It is rare that controversial national issues enter local politics, but Tuesday’s Mansfield City Council meeting touched on two constitutional issues. Both the second amendment and the separation of church and state were at the forefront of council proceedings. The meeting also included the approval of a demolition, staffing classifications, the retirement of a police officer and a K-9, two mayoral proclamations, and the introduction of a major roads improvement project.
Normally a perfunctory occurrence, council began with first the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a prayer. That is how every Mansfield City Council meeting typically begins, and will likely continue to, given the United States Supreme Court ruling on Monday that upholds the tradition of prayer at public meetings.
City Law Director John Spon explained the court’s decision, “The Supreme Court of the United States yesterday had a landmark decision, which upheld the right of city councils to have an invocation or a prayer. The decision was 5-4 with the majority upholding the right of city councils to express as members of city council their invocations.
The court suggested in some respects that the opportunity of prayer would be inclusive, that even though we are limited by time, it doesn’t mean that anyone else of any faith or tradition does not have a right also to invoke their own personal invocation to their god. It preserves a right that is fundamental to the traditions of our country.”
Spon also expressed his support for the ruling. “For those of us that value tradition I think it’s an outstanding decision. As long as we recognize that when we come before any [public] body we don’t come as Christians, we don’t come as a Jewish person, we don’t come as a Hindu person, we don’t come as someone who has a different view. That any citizen who comes before this body, city council, comes as an American and the American way is to allow for all and every separate and different religious expression.”
In 2008 the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that cities and municipalities could not prohibit guns in public parks. As a part of the ongoing effort of the Law Director’s Office to update outdated ordinances, legislation to amend Mansfield’s Codified Ordinances passed unanimously Tuesday night. Although the State Supreme Court Ruling has raised concerns in other communities about the interpretation of “home rule,” a provision in the Ohio Constitution that allows municipalities to approve, in the interests of citizens, ordinances that conflict with state rules, this issue was not raised by anyone Tuesday night.
In other action, council honored James H. Moore Jr. upon his retirement after 25 years of service with the Mansfield Division of Police. He served in both the Community Service Bureau and the Violent Fugitive Task Force, receiving the “Top Cop” award in 2007.
The resolution read, “Officer Moore is known for his hard work, dedication and positive attitude toward his work and co-workers. He has consistently demonstrated a high degree of skill, integrity and perseverance in his job. His retirement represents a loss to the Mansfield Division of Police and the citizens of this community and culminates a career that has exemplified the best qualities of a law enforcement professional.”
In reference to replacing Moore, Chief of Police Kenneth Koontz said, “Now we’re going through this process and it’s hard to find a good Christian man. He’ll be missed.”
Another bill honored K-9 dog “Tyson” upon his retirement from the Mansfield Police Department. The dog was responsible for seizure of 700 grams of cocaine, 70 grams of crack cocaine, 80 grams of heroin, 13,000 grams of marijuana, and $12,000 cash during his four year tenure. Tyson and officer Sara Mosier-Napier were responsible for over 300 arrests. A separate bill released Tyson to Mosier-Napier’s care.
The city also accepted $13,000 in anonymous donations to support the ongoing efforts of the K-9 program.
City Engineer Bob Bianchi presented a major roads project to council. Through a combination of grants he plans to expand Trimble road between Marion and Cook Roads to four lanes with five lane intersections. In partnership with the Richland County Regional Planning Commission (RCRPC) Bianchi’s research indicates that the expansion is needed for three reasons.
The first reason is safety. Based on RCRPC data the area has a high volume of traffic accidents in it’s current state. The second reason, likely related to the first, is traffic congestion. The third, economic development. Property developers, whose company names were not disclosed during council, have expressed serious interest in a significant construction project or projects contingent upon this proposed improvement project.
Council approved the bill authorizing bids for the project which Bianchi plans to fund primarily through grants with some city funds devoted to design.
The mayor issued two proclamations. One in support of Mental Health Awareness Month, and one in support of Police Week.
In regular business council approved the demolition of 108 Arthur Avenue, appropriated funds for previously approved items, adjusted staffing classifications at Clearfork Reservoir, and approved the video service agreement which will ensure continued income from cable contracts.
Mansfield City Council will meet next on May 20 at 7 p.m.
