Forest Village Council – November 24, 2025

Village of Forest Council met in regular session on Thursday, November 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM in council chambers.

Interim Mayor Hastings called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Attendance:

• Derek Hastings – present
• Mary Dickinson – present
• Loretta Perkins – present
• Suzanne Shark – present
• Jerrie Whitling – present
• Valerie Mullholand – present

Approval of Agenda for November 24, 2025:

V. Mullholand moved to approve agenda. J. Whitling seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Agenda approved.

Approval/Corrections of Minutes:

S. Shark moved to approve minutes from 11/13/25 council meeting. V. Mullholand seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Minutes approved.

Bills:

J. Whitling moved to approve the payment of bills. L Perkins seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Payment of bills approved.

Citizen’s Comments: None

Old Business:

Ordinance 2025-08 AEP Contract to operate in Forest 3rd reading completed. J. Whitling moved to approve. M. Dickinson seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Ordinance approved.

Ordinance 2025-10 Adopt and Enact Updated Codified Ordinances 3rd reading completed. M. Dickinson moved to approve. V. Mullholand seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Ordinance approved.

Ordinance 2025-09 Job Classifications and Wages 2nd reading completed.

New Business:

Ordinance 2025-11 Solid Waste Utility 1st reading completed.

Resolution 2025-11 Increase in Sewer Rates was presented. S. Shark moved to approve the resolution. V. Mullholand seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Resolution approved.

Resolution 2025-12 Supplemental Appropriations due to grants and loans received. V. Mullholand moved to approve the resolution. S. Shark seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Resolution approved.

Committee Reports

Mayor: Nuisance properties update was given. Mayor Hastings submitted resignation of his council seat. The Village of Forest is now accepting letters of interest for open council seat.

Finance: Budget meetings continuing. Budget will have appropriations to replace an air conditioner next year, capital projects for park. J. Rinehammer is to provide Fiscal Officer grant and loan information.

Safety: Update from meeting on 11/20/25 was given. Committee is looking into the U-turn ordinance. The Village received a grant and purchased PPE gear and other safety items.

Police Chief: Chief Kromer gave statistics update. The department received a private donation to be used for a family for Christmas assistance. The department will be participating with the Hardin County Shop with a Cop event on 12/6/25.

Fire Chief: None

Ambulance Board: None

Service: Update from meeting on 11/20/25 was given. Pam Thames attended and the committee reviewed the Tree Commission Ordinance. At this time, there are 2 open Tree Commission seats. Solicitor Tudor is working on amendment to clarify what the tree lawn is.

The committee is recommending 15 feet from road, ally, or sidewalk. Anything planted or removed from the tree lawn must be approved by Tree Commission. Tree Commission is working on their yearly plan for 2026.

Administrator:

Water Treatment Plant Open House was held on 11/19/25

Village continues to work on leaf pickup.

Campbell Street Lift Station project is being pushed to December 18, 2025 for the work to be completed.

PEP Grant was completed and approved. Grant is used for new traffic cones, traffic drums, barricades and PPE needs for staff.

Park Board: Currently accepting letters of interest for open committee seat. Update from meeting on 11/17/25 was given. Park Board approved bid for removal of stumps. They are waiting on a quote for other trees that need attention. Seasonal position ended. Discussed budget with Fiscal Officer. Pavilion rental fees are increasing to $150. Anyone that has already rented, will have the previous rate honored.

Market Square: None

CIC: None

Economic Development: None

Zoning/Zoning Board of Appeals: Update from meeting on 11/20/25. Working on having concerning properties cleaned up. Committee discussed the possibility of hiring a Zoning Officer, but this is in early stages of discussion. Appointments need to be completed for Zoning Appeals Board.

Human Resources: Update from meeting on 11/20/25. Fiscal Officer and M. Dickinson will be working on employee policies to include phone reimbursement and discipline policies. Yearly bonus for employees was discussed. Committee recommended $300 for full time employees, Fire Chief, and Jamie Davis, and gift card $25 for Karen Strasbaugh. M. Dickinson moved to approve the recommended bonuses. L. Perkins seconded. Vote: S. Shark abstained. 4 yeas, 0 nays. Bonuses approved.

Assessments should be sent in. J.Rinehammer is to send over the information.

Village Solicitor: Letter of interest for Village Solicitor position from Attorney Fish was submitted to Mayor Hastings. Solicitor Tudor will work on ordinance for hiring of Mr. Fish.

Fiscal Officer: Continuing to focus on 2026 Appropriations and the transition to Muni Link.

J. Whitling moved to adjourn meeting. M. Dickinson seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.