Whitehall City Council Meeting - April 21, 2026

The Whitehall City Council convened on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, President Thomas Potter presiding. The meeting included a public hearing on detention facility zoning, reports from city officials, public comments, and votes on five legislative items.

Consent Calendar

• Councilman Devin Brown was excused from the meeting by a unanimous vote.
• The April 13, 2026 Special Meeting minutes were approved unanimously.

Officials' Reports (Discussion Items)

• Mayor Michael T. Bivens reported on police and fire recruiting, including seven new police recruits and an active search for a female firefighter. He detailed the expansion of the "See Something, Say Something" initiative into neighborhood bicycle patrols and announced the city's first Founders' Day celebration scheduled for the fall.
• City Auditor Shaquille Alexander provided a financial summary, stating the city's total portfolio is roughly $30 million, with cash on hand at $4.4 million and a budget stabilization fund of $1.54 million. He urged reliance on verified financial facts.
• Director of Public Service Casey Rowlands reported the Broad Street phase three project is near completion and the Yearling Road project is on track for an August 1st finish. She noted the "See Something, Say Something" program has resolved 30 out of 30 complaints. Councilman Larry Morrison raised concerns about confusion over new traffic patterns at the Broad and Hamilton intersection.

Public Hearing & Discussion: Ordinance 022-2026 (Detention Facilities)

City Planner Mr. Nutter presented a proposed ordinance to require a special use permit for the construction or operation of detention facilities in all zoning districts. The legislation is a proactive measure to ensure any future facility fits the city's character and development goals. Council members clarified the ordinance regulates the use of land, not the user, and does not prohibit detention facilities but subjects them to additional scrutiny through the Planning Commission and City Council. The Whitehall Planning Commission unanimously recommended the legislation. No residents spoke in favor or opposition during the hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tatiana Bojanowski: Expressed strong support for Councilwoman Amy Harcar, sharing her background as an immigrant from Macedonia and praising Councilwoman Harcar's dedication to helping vulnerable populations.
• Yvonne Peters: Spoke against division in the community, expressing support for Mayor Bivens and Councilwomen Elmore and Harcar. She specifically thanked Councilman McCann for his community engagement.
• Linda Long: Reported that multiple residents have expressed feeling unsafe letting their children play in Whitehall parks due to ongoing hate and division in the community, urging the council to address the issue.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance No. 022-2026 (Detention Facilities Special Permit): Adopted (6-0).
• Ordinance No. 027-2026 (Personnel Amendment): Failed (2-4; Elmore, Harcar in favor; Dixon, Morrison, Adkins, McCann opposed). The item authorizes an amendment to the table of authorized personnel for FY2026.
• Ordinance No. 028-2026 (161.38 Changes): Failed (2-4; same split). The item amends the personnel code.
• Ordinance No. 033-2026 (HR Training): Adopted (6-0). Authorizes a supplemental appropriation of $8,000 from the general fund for HR training needs.
• Resolution No. 015-2026 (MORPC Grant): Adopted (6-0). Authorizes the Mayor to apply for a $100,000 Technical Assistance grant from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission with no local match.
• Next Steps: The two failed ordinances (027 and 028) were noted as needing to be revisited by the administration.

Community Date Board & Council Remarks

• Councilman Dixon addressed facing homophobic attacks and offered condolences to the Kelly family. He voted in favor of the MORPC grant despite philosophical concerns over national debt.
• Councilwomen Harcar and Elmore condemned hate and bigotry. Harcar reminded the public of the domestic violence hotline (614-224-6363) and emphasized leaving such situations safely requires support.
• Councilman Morrison noted a celebration of life for a local veteran and thanked the audience.
• It was noted Whitehall Yearling High School earned a "Momentum Award" from the state of Ohio for academic growth. Councilman Dixon also highlighted a student athlete, Andre Jackson, who set a school record in the 400-meter dash (45.68 seconds) at the University of Tennessee.