2026 Laurelville Council Meeting Minutes
JANUARY 12, 2026
The Village of Laurelville met in regular session on January 12, 2026.
Robert Platz, elected official, was sworn in to Council by Mayor Kempton.
Mayor Don Kempton Jr, called the meeting to order with Council members present: Robert Platz, Elizabeth Smith and Michael Weese. Also present was Fiscal Officer – Darcy Tisdale and Water Operator – Ron Stephens
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
OPEN COUNCIL SEATS
Letters of interest received to fill an open seat on Council were:
Colleen Robinette Rife 18468 Laurel St, Laurelville
Dillon Young, 18666 Main St, Laurelville
Marissa Ison, 16110 Sherman St., Laurelville
Robert Platz made the motion to accept Colleen Robinette Rife to retain her seat on Council. Michael Weese seconded. Roll call all yeas.
Mayor Kempton swore in Colleen Robinette Rife.
Robert Platz made the motion to accept Dillon Young for a seat on Council. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
Mayor Kempton swore in Dillon Young.
Robert Platz made the motion to accept Marissa Ison for a seat on Council. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
Mayor Kempton swore in Marissa Ison
OHIO BASIC CODE – Colleen Rife made the motion to suspend the rules and by pass the 3 readings to pass an ordinance to operate the village by the ORC. Robert Platz seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
Colleen Rife made the motion to adopt Ordinance #2026-01 Approving, Adopting and Enacting American Legal Publishing’s Ohio Basic Code, 2026 Edition as the Code of Ordinances for the Village of Laurelville to Provide for the Usual Daily Operation of the Municipality and for the Immediate Preservation of the Public Peace, Health Safety and General Welfare, Effective Immediately and Declaring an Emergency.
Robert Platz seconded. Roll call – all yea.
COUNCIL PAY – Robert Platz made the motion to pay Council $15.00 per month. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
VILLAGE DEPOSITORY – Michael Weese made the motion to maintain the Vinton Co. Nat’l Bank as the Village depository for 2026. Robert Platz seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
VILLAGE SOLICITOR – Colleen Rife made the motion to maintain Chamberlain Legal Services as the Village Solicitor for 2026. Michael Weese seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
COUNCIL PRESIDENT – Colleen Rife made the motion to nominate Robert Platz as Council President for 2026. Michael Weese seconded. Roll call – all yeas, except Robert Platz abstained.
GUESTS – No Guests
SHERIFF REPORT – Deputy Lyon presented a report for December. 19 dispatched calls, initiated 2 calls for service. Patrol units were dispatched to 6 calls and initiated 3 calls for service, resulting in 31 total calls for service.
Deputies responded to calls involving domestic violence, erratic drivers, citizen assists, suspicious vehicle/person, animal (deer & dog)/ complaints, and a variety of investigatory calls. Deputies also assisted other agency first responders on several occasions. There were 8 reports completed, no protection orders served and 2 subpoenas served.
2026 Hocking County Dog Tags are now on sale – deadline to purchase without penalty is
Arrest and Charge Report:
Arrests were made for assault/aggravated menacing and operating a motor vehicle intoxicated.
Reports were completed for threats, domestic violence, assault, aggravated menacing, OVI and self-harm.
One report for domestic violence has been submitted to prosecutor office for review.
Higher patrols are being conducted in the areas where theft/burglary offenses have been reported, as well as areas where neighbor disputes have been reported.
Deputies are competing business checks at least once per shift, including churches, municipal facilities and state garage, resulting in 1175 total business checks for December.
A five year contract renewal was presented for police protection from the Hocking Co.
Sheriff’s office. There were no changes from the prior contract.
Providing a uniformed deputy sheriff for 2080 hours from January 1, 2026 – January 31, 2030 $62,000 payable in 4 quarterly installments of $15,500.
Colleen Rife made the motion to accept the renewal contract from The Hocking County Sheriff’s office for police protection from January 1, 2026 – January 31, 2030. Contract amount is $62,000, payable in 4 quarterly installments of $15,500.
SCHOOL PROPERTY – Mayor presented a resolution for a Lease Agreement between the Village and Hocking Co. Commissioners regarding the right a way agreement for maintaining the road and parking area at the Senior Citizens Program, beside the library and behind the head start building at 16184 Maple Street. The agreement is for $1 for the term of 50 years. The agreement grants permission for the use of the parking lot in accordance with ODOT standards. Both parties will meet annually in June to adopt a calendar to avoid any scheduling that may cause conflict in the use of said property. The commissioners will maintain liability insurance coverage.
