Seated in front, Phil Swope and Vylee Garstick, who are the last two living members of the initial Columbiana charter commission. Middle row from left, family members of the original charter members Robin Kacenski Brown, Linda Perkins Winters, Pat Potter, Karen Orr Buckmann, Keith Garstick as well as council members Ty Graham, Amanda Banner and Richard “Skip” Liston. Back row (from left), city manager Lance Willard, council member John Yenges, Mayor Rick Noel and council member Ted Souder.(Submitted photo)

COLUMBIANA — Four days before recognizing the 50th anniversary of the city’s charter, Mayor Rick Noel and council members took the opportunity to do so within council chambers.

During Tuesday’s regular meeting, Noel read aloud a proclamation designating Friday, Nov. 22, as the 50th anniversary of Charter Government Day, which was endorsed by Noel, members of council and city manager Lance Willard.

Noel talked about the “significant milestone” that it allowed Columbiana reach with its forethought about the importance of having a professional manager to run the city like a business as well as it allowing the city to maintain local control, while so many municipalities with statutory government had to look to the state when making decisions about its future.

“The charter created an environment that allowed us to grow,” Mayor Noel said.

One of the founding charter committee members Phil Swope, who was in attendance for the occasion, thanked city officials are recognizing him and his colleagues. He expressed pride and how he has witnessed Columbiana grow over the past 50 years and does agree that the charter has a lot to do with it.

“We felt that the charter was the way for Columbiana to transition to a city,” Swope said. “(I am so proud) when I drive through town and see how the city has grown and prospered (today).”

On Tuesday’s agenda also was the acceptance of the Charter Review Commission meeting minutes from Oct. 16, which concluded with those members (many of which were from past government positions like municipal attorney, city manager and council members) recommending no changes were needed to be considered.

Councilman Dan Dattilio was absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

Council also approved a motion to concur with city manager Lance Willard and police chief William Myers’ decision to hire John Preston Straney as a full-time patrolman as well as pass on requesting a public hearing with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control board regarding transfer of a D-1 and D-2 liquor license for BDR Pizza Company LLC, 104 S. Main St.

In other action, members approved:

— Reappointments of Greg Gustafson and Michaela Good to the Park, Recreation and Cemetery Board for terms to run Jan. 1, 2025, through December 31, 2029.

— An emergency resolution authorizing Lance Willard to apply for Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) funds for the Springfield Road and East Park Avenue sidewalk project.

— An ordinance establishing the County Line Road Sewer Assessment Fund.

— Contracting with BBG, Inc. for the purpose or administering the health insurance benefits on an ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) Plan, effective Jan. 1, 2025 for full-time city employees.

— Ordinance transferring $189,000 from the General Fund, $63,000 to the Public Safety Vehicle Fund, $124,000 to the Special Assessment Bond Retirement Fund for the payment of current expenses as they may arise.

To conclude Tuesday’s meeting, council entered executive session to discuss the purchase of property for 13 minutes with no action taken before concluding the meeting at 7:38 p.m.