Full minutes

A regular meeting of Ironton City Council was held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers. Present was Vice Mayor Chris Haney, who presided, and members Brown, Harvey, Hock, Scott, and Simmons — six members total. All persons stood for an invocation by Assistant Pastor Detweiler with Real Life Ministries Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Approval of minutes

The minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of June 25, 2026, and the Finance Committee Meeting of June 25, 2026, stood approved as submitted.

Audience participation

No audience participation was recorded.

Communications

Mr. Haney announced nominations for the Tax Review Board and Civil Service Commission.

• Mr. Haney moved, seconded by Mr. Hock, to nominate Jodi Rowe-Collins to the Tax Review Board. Motion passed unanimously.
• Mr. Haney moved, seconded by Mr. Harvey, to nominate Aaron Heighton to the Tax Review Board. Motion passed unanimously.
• Mayor Cramblit moved, seconded by Mr. Haney, to nominate Mark Dickess to the Tax Review Board. No vote outcome was recorded in the minutes.
• Mr. Haney moved, seconded by Mr. Harvey, to nominate Jim Monte to the Civil Service Commission with an unexpired term ending December 31, 2027. Motion passed unanimously.
• Mr. Haney moved, seconded by Mr. Harvey, to nominate Carl Robinson to the Civil Service Commission with an unexpired term ending December 31, 2028. Motion passed unanimously.
• Mr. Haney moved, seconded by Mr. Harvey, to nominate Craig Thomas to the Civil Service Commission with an unexpired term ending December 31, 2029. Motion passed unanimously.

Reports

None.

Ordinances

• Ordinance No. 26-41 — Authorizing the Mayor to enter into the attached Delinquent Debt Collection Agreement with the Ohio Attorney General and declaring an emergency — given first reading. Mr. Haney asked whether the Finance Committee needed to give a recommendation on the ordinance. Mr. Elam said it probably should, given that it involves paying the State money for debt collection.
• Ordinance No. 26-39 — Authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with Hustle Performance Gyms, LLC to provide the City’s recreation services and declaring an emergency — given second reading. Mr. Harvey moved, seconded by Mr. Haney, to suspend the rules and give Ordinance 26-39 third reading by title only. Mr. Harvey noted that the contract starts on July 1, that football sign-ups are currently underway, and that there is a recreation levy on the ballot, so moving forward demonstrates good use of those funds. Mr. Hock noted that Ordinance 26-39 received a favorable recommendation from the Finance Committee. Motion to suspend rules passed unanimously. Ordinance 26-39 was given third reading. Mr. Harvey moved, seconded by Mr. Scott, to adopt Ordinance 26-39. Motion passed unanimously. ADOPTED.
• Ordinance No. 26-40 — Amending the permanent operating budget for the City of Ironton, State of Ohio, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2026, and declaring an emergency — given second reading. Mr. Haney moved, seconded by Mr. Hock, to amend Ordinance 26-40 to include a statement that the Nature Works grant was erroneously placed in the wrong fund — it is a reimbursement grant and should be in Fund 30. Motion to amend passed unanimously. Amended Ordinance 26-40 was given second reading. Mr. Hock noted that Ordinance 26-40 received a favorable recommendation from the Finance Committee. Mr. Hock moved, seconded by Mr. Harvey, to suspend the rules and give Amended Ordinance 26-40 third reading by title only. Amended Ordinance 26-40 was given third reading. Mr. Harvey moved, seconded by Mr. Haney, to adopt Amended Ordinance 26-40. Motion passed unanimously. ADOPTED.
• Ordinance No. 26-36 — Authorizing the Mayor to enter into the attached Electronic Payment Support Merchant Agreement and Bill Payment Agreement with Nuvei and its subsidiary Paya, Inc. and declaring an emergency — given third reading. Mr. Harvey moved, seconded by Mr. Hock, to adopt Ordinance 26-36. Mr. Hock noted that Ordinance 26-36 received a favorable recommendation from the Finance Committee. Motion passed unanimously. ADOPTED.

Resolutions

None.

Miscellaneous

Ms. Simmons reported that a pedestrian had recently been struck on Park Avenue. She referenced Ohio State’s downtown walkability plan and noted that Zoe Clay said she could place a “Temporary Pedestrian Crossing – Beware” sign at Park Avenue and 7th Street. Ms. Simmons noted that Mended Reeds, located across from the new SOMC pharmacy, has seen a significant increase in pedestrian activity. She said she does not believe this requires Council action but wanted to make Council aware that Ohio State authorized the temporary signs and that any additional improvements should be referred to the Mayor’s Office. She noted that funding is available for improvements recommended in the walkability plan and urged action before year end so that Ms. Clay can use her CDC funding. If members are aware of other pedestrian crossing concerns, they should reference the plan to identify applicable recommendations. Mr. Haney asked about pedestrians crossing the railroad tracks; Ms. Simmons said there might be funding available for that as well. Mr. Haney noted that once the riverfront work is finalized there will be more pedestrian activity in that area and asked Ms. Simmons to add the railroad crossing to the list.

Mr. Harvey requested that the Mayor recommend Brett Thomas to be added to the Planning Commission in place of Steve Harvey. The Mayor indicated he would need Steve Harvey’s resignation first.

Mr. Brown noted that the street lights at Adams Street and Third Street are on all day, and suggested the timer for that section of street lights may need to be adjusted.

Mr. Haney asked whether Mark Dickess had provided an update on the list of rehabs. The Mayor said that Mark has been dealing with MS-4 matters, an EPA audit, and several other things.

Executive session

Mr. Haney moved, seconded by Mr. Brown, to enter into executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the Council, the Mayor, the Finance Director, and the Solicitor, with no action to follow. Motion passed unanimously.

Attestation

Minutes taken by Marta Leach, Clerk. Also in attendance: John Elam, Brigham Anderson, and Mayor Cramblit. Signed by Marta Leach, Clerk; Chris Haney, Vice Mayor; and Mayor Cramblit.