The Village of South Amherst Council met on Monday, November 10, covering a wide range of community issues including grant updates, tree lighting plans, boundary conformity, water maintenance, park improvements, and ongoing concerns about a regional mega site project.
The meeting opened with the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before council unanimously approved the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting. All council members were present.
NOPEC Community Grant and Ethics Compliance Statement
Fiscal Officer Michelle Henke reported that purchases tied to the village’s $1,000 NOPEC Community Grant must be completed by November 25. Receipts and paperwork must be submitted promptly for reimbursement.
Henke also read an Ohio Ethics Law compliance statement reminding all public officials and employees, whether elected, appointed, paid, or volunteer, that state ethics rules apply equally to everyone. The statement emphasized avoiding use of one’s public position to receive special treatment and noted that violations can result in action by the Ohio Ethics Commission.
Land Use Plan and Zoning Submission
Council discussed a recent inquiry from Lorain County officials about whether the village maintains a land use plan. According to guidance from Alen Consulting and verification from consultant Rob Duncan, the village’s existing zoning map serves the same role. The zoning map and the village’s strategic plan have now been submitted to the county.
Council Advances Annexation and Boundary Conformity
President Pro Tempore Jeanne Maschari provided a detailed update on work completed earlier this year to compile 16 annexation records and supporting documents for the county engineer. The village had originally planned to annex 15.83 acres behind the cemetery, but older cost estimates made full boundary conformity financially unrealistic.
A new estimate provided by the county, using GIS mapping and updated legal descriptions, reduced the expected cost to roughly $3,000 for the annexation and about $13,000 for the full conformity work. The exact figures are included in council’s packet.
Council discussed the financial and administrative impact of bringing the entire village inside a single jurisdiction. At present, portions of South Amherst fall within Amherst Township and New Russia Township. Amherst Township currently receives about $29,000 a year in real estate tax revenue from properties inside the village, while New Russia receives about $7,000.
During a meeting with the Lorain County Auditor’s Office, village representatives learned that under Ohio Revised Code 709.19, the village must reimburse both townships for 12 years on a declining percentage to make them whole. Even with reimbursement, South Amherst would still gain additional revenue from the conformity.
Council voted to move forward to the next step and hold public hearings before any filings with the county. The first hearing was scheduled for November 24 at 6:15 p.m., with a likely second hearing in early 2026.
Utility Report and Water Communication Plans
Village Administrator David Valentine reminded residents that South Amherst does not pick up loose leaf piles. Free leaf bags are available at Town Hall, and bagged leaves will be collected by Republic Services.
Valentine reported five water shutoffs this month, all restored. Council discussed improvements shown in the consumption report, noting decreased unaccounted water flow and lower water purchase totals.
The village will begin releasing quarterly educational pamphlets explaining water system maintenance, including hydrant flushing. These will be posted on the village website to help residents understand why temporary discoloration occurs and how maintenance improves long-term water quality.
Park Improvement Initiative Through Aluminum Can Recycling
Valentine announced a new community program called “Cans for Your Cans for Our Park,” allowing residents and local businesses to drop off aluminum cans at the service garage. The village will recycle the cans and direct the proceeds toward park improvements, such as new trash cans, signage, horseshoe pits, and equipment.
Cans can be dropped off during hours in a designated container or left in tied bags at the gate after hours. The program is intended to run year-round.
Fire and Police Reports
Fire Chief Aaron Grimm submitted the department’s run report, and council confirmed the summary will be included in the meeting minutes.
Police Chief Michael Frazier reported 80 speeding citations issued between September 5 and November 6, along with 68 right-on-red violations and four failure-to-control citations. Enforcement was concentrated on Annis Road, East Main Street, South Lake Street, and the surrounding area.
Tree Lighting Ceremony Moved to December 4
Community Economic Development Chair Penny Becker presented concerns about the village’s tree lighting conflicting with similar events in Amherst and other nearby communities. After coordinating with the choir director and the fire department, Becker recommended shifting the event to a weekday.
Council voted to move the South Amherst tree lighting to Thursday, December 4 at 6 p.m. Plans include Santa photos, indoor activities, and contributions from the fire department and local businesses. The village will verify Christmas lights, review stored decorations, and coordinate volunteers for setup and cleanup.
Legislation
Council completed the following legislative actions:
- Second readings were held for Ordinances 1848-25, 1849-25, and 1850-25, dealing with blanket certificates, the sales tax reimbursement policy, and updated Mayor’s Court fees.
- Council passed Resolution 765-25, approving the 2026 employment agreement for Law Director Matthew Mishak and authorizing appointments within his office.
- Council passed Resolution 770-25, an emergency measure transferring unclaimed funds in compliance with state law.
Audio Improvements and Newsletter Planning
Council discussed ongoing complaints about poor audio quality on YouTube meeting recordings. Valentine explained the limitations of the current equipment and noted that a full, multi-microphone setup would likely cost several thousand dollars and require a dedicated operator. Options will be researched for the 2026 budget.
Work has begun on the village’s annual newsletter, which will focus on a year-in-review format. Council members were asked to submit articles and photographs that do not show children’s faces by early January.
Mega Site Discussion and Executive Session
Council briefly discussed the regional mega site project and the proposed force main along Russia Road. Members expressed frustration about limited information from county leaders and concern over the project’s impact on local infrastructure. The mayor reiterated that while the village cannot block utilities placed within a right-of-way, it can require restoration of roads and properties affected by construction.
Council voted to enter executive session to discuss matters related to potential litigation. No decisions were announced after the session.