CELINA — Celina City Council approves temporary dispatcher position ahead of retirement

Celina City Council approved legislation Monday authorizing the city to temporarily hire a sixth full-time dispatcher to allow for training ahead of a planned retirement in the police department.

Council passed the emergency ordinance unanimously, allowing the city to hire an additional dispatcher beginning July 3. The position will remain in place through Aug. 31, when longtime dispatcher Colleen’s retirement takes effect and the temporary position will be eliminated.

Mayor Jeff Hazel said the arrangement mirrors a recent transition in the municipal court and will provide valuable hands-on training before the vacancy occurs.

Council suspended the rules requiring three readings and approved the measure by a 7-0 vote.

Those voting in favor included:

• During his report, Mayor Hazel announced that milling and paving work on Grand Lake Road and Havemann Road is expected to begin this week. The project will be completed during overnight hours, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., to minimize traffic disruptions.

The mayor also reported that work will soon resume on an extension of the city’s breakwater near West Bank Road. The project is being completed at the request of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and is intended to improve boater safety while helping protect the Celina Boardwalk.

Parks and Recreation Director Craig Morton updated council on staffing challenges at Bryson Memorial Pool. Morton said a shortage of certified lifeguards has limited pool operations at the start of the summer season. However, 10 to 11 individuals are currently completing certification training, which should significantly improve staffing levels in the coming weeks.

Council also gave final approval to an ordinance authorizing a lease agreement between the City of Celina and the Pink Anchor Foundation for the lease of a portion of Eastview Park. The measure passed unanimously.

During council comments, members discussed the ongoing condition of the vacant building at 121 South Main Street. City officials said the property owner has received notice regarding the building’s condition and is currently within a 60-day compliance period. Officials noted that the city’s authority is generally limited to exterior conditions, while concerns involving the interior of the structure fall under other agencies’ jurisdictions.

Council later entered executive session to discuss the purchase or sale of property for public purposes.