ONTARIO — Richland Public Health Commissioner Julie Chaya didn’t reveal her age, but noted some Richland County health district contracts predate her birth.
Dr. Chaya discussed a renewed health district services agreement with Ontario City Council Wednesday night, one day after Mansfield City Council agreed to the update.
Previous agreements were drafted in 1986 in the City of Mansfield and 2002 in the City of Ontario.
The main change to the Richland Public Health agreement is decreasing the number of people on the public health board from 12 to five, effective May 1. The board will consist of David Remy, Cathy Sapp, Chelsia DeRenard, Ary Van Harlingen and a licensed physician to be determined.
Board members will also have new attendance requirements for the first time, and term limits. The changes are also aligned with state wishes identified in Ohio Revised Code Section 3709.07, Chaya said.
“Five has seemed to be a great number of board members for other districts in the state of Ohio, especially when we have an emergency situation come up,” she said.
“It’s much easier to get those folks to come together in person, especially in the middle of the day, compared to 12 members that we have right now.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Mayor Knapp, Mayor Perry and District Advisory Council President Craft to get this all put together. Many hours of research, meetings and discussions have gone into this and I hope the modernized agreement helps us provide the best quality public health service throughout the county.”
The health services agreement applies to the cities of Mansfield, Ontario, and all villages and townships in Richland County except the City of Shelby — which has had its own health department for more than 100 years.
“My main question in our research and discussions was making sure Ontario was represented in this contract and on the board, which we will be,” said Ontario Mayor Kris Knapp. “This agreement doesn’t raise any taxes, so that should please our residents.”
Mayor declares Child Abuse Prevention Month, Early Childhood Learning Week
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, Knapp proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in the City of Ontario.
“Every child deserves a nurturing family and a safe environment free from fear, abuse and neglect,” Knapp read.
“Parents, guardians, relatives and neighbors all share a responsibility to prevent these devastating crimes, and our local government plays a critical role as well.”
Knapp also declared April 5 to 11 as a week to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood education.
He plans to present the proclamation to the Clover Hill Early Learning Center on Park Avenue next week.
“The first years of a child’s life are the period of the most rapid brain development and lay the foundation for all future learning,” Knapp said. “I call upon all Ontario residents to join the effort to ensure that children, supported by families, have the early experience they need for a strong foundation.”
Also at Wednesday’s meeting:
- Service-safety director Adam Gongwer said he, a K.E. McCartney associate and the mayor drove streets suggested for paving from the 2023 road analysis. Gongwer said the three came to a suggestion that portions of Spring Village Lane, Bedford Boulevard, Rosewood, Tanglewood, Randallwood and Teakwood, August Drive, Benbrandon Court and Deer Ridge Lane should be paved if funds allow. The estimate on the eight roads is $500,000. Spring Village Lane is accounted separately. Most of these streets were already on the streets committee’s list for 2025 pavings, which BK Layer in Perrysville Ohio bid for.
- Knapp reported there are two new liquor control permit requests in the city — KD Pizza has filed for a license at the former Papa Gondola’s at 3080 Park Ave. West, where the owner plans a new Italian-themed restaurant, and a permit transfer at the Marathon gas station at 3636 Park Ave. West.
- The mayor said the city will print 32 veteran banners and has closed submissions for the year. The banners will be displayed on Lexington-Springmill Road from around Memorial Day through Veterans Day.
- Knapp said he and Ontario Schools supt. Keith Strickler agreed to partner on tennis court rehabilitation at the school. He said he received a quote of $43,000 to repair cracks in the courts, estimated to keep them in good conduction for at least three years. The school will reimburse the city for half the costs.
- Council passed an ordinance updating public employee bonds for officials who handle cash and checks in the city. Service safety director Adam Gongwer said this is required for the city’s insurance.
- Council read an ordinance to hire Reveille to conduct a comprehensive review of the city’s zoning code. The planning consultant firm quoted the city approximately $48,750 for a review, evaluation, and aligning the code with the strategic plan. The costs also include creating a steering committee for public participation. Funds will come from the city’s economic development fund. Related reading: Ontario’s $21.3M budget targets water, sewer infrastructure.
- Council approved a $315,000 contract for an inflow and infiltration reduction project located within the Spring Village Sewer-shed. Money was obligated for that project and not spent in 2024, so it carried over to 2025. The contract with the City of Mansfield will be paid from the I&I/Rock Road EQ Basin Fund.
- Council approved updates to the traffic and general offenses codes for the city to keep them in line with rules from the Ohio General Assembly.
- Council members agreed to a schedule change from their regular meetings due to a council meeting held at Ontario High School on May 12. Council will meet as scheduled April 16 and will host a meeting April 30 in council chambers. Council will reconvene June 4 as scheduled after the meeting at the high school.