ONTARIO — Ontario Mayor Kris Knapp introduced council members to the city’s new zoning inspector at Wednesday night’s council meeting.
But Benji Hall needs no introduction to Ontario basketball fans.
The 2001 Warriors’ graduate pumped in 1,281 points as a star for legendary coach Joe Balogh.
“I was OK,” Hall smiled.
The 42-year-old was better than that. He was a three-time All-Ohioan and a McDonald’s All-American nominee. As a senior, the 6-foot-3 standout averaged 20.3 points per game and earned first-team Division III all-state honors, along with some other guy named LeBron James.
Hall led Ontario to a fine season in 2000-01 that culminated in a No. 11 ranking in the final state poll.
After closing his prep career, he earned a basketball scholarship to Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where he helped the 2002 Cougars win an NAIA national championship.
Hall has a business administration degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University. He is a former plant manager for Charter Next Generation.
Hall spent the first 11 years of his life in the Village of Plymouth and has lived in Ontario ever since. He and his wife Brynn have two children.
“Benji is a people-person and I think he will do very well in this position,” Knapp said.
“I also want to thank Adam Gongwer, our service safety director, for acting as our zoning inspector this last month and also training Benji.”
Council President Eddie Gallo welcomed Hall to his first council meeting on Wednesday.
“It’s really neat to have watched someone grow up in the city and now work for us,” Gallo said.
Hall follows in the steps of former zoning inspector Michael Morton, who held the position since 2020 and recently accepted a new job.
Hall began the zoning inspector job on Sept. 30. He said he is looking forward to helping the City of Ontario grow.
“I think there’s some great energy in the city and I’m excited to add to it,” he said.
Hall’s responsibilities will include enforcing the city’s zoning codes, reporting updates to planning commission and city council, inspecting properties and investigating complaints.
Also in Wednesday’s council meeting:
Council announced a public hearing regarding a rezone request at 3052 Mabee Road from residential to business. The address is the former Shafer Landscaping. The owners of Arnold’s Garden Center want to build a new building and sell trees, plants and shrubs at the property. Any residents who want to comment on the rezone can do so at the council meeting Nov. 20.
Gongwer said city leaf pickup will start Oct. 21 and end around Nov. 22 — weather permitting. Residents should place their leaves at the edge of the roadway and avoid placing them near storm drains. Do not put sticks, tree limbs or other yard debris at the curb.
Gongwer also reminded council and residents that the citywide trick-or-treat is scheduled for Oct. 26 from 4-6 p.m. The Ontario Youth Sports and recreation department event “Haunted Hallways” will follow at Ontario High School. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits and school groups.
The personnel committee discussed potential updates to the city’s employee policies regarding drug use and disciplinary action.
Economic development committee chair Josh Bradley said the city’s comprehensive plan steering committee will meet for the final time Oct. 22. Council members should have some results and initiatives next week for the city’s 20-year strategic plan.
Finance committee chair Dave Rehfeldt said council members should expect to review a preliminary 2025 budget next month. The finance committee will review a budget draft on Nov. 8.
Knapp said the city will order three new digital speed signs for roadways around the city. He plans to purchase more next year and will discuss which streets to place them at with council members at a later date.
Knapp said the city is interested in purchasing land east of Stowell Park from the Richland County Land Bank. The property is on Ferguson Road near Applebee’s. Knapp said more than $40,000 in back taxes would be eliminated if the city’s application to purchase the property is accepted.
Knapp said the city is working to move forward on plans to create a military memorial surrounding the VFW’s donated M42 Duster tank that sits in Marshall Park. The city is forming a veterans committee led by Brett Baxter to advise the project.