Michael Weese made the motion to suspend the rules and by pass the three readings for the lease agreement. Robert Platz seconded. Michael Weese made the motion to adopt Resolution #01-2025 Authorizing a Lease Agreement Between the Hocking County Commissioners and the Village to Provide Parking Space and Access for the Laurelville Head Start Program and the Laurelville Senior Citizens Center. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
FIRE REPORT – Chief Valentine was present. He reported that his wife, Pam and Asst. Chief, Dan Reichelder kept the department running smoothly while he was out for medical reasons. December report was presented. The department answered 30 alarms in December. 140 members responded for an average of 5 per run. A yearly report was presented. 429 runs were made, 1845 members responded, for an average of 4 per run.
Assits and tree/power lines down topped the alarms. Benton Twp had the most runs of 142. Chief will be meeting with the township trustees in January to finalize 2026 contracts. Eagle Twp fire levy failed in the past election. The department will receive grants from Fire Marshall for $50,000, ODNR $10,000 matching grant and $25,000 donation from the Hocking Co Tourism Assoc.
The annual Volunteer Firefighters Dependency Fund board must be completed. Colleen Rife, Robert Platz and Elizabeth Smith volunteered for the board.
COUNCIL BUILDING ROOF – Mayor wasn’t able to work on bids, but will do so.
SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PHASE 1 – The Village wasn’t awarded any grant money in the first round, that mostly is County for road projects. The second round of awards should include the Village; an engineer came and took pictures and found man holes to get more accurate numbers for the new grant application. Second round should be awarded Mar/Apr. Sara, from DLZ, contacted the Village to see if the Grant amount could be lowered and the loan amount increased; in doing so, would raise the points for the Village. Mayor and Fiscal Officer reviewed the options and agreed that raising the loan amount would not be feasible for the Village. The loan deficit is already approximately $24,000/year; keeping the loan amount at $100,000 will add another $3400 per year. Mayor contacted Mike Betts at DLZ to explain the situation, therefore, will take the 50/50 chance of getting money for the project.
STORM SEWER UPGRADE – HAPCAP GRANT – The Village didn’t receive any grant money for the project. Will reapply next year.
BILLING CLERK REPORT – December report was presented to all; $31,746.60 was collected for November billing. 304 bills were mailed with Jan due date for Dec. usage. 41 shut off notices were sent; 0 shutoffs were required.
Mayor is compiling information from Ordinances to best meet the needs for the Village operating procedures regarding missed payment due date, delinquent accounts, water shut offs, renter/landlord responsibilities, etc. He would like to post documentation on the website for residents to be able to read. He is working with Village Adm on this matter.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT – Chad Lowe was not present. Colleen Rife asked about Chad Lowe’s work situation that prevents him from attending meetings. She understands why he is unavailable to attend but would like better communication/reports of what he is working on. She asked Council if she could contact him and explain the concerns and maybe get a better line of communication for Council. Everyone agreed.
ADELPHI CONTRACT- Mayor presented the Wastewater Rate Review to council.
WATER REPORT – Ron Stephens reported that the generator is repaired, but the new block heater is not working….the company will return and get it fixed. The SCADA system is great, but the internet service is not letting it work properly. Switching to T-Mobile from Spectrum will fix the problem. Hoskins Solutions has given a quote to upgrade to remote access to cellular with T-Mobile. All the equipment will be moved into the water plant with cellular router, antennas, etc. This will include a one year T-Mobile service…$3100. Colleen Rife made the motion to accept Estimate #1347 of $3100 from Hoskins Solutions to move the SCADA equipment to the water plant and switch to T-Mobile service. Michael Weese seconded. Roll call – all yeas. The invoice will be split between Water Fund and WWTP Fund.
FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT – Darcy Tisdale presented Mayor and Council with December minutes, fund status, receipt report, payment report, wage report and fund ledger for remainder of Dec. 2025 and January 2026. Fund ledger reports were given Chief Valentine, Ron Stephens and Bryan McKee. There were no questions regarding the bills presented.
A flyer was presented to all regarding training for newly elected and present Council members and other municipal officials. The training sessions are on Saturday, with 3 different locations. The training will be paid by the village. Registration deadlines are listed on the flyer.
End of year is completed. W2’s and 1099’s have been printed.
BWC annual premium has been paid in full $1999..a check for $39.98 was rec’d for early pay’t.
Billing stamps will be purchased this month for the year. Approx. $2300.
Minimum wage increased to $11.00/hr. This affects wages for Ronjalee Kempton.
