City Council and Administration thank board volunteers

If one wanted to know what a perfect setting for an event would be, they would describe the scene at Ted Lewis Park last Thursday night — a perfect July evening in Ohio with sunshine and temperatures in the high 70’s, a gentle wind, friendly conversation … and Dairy Shed ice cream!

City Council member Sheri Theis organized the event, an Ice Cream Social, to express appreciation for those who volunteer on the City’s boards and commissions. City Council members Tom Duvall, Zach Brooks, Jeff Hallinin, and John Moats joined Theis at the event along with Brenda Short who represented the City Administration.

“I’d like to welcome everyone to the Ice Cream Social; I’m so glad that you’re able to be here,” said Theis. “We planned this event to show our sincere appreciation for all of you who volunteer on the city’s boards and commissions. We thank you for sharing your time, your knowledge and your skills to benefit our community.”

Theis then described the purpose of each board and thanked each member.

Planning and Zoning Commission

This is the platting authority for the city. The commission reviews and must approve development plans and site plan design applications.

Members: Mike Combs, Kimberly Fredericks, Dorcas Morrow, Beth Mason, and Richard Liston

Pickaway County Metropolitan Housing Authority Board

One member is appointed to this board from the city to serve with members from around Pickaway County. Their mission is to assist low and moderate income people with safe, decent and affordable housing opportunities.

Members: Joy Ewing (Executive Director), Katie Logan Hedges (Chair), Jay Elsea, Donald Hatfield, Kip Nungester, and Michael Taylor, Sr.

Board of Park Commissioners

This board provides guidance and direction to the City Administration on matters relating to planning, acquisition, development and operation of the city’s parks.

Members: Beth Mason (Chair), Megan Travis, and Tyler Cruz

Pickaway County Board of Health

Two members are appointed to this board from the city to serve with members from around Pickaway County. This board oversees the operations of the Pickaway County Health District, whose mission is to protect and improve the health of Pickaway County residents through the provision of quality public health services.

Members: Mike Wolford (President), Dr. Linda Iskra, Colin Hedges, Roxan Sigmon, Nancie Bechtel, and Spencer Cheek

Civil Service Commission

This commission has established a system of personnel administration for the City of Circleville based on merit principles and personnel methods. It governs the appointment, promotion, transfer, layoff, removal and discipline of City employees.

Members: Matt Tootle (Chair), Stacy Young (Vice-Chair), and Amy Elsea

Historic Review Board

This board is tasked with protecting and preserving the areas of the city with unique and valuable historic, architectural, and cultural resources. The board promotes and enhances revitalization and reinvestment in the City of Circleville.

Members: Richie Verito (Chair), Mike Combs, Jane Shaw, Jessica Calder Richard Rhodes, and Bill Adkins

Circleville Tree Commission

This commission creates and maintains a comprehensive plan for the care preservation, pruning, planting, replacement, maintenance and removal of trees and shrubs in the public streets, right of ways, parks, cemeteries, public schools, and other city owned property

Members: Roman Cline (Chair), Beth Kowalski, Alan Gribler (Certified Arborist), Lisa Wiseman, Lori Pritchard, Laura Schweitzer, Mark Fouch and Volunteers Paul Hang and Doug Baker

Downtown Redevelopment District Board

This board serves as a catalyst for the downtown economic development, job creation, property improvement, and retaining the city’s distinctive residential and commercial architecture.

Members: Michael Hartley, Daryl Wolf — there is currently an opening for the third position

Board of Zoning Appeals

The BZA hears appeals in matters related to the zoning ordinances. Because the board acts somewhat like a court, it’s called a quasi-judicial body.

Members: Kevin Driesbach (Chair), Ken Greene, Dennis Garlington, Connie Kelly, Misty Laxton, Fred Kennedy (alternate), and Tonya Winfield (alternate)

Uptown Circleville Board

Uptown Circleville was formed in 2018 with the desire to strengthen our city through beautification, promotion, and economic growth. They welcome volunteers who share in our passion for the community. Members do not have to be appointed by the City Council, just ask one of the board members.

Members: Jeff Rollins (Chair), Jennifer Tomlinson, Wayne Linthicum, Richard Rhodes, Heidi White, Richard Gerhardt, Ashley Tait, Linda Chancey, and Eugene Ragland

The perfect weather and the busy park, full of families enjoying the shelters, the playground and the splash pad, was a perfect thank you for Council member Sheri Theis, whose efforts, along with Jim Stanley and so many others, have made Ted Lewis Park once again the city’s crown jewel.