NELSONVILLE, Ohio — The Nelsonville City Council operating under the city charter met Tuesday, Jan. 27, to formally establish care of Polley Field.
The council adopted on first reading Resolution 2368, which establishes the Polley Field stewardship program to support the maintenance, care and enhancement of Polley Field at Nelsonville Park, at 197–199 Watkins St.
“The board of the Nelson New York Youth League has proposed a stewardship project focused on the maintenance and care of Polley Field and its baseball class softball fields,” said acting council member McCray Powell, who served as clerk Tuesday.
Council member Nancy Sonick praised volunteers for their work and fundraising efforts.
“Just so the public knows, this bunch of people that are volunteering their time to take care of Polley Field have actually went out and got their own money for the projects that they do,” says Sonick.
“Right now it’s at about $45,000,” Sonick said. “They have done this on their own and the city has not been involved in it, so kudos to them.”
In other business, Nelsonville Division of Fire Chief Harry Barber discussed the department’s partnership with the American Red Cross to install smoke detectors in homes without them.
“This program is in place through our partnership with the Red Cross,” Barber said. “We actually do assessments of the homes and the installs of the smoke detectors, so if anybody has a need, contact the fire department.”
Barber also provided updates on grants being implemented in 2026, including the Rocky Community Improvement Fund and equipment grants. His report concluded with updates on Engine 53, which was out of service at the time of the meeting and was expected to return to service within three to five days. Barber said he “expects a call by the end of this week.”
The council also discussed ordinances, including with Ordinance 4-26, which involves the construction of sidewalks and curbs on Fayette Street. The council passed the ordinance on first reading, on emergency.
In her report, City Manager Danette Miller outlined work completed over the previous two weeks. Between suggested training, being brought up to speed on past projects, signing necessary paperwork and attending scheduled meetings, it had been a “very busy two weeks,” Miller said.
Miller then introduced the Certificate of Total Resources, the last piece needed to finish the 2026 budget, which was then accepted by the council.
Council members also expressed gratitude to residents for their hard work and perseverance given the recent snowfall. They highlighted “individuals everywhere thinking and doing good” and “the fire department that is shoveling to keep us safe,” encouraging the community to remember the positive efforts taking place throughout the city.
Before entering into executive session, Sonick addressed criticism posted on social media.
“There has been a lot of bashing going on on Facebook concerning this council,” Sonick said. “What the people need to understand in Nelsonville is, yes, you voted to have a mayor and so forth. However, the court has ruled in our favor, and until the court says ‘You’re outta here,’ we are here and we are here to stay.”
Sonick is referring to a December 2025 Athens County Court of Common Pleas case filed by charter council members that sought to prevent the statutory candidates from taking office. That case was dismissed;the judge maintained, however, that the council repealed in August 2025 the ballot initiative that resulted in the statutory candidates’ elections in November 2025.
The council then entered executive session with the city manager, adjourning upon return to open session.
Nelsonville City Council meets every other Monday of each month, at Nelsonville City Council Chambers, 211 Lake Hope Drive. Its next regular meeting will be Monday, Feb 9 at 7 p.m. Meetings are live streamed on YouTube. Find more at cityofnelsonville.com.
The statutory council’s next meeting is at The Lodge at Hocking College, 15770 SR 691, next Monday, Feb 2.
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