NELSONVILLE, Ohio — Amid multiple ongoing legal battles, Nelsonville City Council at its regular (and lengthy) meeting on Aug. 12 passed an emergency ordinance to establish procedure ballot initiatives in Nelsonville.
In an over three-hour meeting, the council unanimously passed Resolution 2305, which reaffirms “the right of the people of Nelsonville to choose their form of government for the city pursuant to procedures set forth in the Ohio Constitution.”
The resolution follows litigation brought by former councilman Greg Smith in July to force the city to place an initiative repealing the city charter on the Nov. 5 general election ballot. The case is pending before the Ohio Fourth District Court of Appeals.
Smith’s suit says that the city failed to follow procedures outlined in the charter; the city argues the charter cannot govern an electoral process.
Also on Aug. 12, the council passed on emergency first reading an ordinance authorizing yet another settlement payment to Smith: $3,491 to resolve a May 2024 civil complaint in which he sought the release of public records.
This is the second time this year Smith has settled with the city; in late January, the city settled a 2021 lawsuit with him for over $70,000.
“We’re working on another vehicle for him right now,” Councilman Cory Taylor joked in the meeting.
The council also passed 5-1 an ordinance authorizing a monthly stipend for once-again acting City Manager and Nelsonville Police Department Chief Devon Tolliver. Tolliver is serving as interim city manager while City Manager Tom Cangemi is on administrative leave.
Tolliver will receive an additional monthly stipend of $2,500, with backpay starting July 29.
Former city auditor — and current relator in her own civil suit against the city, now awaiting an Ohio Supreme Court decision — Sue Powell expressed concern over the $2,5000 equating $30,000 annually.
Council President Gregg Clement, along with councilman Tony Dunfee, said that Tolliver’s appointment ideally is temporary. Dunfee pointed out that Tolliver did not receive extra pay last year, when he served as city manager intermittently for nearly an entire year.
Councilman Johnny Flowers voted against the stipend ordinance, finding it “excessive.”
The council also held a special meeting on Aug. 21 to pass a resolution for a traffic project.
Nelsonville City Council meets every other Monday of each month, at Nelsonville City Council Chambers, 211 Lake Hope Drive. Meetings are livestreamed on YouTube. Find more at cityofnelsonville.com.
