 baseball tournament.
•  Add the emergency clause to the 2025-2027 energy supply schedule ordinance as recommended.
•  Review and confirm bidding waiver provisions and statutory bidding requirements for energy purchases.
•  Implementation of an emergency clause for both rental agreements
•  Revision of fee schedule: $30/hour for practices, $50/hour for meets <4 hours, and $100/hour for meets >=4 hours and end-of-year events
•  Adjust scheduling protocols to ensure safe equipment setup and participant exit procedures
•  Revisit and clarify the 12-participant minimum requirement and cancellation clause with legal counsel
•  Coordinate with the recreation department and legal support to finalize revised meet and practice scheduling, along with clear set-up and tear-down guidelines.
•  Further review the booster club proposal and potential city takeover of the swim teams.
•  Follow up on independent review of the 703 water line project ordinance to ensure clear engineering separation.
•  Committee meeting on wastewater plant upgrade scheduled for June 9th at 5:30 p.m.
•  Finalize pre-construction meeting dates for the public works facility and Westview Park restroom.
•  Follow up on the training schedule and shift rotation for the new patrolmen.
•  Reinforce and communicate the correct protocols for handling park and pool incident complaints to the public.
•  Monitor the upcoming ODOT study on the dangerous curve on 29 (expected within 60 to 90 days) and evaluate proposed safety improvements.
•  Investigate the reports of stop sign violations near high school south and consider potential enforcement measures.
•  Obtain an update on the fire station assessment once the property owner’s due diligence is complete.
•  Meeting adjourned at 840.