Colleen Rife made the motion to increase wages for Ronjalee Kempton to $11.00/hr., effective immediately. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
The annual contract with Hocking County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) was received. The contract amount is $631.51. Robert Platz made the motion to suspend the rules and by pass the three readings for resolution to enter into a contract with Hocking Co EMA. Colleen Rife seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
Robert Platz made the motion to adopt Resolution #02-2026 to contract with the Hocking Co. Commissioners to obtain and receive the services of the Hocking Co EMA in performing all the duties and requirements of Section 5502.26 ORC, subsection 5502.271. Michael Weese seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
ORDINANCE FOR RECORDS RETENSION POLICY – no new info
USEPA GRANT – No new info. Because of new representatives taking office, this may delay the process of removing the High-Risk status for the Village.
PERSONELL POLICY MANUAL – Mayor did not address the manual at the meeting; wants to make sure all elected officials are aware of the items
BILLS – Robert Platz made the motion to pay the bills. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
MINUTES – Robert Platz made the motion to accept the minutes as written. Colleen Rife seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
OTHERS
Mayor
Property purchased by Dillon Young on Laurel Street
The planning commission is asking the Village to pass a resolution supporting Mr. Young to build a road on the property, but stating that the Village will not maintain it. Mayor presented a draft for Council to review…he will present to the planning committee for approval and have at February meeting.
Helen Platz asked about the park rental duties; Mayor will talk to Mark Streitenberger.
Council President thanked Colleen Rife for making a commitment to the village and continuing to serve the village and the new council members for also making a commitment to serve and supporting the village.
Robert Platz made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas. Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm.
FEBRUARY 9, 2026
The Village of Laurelville met in regular session on February 9, 2026 with Mayor Don Kempton Jr, calling the meeting to order with Council members present: Robert Platz, Marissa Ison, Elizabeth Smith and Colleen Rife. Also present was Fiscal Officer – Darcy Tisdale
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.
GUESTS – No Guests
SHERIFF REPORT – Deputy Lyon presented a report for January. 27 dispatched calls, initiated 12 calls for service. Patrol units were dispatched to 10 calls and initiated 0 calls for service, resulting in 49 total calls for service.
Deputies responded to calls involving disturbances, alarm drops, citizen assists, suspicious vehicle/person, disabled vehicles, found property and a variety of investigatory calls. Deputies also assisted other agency first responders on five occasions. There were 9 reports completed, 2 protection orders served and 0 subpoenas served.
Arrest and Charge Report:
Reports were completed for domestic violence, recovered property, threats, underage drinking, and warrant arrests.
Charges were filed for disorderly conduct while intoxicated against an adult female.
Charges were filed for domestic violence against an adult female.
One report for violation of a protection order has been sent to the prosecutor’s office for review of potential charges.
Two warrant arrests were made – one in county and one out of county warrant.
Higher patrols are being conducted in the areas where theft/burglary offenses have been reported, as well as areas where neighbor and/or civil disputes have been reported.
Deputies are competing business checks at least once per shift, including churches, municipal facilities and state garage, resulting in 842 total business checks for January.
Anyone going on vacation can contact the officers to complete a vacation check online form.
FIRE REPORT – Chief Valentine presented a report for January. The department answered 30 alarms in January. 163 members responded for an average of 5 per run. Mutual aid was rec’d from Colerain and Saltcreek Tarlton on a structure fire.
2026 Fire contracts were presented as follows:
Benton $180,000 (includes $47,000 short for 2025)
Saltcreek $63,000
Perry $83,000
Eagle $23000 – expires 04/30/26
Robert Platz made the motion to accept the 2026 fire contracts as stated above. Colleen Rife seconded… Roll call – all yeas.
SCHOOL PROPERTY – Mayor Kempton would like to discuss at next month’s meeting the purpose of the school property with all six council members.
A letter was rec’d from the county auditor to complete a form for tax exemption on the property taxes. Fiscal Officer doesn’t have the deed for the property; Mayor Kempton will check his files. Also, there is not a signed contract relating to the sale attach to the resolution, he will also check on this.
COUNCIL BUILDING ROOF – Mayor wasn’t able to work on bids, but will do so.
SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PHASE 1 – Mayor Kempton attended a meeting at Marietta regarding the grant. He is somewhat confident the Village will receive money for the improvements.
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT – A resolution was presented supporting the development of property of 18428 Laurel Street, owned by Dillon Young, that involves subdividing 1 2.7 acre lot into five lots that will have single family homes built on them. The plan is to have a central driveway from Laurel Street and would have all five home properties get their access from this driveway. The driveway will be privately owned by the owner of proposed Lot Five with an easement conveyed to the other lot owners, being proposed Lots 1,2 3 and 4. Covenants will be written into each deed stating the responsibility of each home owner in maintaining this driveway. Water and sewer will be provided by the Village.
