Ashtabula Council Swears in New Ward I Member as Equity Commission Debate Turns Tense

ASHTABULA — City Council swore in a new Ward I representative, honored a retiring finance employee and approved a stack of contracts and insurance renewals during its Aug. 17 meeting, even as tension over a proposed citizen commission spilled into both the work session and the public comment period. New councilman takes his seat Scott A. DiCola was sworn in as Ward I councilman during a brief ceremony before the regular meeting began. He was appointed by the Ashtabula County Democratic Party Executive Committee under Ohio Revised Code 731.43. City Manager Jim Timonere administered the oath while members of a youth dance group DiCola coaches held the Bible. DiCola told the room he wants to represent every ward, not just his own. He described himself as a lifelong Ashtabula resident and Harbor High School graduate who cares about the city's future. Council President John Roskovics welcomed him and said members are confident he will serve residents well. Commission proposal draws sharp exchanges Much of the evening centered on a proposed Thriving Communities Commission, an advisory body that would gather resident input and data across city departments. Council Member RoLesia Holman pressed Roskovics on whether the commission could later be dissolved and how its membership would avoid becoming one sided. Roskovics said council could act on that question later and confirmed the topic needed more discussion time. The exchange grew pointed once citizen comments opened. Jessica Leveto, a sociologist and longtime ad hoc committee member, read a prepared statement defending the commission's purpose and pushed back on Roskovics directly, saying his conduct during the earlier work session had offended her in front of her children. Roskovics apologized but said he was unsure what more to say. Council scheduled a public work session for Sept. 8 at 5 p.m. so residents and outside experts can weigh in further. Longtime finance employee honored Council passed a resolution of appreciation for Carolyn Sheldon, who is retiring after 37 years with the city, most recently as assistant finance director. Finance Director Vladimir Kan read a tribute crediting Sheldon with leading projects including a staffing software conversion, the city's investment program and new procedures for delinquent tax accounts. Roskovics added that Sheldon has served under four finance directors and that council never worried about continuity because of her steady presence. The resolution passed 7 to 0. Council approves contracts and insurance renewals Council passed several ordinances by consent, all by 7 to 0 votes. Members approved a contract with Rocky Road Paving for a fourth round of road deck repairs tied to sanitary and storm sewer cuts, not to exceed $23,100. They also approved a change order of $668.80 with Proline Technology for an additional camera mount tied to the city annex security camera project. Two insurance items also passed. A one year law enforcement professional liability policy with Aquisure Insurance and Kinsale Insurance Company will cost $186,765. A separate liability, property and casualty policy through the Public Entities Pool of Ohio will run from Aug. 21, 2026, through Aug. 21, 2027, at a cost not to exceed $302,889. Timonere said the city is switching from its previous carrier after receiving a stronger offer. Council additionally approved a second round of disposing obsolete water pollution control equipment and a supplemental appropriations ordinance. On a separate second reading, council finalized an ordinance replacing the city code section that requires address numbers on buildings and alley entrances. City closes out yearslong nuisance property case City Manager Timonere told council that cleanup of a longstanding nuisance property on East 23rd Street finally wrapped up after roughly 10 years in and out of court. Crews hauled away nine dump truck loads of scrap along with multiple loads of garbage and five vehicles. The cleanup cost is expected to reach about $78,000, which the city hopes to recover through the property owner's tax bill. Several residents thanked city staff during public comment, including Steve Chase and Barb Kipart, who both praised the housing department and solicitor's office for the hours invested in the case. City Solicitor Cecilia Cooper said her office plans to lean more heavily on civil injunctions going forward because they have proven more effective than criminal prosecution, even though they take longer and cost more staff time. Data centers and nondisclosure agreements discussed The Community Development and Economic Development Committee reported on an Aug. 5 meeting where Molly Bryden of Policy Matters Ohio presented on the fiscal, environmental and public health issues tied to large data centers. Timonere said he does not want a data center located in Ashtabula given the city's limited available land, and the committee agreed any moratorium proposal needs stronger policy language be