Forest Village Council – September 25, 2025

Village of Forest Council met in regular session on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM in council chambers.

Interim Mayor Hastings called the meeting to order with the Lord’s Prayer and 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 September 25, 2025:

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

Approval/Corrections of Minutes:

M. Dickinson moved to approve minutes from 9/11/25 council meeting. L. Perkins seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Minutes approved.

Bills:

M. Dickinson 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: Third reading of Ordinance #2025-05 regarding changing council meeting times from 7:30p to 7:00p was read. V. Mullholand moved to pass Ordinance 2025-05. S. Shark seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Ordinance passed.

Scooter Ordinance #2025-07- regarding the operations of motorized scooters. Second reading was completed. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Approved.

New Business: V. Mullholand moved that Council approve 11 % to 15% funds match for the Railroad Street resurfacing grant. S. Shark seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Approved.

Park Ordinance #2025-06- regarding rules for the park had 1st reading completed.

Committee Reports

Mayor: Nuisance properties update was given. Contacted AEP for street light replacement. Mayor Hastings thanked Danielle Moore for the locations and pole numbers information.

Finance: Finance committee met on 9/25/25. Budget meetings with department heads have been completed. Finance meetings will meet before Council meetings at 6:30pm. CmTently starting budget process. Will discuss salaries at the next finance meeting.

Safety: Committee did not meet. They scheduled next meeting for 9/30/25 11 am and will review Burn Ordinance review at next meeting.

Police Chief: Police cruiser is currently being repaired. The cost of repairs is all being covered by insurance and deductible was waived. A new part time officer has been hired.

Fire Chief: None

Ambulance Board: None

Service: Need to meet with Tree Commission. Committee met on 9/22/25 meeting. J. Rinehammer is working on permit with AEP for banners and items being put uptown. Flags have been removed. The bucket truck still being fixed. Ordinances have been sent to codified. Water and sewer Ordinances were reviewed. J. Rinehammer is to speak with A. Tudor for solid waste ordinance and Rumpke contract. Utility policy is being updated and in progress. A. Tudor asked to attend next meeting. Will reach out and see if 10/6/25 would work.

Administrator: A. Tudor wants to attend the next service meeting. Scheduled service meeting 10/6/25. Trash contract needs review with Solicitor; CDL Ordinance review with Solicitor. A water main break has been fixed. Making progress on meter issues. Some storm drains have been cleaned. Leaf vac has been repaired.

Park Board: Refused to return a deposit for pavilion rental due to tape damage to walls. Park did not charge the following renter due to conditions that were left. Park has discussed renting an attachment to blow the leaves for 2 days@ $80 a day. Splash pad has been winterized and closed. Leaks and issues are being addressed. Keeping porta pots at the park. Obtaining information on repairing or replacing the log cabin roof

Market Square: Kids Market and Gospel Fest are this Sunday, 9/28/25, from 1-5pm. Left over pavers are being put around flag pole. Starting Halloween decorations soon and will be hosting Trunk or Treat. Lima and part of S. Gormley will be closed for Fall Fest.

CIC: Banners and permits that are needed was discussed. Fall Fest is 10/18/25 from 1-5pm. Christmas plans are being worked on. Next meeting is 10/15/25 and will set a date to go thru all the Christmas items and move to new storage location.

Economic Development: Need to Schedule a meeting.

Zoning/Zoning Board of Appeals: No new information. Need to schedule a meeting.

Human Resources: Update from 9/22/25 meeting was given. The committee discussed pay increase for water/sewer operator. The committee working on who is responsible regarding raise decision, updating discipline policy, and updating forms.

Village Solicitor: None

Fiscal Officer: Budget Meetings with Department heads have been completed. Muni-Link is looking at 12/10/25 for go live date. In process of locating a payment processor.

J. Whitling moved to adjourn. V. Mullholand seconded. Vote: 5 yeas, 0 nays. Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.