Colleen Rife made the motion to suspend the rules and by pass the three readings for resolution supporting property development. Robert Platz seconded…Roll call – all yeas.
Robert Platz made the motion of accept Resolution #03-2026 Supporting the Development of Property of 18428 Laurel Street, Owned by Dillon Young, that Involves Subdividing 1 2.7 acre Lot Into Five Lots That Will Have Single Family Homes Built on Them. Colleen Rife seconded…Roll call – all yeas.
BILLING CLERK REPORT – January report was presented to all; $30,478.30 was collected for December billing. 308 bills were mailed with Feb due date for Jan. usage. 46 shut off notices were sent; 0 shutoffs were required.
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT – Chad Lowe was not present. Colleen Rife talked to Chad; he is going to try to attend meetings more frequently. If not able, he will call in during the meeting and give a report on Village matters. He remarked on Ron Stephens, stating he is very professional.
A water leak in town at 56/180 at gas station was repaired today, by Bob’s Plumbing.
A leak by the maintenance building, at the Village offices, was started today, but had to be postponed because of not having the correct equipment. The repair will resume tomorrow.
ADELPHI CONTRACT- Mayor contacted Mayor Hettinger to set up an appointment for the presentation of the rate review. He has heard nothing back.
WATER REPORT – Ron Stephens was not present.
FISCAL OFFICER’S REPORT – Darcy Tisdale presented Mayor and Council with January minutes, fund status, receipt report, payment report, wage report and fund ledger for January/February 2026. Fund ledger reports were given Chief Valentine, Ron Stephens and Bryan McKee. There were no questions regarding the bills presented.
ORDINANCE FOR RECORDS RETENSION POLICY – no new info
USEPA GRANT – No new info. Because of new representatives taking office, this may delay the process of removing the High-Risk status for the Village.
PERSONELL POLICY MANUAL – Mayor did not address the manual at the meeting; wants to make sure all elected officials are aware of the items
BILLS – Colleen Rife made the motion to pay the bills. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
MINUTES – Colleen Rife made the motion to accept the minutes as written. Robert Platz seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
OTHERS
Robert Platz presented Committees.
Mayor – The electric poles at the WWTP will need moved because of the installation of new bridge on Creamery Hill Rd.. BJ;s Electric has quoted the job for approximately $26,000 for the project.
Elizabeth Smith made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Marisson Ison seconded. Roll call – all yeas. Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm.
SPECIAL MEETING – MARCH 4, 2026
The Village of Laurelville met in SPECIAL session on March 4, 2026 with Mayor, Don Kempton Jr. calling the meeting to order with Council members present: Robert Platz, Marissa Ison, Elizabeth Smith, Colleen Rife, Dillon Young and Michael Weese. Also present was Fiscal Officer – Darcy Tisdale.
AGENDA
RESOLUTION TO PROCEED WITH DEMOLITION UNSAFE STRUCTURE
ANY OTHER MATTERS
Mayor Kempton presented the resolution needed to proceed with the demolition of an unsafe structure located at 16128 Pike Street and to request the assistance and cooperation of the Hocking County Land Reutilization Corporation (HCLRC). The structure is owned by Wintersong Village of Laurelville Inc. (their unknown heirs and devisees) and is Parcel #140000580000.
The resolution requests the HCLRC to exercise its authority and access to grant funding to demolish the structure, to access the property and to enter into such contracts, execute such documents and do all things as may be necessary to accomplish the same.
The resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon passage by Village Council.
Colleen Rife made the motion to suspend the rules and by pass the three readings for the resolution. Elizabeth Smith seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
Robert Platz made the motion to adopt Resolution #04-2026 Authorizing the Village of Laurelville to Proceed with the Demolition of an Unsafe Structure Located at 16128 Pike Street in the Village of Laurelville, Hocking County, Ohio and to Request the Assistance and Cooperation of the Hocking County Land Reutilization Corporation in Effecting the Same, and Declaring an Emergency.
Michael Weese seconded. Roll call – all yeas.
Mayor presented a letter for some members of Council to sign, that is needed for possibly acquiring funding needed for the storm sewer system.
The bridge project on Creamery Hill Rd has started. BJ’s Electric has started their process at the WWTP to move the electric lines.
Robert Platz commended Mayor Kempton for the WWTP rate review presentation that was given to Adelphi Mayor Hettinger and their representatives.
Marrissa Ison asked if there are any policies regarding the abundance of stray cats in the village. Mayor remarked that there are no laws for cats; legally, they can not be shot in town, trapped and released, etc.
Robert Platz made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Colleen Rife seconded. Roll call – all yeas. Meeting was adjourned at 6:25 pm.