Celina City Council Hears Storm Drainage Concerns, Updates on Parks and Fire Department

CELINA, OHIO – October 12, 2026 – Storm drainage problems in residential neighborhoods, improvements to city parks and a new firefighter hiring were among the topics discussed during Monday night's Celina City Council meeting.

Resident Gerald "Mort" Ward addressed council about ongoing drainage problems in the Bruns subdivision, where he said a blocked 10-inch storm sewer line has contributed to standing water and flooding.

Ward explained that the line, which runs toward Mary Lane, appears to be obstructed by roots or other material. A camera inspection revealed a blockage approximately 55 feet into the line.

Ward questioned whether the city or neighborhood property owners are responsible for maintaining the drainage system, particularly because the line serves multiple properties and runs through an easement.

Celina Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock explained that city engineering records identify certain storm sewer lines as privately owned, meaning maintenance generally falls on property owners rather than the city.

However, Hitchcock agreed to review the matter with the engineering department to verify the line's ownership and examine drainage conditions in the area.

Several council members also discussed similar flooding problems in other older Celina neighborhoods, including the Kessler addition. Hitchcock noted that older subdivisions were often constructed without the stormwater detention basins required in newer developments.

Ward also raised concerns about deteriorating streets in the subdivision, suggesting the city begin planning for future infrastructure improvements.

Parks and Recreation Improvements

Councilman Thomas Sanford presented a report from the September 28 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting.

The committee discussed maintenance concerns at the city's ball diamonds, including persistent weeds and the need for additional brick dust on the playing surfaces.

Sanford said improvements could cost approximately $10,000 per diamond.

The city has applied for a $95,000 grant from the Jerry Andrews Fund for 2027, with approximately half of the requested funding intended for ball diamond materials and the remainder for asphalt repairs.

The committee also discussed plans to hire a second full-time Parks Department employee.

Other topics included a volunteer Little League organization working toward nonprofit status, a new playground addition at Westview Park and a possible lakeside pavilion.

The proposed pavilion could accommodate approximately 80 to 100 people and would potentially be available for community gatherings and rentals. State funding was discussed as a possible way to support the project.

Fire Department Returns to Full Staffing

During his administrative report, Safety-Service Director Tom Hitchcock announced that the city has hired Corey Lutterbeck for the Celina Fire Department.

Hitchcock said the hiring brings the department to full staffing and will allow the city to conduct an assistant fire chief examination on October 31.

Hitchcock also reminded residents that the Lions Club parade is scheduled for October 25 at 2:30 p.m. at the amphitheater, followed by trick-or-treat activities from 4 to 6 p.m.

Council Considers Indigent Defense Agreement

Council also advanced legislation authorizing an agreement with the Mercer County Commissioners for indigent defense services during 2027.

The annual agreement addresses legal representation for qualifying defendants charged with city ordinance violations that could result in jail time.

The city's law director explained that Celina rarely incurs expenses under the arrangement because most criminal offenses are prosecuted under corresponding state laws rather than municipal ordinances.

Council voted 5-0 to advance the ordinance to its second reading.

Executive Session

Before concluding the public portion of the meeting, council voted to enter executive session to discuss negotiations or bargaining with public employees involving compensation and other employment conditions.

Five council members attended Monday's meeting: Eric Clausen, Chris Doseck, Matt Gray, Thomas Sanford and Jeremy Uhlenhake.

Mayor Jeff Hazel was absent from the meeting.