ONTARIO — The Ontario Municipal Building saw a larger crowd than usual for a city council meeting on Wednesday.
Kris Knapp, Ontario service safety director, was sworn in as mayor in front of his family members and friends.
Knapp was appointed for the remainder of former mayor Randy Hutchinson’s through December 2025 last week.
He listed many tasks already on his to-do list, including appointing a new service-safety director, working with Industrial Commercial Properties on the former General Motors site and helping new businesses come to town.
“I couldn’t do this without my wife, Shelly,” he said.
“I want to thank everyone for being here, my brother Steve and Kim came from Marblehead, my youngest daughter Abigail came from Piqua Ohio. It means the world to me.
“I’m very humbled and excited, and looking forward to more great things for the city.”
Knapp is the 14th mayor in the city’s history since Ontario was incorporated in 1958.
The former health and sports medicine teacher at Ontario High School also coached basketball and track and field.
He has been the city’s service safety director since 2022. Knapp is still overseeing his service safety duties and plans to appoint someone to the position soon.
He said he plans to seek election to the mayoral seat on next year’s ballots for the elected term beginning in 2026.
Menards Self Storage update
Walker Lake Road residents Robin and Marc Vanerio asked about Menards Self Storage construction and drainage solutions during public commentary on Wednesday. Robin Vanerio said water is pooling on their property from the construction site.
Knapp has worked with city engineer Mark Rufener, zoning inspector Michael Morton and Menards representatives to inspect the property. He said Menards needs to have drainage directed away from all properties and expects a solution by mid-September.
“They’re working on soil stabilization, and according to the contractor, they’re looking at a timeline of Sept. 10 to do that,” Knapp said. “They’re getting grading work done as well.”
City plans military memorial advisory committee
Also in Wednesday’s meeting, council president Eddie Gallo discussed plans for putting together a parks subcommittee to advise plans for a military memorial in Marshall Park.
The Ontario VFW donated a M42 Duster tank to the city, which was installed in Marshall Park in June. The city plans to make the duster the centerpiece of a military memorial.
“I’ve got lots of good information from the veteran and grant writer who spearheaded the military memorial up in Carlisle Township,” Gallo said. “They received grants, as well as corporate and private donations.
“What we need to do next I think is form a committee that will point us in the right direction and push that over the finish line.”
Gallo said if any veterans or Ontario citizens passionate about veterans’ causes are interested in joining a committee, they can contact him, parks committee chair Troy Sapp or Knapp with questions.
