The League of Women Voters of Licking County | The Reporting Project
OBSERVER REPORT
Government Body Observed: Granville Village Council
Meeting Date: 07/16/2025
Meeting Details
Attendance: Council Members: Keethler-Ball, Mickelson, Olbur, Demarest, Johnson, Leithauser, Law Director Mattes, Village Manager Koehler, Deputy Village Manager Ruppert, Absent: Mayor Hartfield
Public Comment: Dan Bellman suggested that the Village install a paver brick crosswalk on West Broadway to make the crosswalk more visible.
APPEAL HEARING AND DELIBERATION FOR THE APRIL 28, 2025 DECISION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO DENY APPLICATION #2024-171 FOR THE ROOF REPLACEMENT AT 226 EAST BROADWAY.
Village Council has three options in this case: 1. Affirm the decision of the Planning Commission; 2. Overturn the decision of the Planning Commission; 3. send it back to the Planning Commission for further review.
Connie Klema, Attorney for the property owners, Gary and Anna Love, spoke at length as to why the Council should reject the Planning Commission's decision. She stated there are many properties in the Historic District with exposed metal fasteners; the color matches the blue in Whit's logo; and the Historic District has a wide variety of roofing styles, materials and colors.
Village Council voted 6-0 to overturn the decision of the Planning Commission and allow the proposed roof replacement.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ORDINANCE NO. 10-2025 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 505.01 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE TO EXPAND THE LEASH LAW FOR THE VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE
Village Council will consider two options for leash law expansion:
1. Limited expansion to pedestrian pathways
2. Full expansion to entire Village
Old Business: Three Ordinances passed:
ORDINANCE NO. 10-2025: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 505.01 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE TO EXPAND THE LEASH LAW FOR THE VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE. The new ordinance expands the leash law to the entire village. Acting Mayor proposed amending the proposed ordinance to exempt the front lawn of the Bryn Du, a popular exercise area for dogs, but only when there are no events at the property.
All Council Members voted in favor of the ordinance and the amendment. (6-0)
ORDINANCE NO. 11-2025 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $1,700,000 OF NOTES BY THE VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE, OHIO, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING PART OF THE COST OF REPLACING AND/OR REPAIRING WATER MAINS AND SERVICE LINES, INCLUDING ALL NECESSARY APPURTENANCES THERETO, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
All Council Members voted in favor. (6-0)
ORDINANCE NO. 12-2025 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $800,000 OF NOTES BY THE VILLAGE OF GRANVILLE, 1 OHIO, IN ANTICIPATION OF THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PAYING PART OF THE COST OF CONSTRUCTING A SERVICE DEPARTMENT COMPLEX.
All Council Members voted in favor (6-0).
New Business: RESOLUTION NO. 2025-32 A RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO AUCTION OR ADVERTISE FOR BIDS THE SALE OF SURPLUS VEHICLES RESOLUTION
All Council members voted in favor. (6-0)
RESOLUTION NO.NO. 2025-33 A RESOLUTION TO AWARD THE BID FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS TO ROBERTSON CONSTRUCTION, AND TO AUTHORIZE THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT THERETO
All Council members voted in favor. (6-0)
Next Meeting: 8/6/2025
Related documents, websites: Agenda and Packet
Key Takeaway:
Council Passes Leash Law for Entire Village: See related article by Maddie Leubkert The Reporting Project Article on Granville Leash Law
Observer Notes: Council member Phill Demarest was appointed Vice Mayor due to Mayor Hartfield's extended absence. Jeremy Johnson, previously Vice Mayor, is Acting Mayor.
Departing GPD Lieutenant Shawn Wilson was thanked with a proclamation and service medal for his 25 years of service to the Village. He is leaving to become Deputy Chief of the Whitehall Police Department.
Observer: Amy Kobe
Submission Date: 07/21/2025
Reviewer: Karen Semer