MINUTES OF MEETING OF
IRONTON CITY COUNCIL
September 25, 2025
6:00 p.m.

 

Summary of Meeting Minutes from September 25, 2025

Ironton City Council Meeting Highlights – September 25, 2025

Ironton City Council met in regular session on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. Vice Mayor Craig Harvey presided. Members present: Cleary, Brown, Hock, and Kline (five total). The meeting opened with an invocation by Rev. Jeff Cremeans (City Mission Church) and the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Haney and Mr. Pierce were excused for prior commitments.

Approvals

  • The minutes from the September 11, 2025 Regular Council, Finance Committee, and Public Utilities Committee meetings were approved, with a correction noting “City Council has no role…” on Page 7 of the regular meeting minutes.

Audience Participation

  • Green Valley storm/sewer concerns: Residents reported stormwater backing up from a manhole labeled “Sewage” after heavy rains. City leaders explained the area still has combined storm/sewer elements and the new pump (lift) station is not yet online. Once operational (targeted by year-end), stormwater will be pumped out, which should reduce backups. Smoke testing will be used to find illegal storm connections to the sewer. A surveyor and the City Engineer are scheduled to review slopes, driveways, and runoff next week. Temporary pump monitoring and better contact info during storms were requested.
  • Traffic & paving: Concerns were raised about trailer ramps possibly creasing new asphalt and speeding near the cul-de-sac. Permit needs depend on whether the mower is a business.
  • Rates & fees: Clarification was made that the agenda item concerns a sewer tap fee for new construction, not a general sewer rate increase.

Communications

  • Council accepted and cleaned up the format of Chris Perry’s September 10, 2025 resignation letter (adding his name to the signature line). Vote: unanimous.

Reports

  • Mayor’s 2026 Budget: Received, filed, and made part of the minutes (unanimous). Finance Chair for budget workshops begins December 1: Mr. Haney.

Ordinances

  • Ord. 25-43 – Amending the 2025 permanent operating budget: First reading.
  • Ord. 25-36 – Prohibiting cultivating, processing, distributing, dispensing, testing, or selling medical marijuana and adult-use cannabis: Second reading.
    • Council discussion noted uncertain state tax revenue for municipalities and public health concerns. Zoning/placement issues for any dispensaries were also raised.
  • Ord. 25-38 – Contract with Cooper’s Glass: Second reading. (Favorable recommendation from Finance; exhibits available.)
  • Ord. 25-39 – Establishing a fee to install a sewer tap: Second reading.
  • Ord. 25-40 – Professional services contract with Arcadis for Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements (digester, trickling filter, disinfection): Second reading; Tabled unanimously.

Resolutions

  • Res. 25-41 – Encouraging distribution of state tax revenue to municipalities: Adopted unanimously. A cover letter will be sent by certified mail to Reps. Jason Stephens and Shane Wilkin.
  • Res. 25-42 – Adopting the Alternative Tax Budget for FY starting Jan. 1, 2026 (submission to County Auditor): Adopted unanimously.
  • Res. 25-44 – Authorizing application to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) programs: Adopted unanimously.
    • Project focus: South Third Street paving to Center Street. Discussion covered required local match, potential 0% financing, and using eligible funds (e.g., State Highway and Storm). Final scope and design to be set quickly; application due Friday, Oct. 3.

Miscellaneous Updates

  • Heavy rain event: Approximately 4.53 inches fell in 24 hours (a “25-year storm”). Many systems are designed for a 2-year storm (about 2.6″). City noted widespread regional flooding. The Green Valley pump station is hoped to be operational by end of October (project punch-list will continue).
  • City Clean-Up: October 14–18, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
  • Sewer tap fee comparisons: Ashland: $1,800 (4″–6″ inside city), $2,200 outside; larger taps at actual cost (outside city +10%). A separate area tap referenced at ~$15,000 (reported; not confirmed).
  • Road & water spots: Repairs at Vernon & Second and near the Board of Education (5th Street) are being managed, balancing recent bridge closures and meter work.
  • Basement flooding guidance: If clear rainwater enters, it’s a property issue. If sanitary sewer backs up into a basement, call the City (Sewer Department) after addressing the immediate problem.
  • Finance Director’s Five-Year Financial Forecast: Received, filed, and made part of the minutes (unanimous).
  • Posting agendas/minutes online: Approved minutes can be sent to Brad Bear in Word format for the City website (Strategic Planning item).

Executive Session

  • Council entered Executive Session to discuss litigation and property with the Finance Director, Mayor, and Solicitor. No action followed.

Minutes were recorded by Clerk Marta Leach. Also in attendance: Finance Director John Elam, Mayor Sam Cramblit, and Solicitor Brigham Anderson.