Village approves 2026 budget measures and camping restrictions in brief session
The Northfield Village Council convened for its regular meeting on May 28 at 7:45 p.m., with Mayor Jennifer Domzalski presiding over a brief but productive session that addressed key legislative matters.
Council Actions
The council unanimously approved Resolution 2025-32, an emergency resolution adopting the village’s tax budget for fiscal year 2026. Finance Director Jennifer Potvin noted the budget submission is due to the county by July 15, prompting the early approval.
Council members also passed Ordinance 2025-33, establishing new criminal code provisions prohibiting camping on public property. The emergency ordinance creates Section 642.15 of the village criminal code, making it unlawful to camp on municipal property including streets, sidewalks, parks and public grounds without mayoral permission.
Historical Society Update
Ellen Bertel from the Historical Society of Old Northfield addressed council about the organization’s growth and ongoing preservation efforts. The society has replaced five windows in the Palmer House and installed a new flagpole, with funding from community donations.
Bertel reported the society’s meetings have grown from 5-6 attendees to 18-22 people, requiring a move to larger conference room space at the library. Their Facebook page has received thousands of hits, particularly for a series on the Akron Bedford Cleveland Railroad that once ran through Northfield.
The society requested any remaining budget funds to continue improvements on the Palmer House. Bertel announced their next open house will be the third Sunday in June from 1-4 p.m.
Department Reports
Fire Department Lieutenant reported that firefighter Christopher Molnar has started full-time duties and announced the upcoming Touch a Truck event scheduled for June 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family-friendly event will feature an obstacle course, demonstrations, and a helicopter landing between 1-1:15 p.m.
Service Superintendent Jason Walters updated council on ongoing projects, noting rain has created challenges with dumpster management as containers fill quickly. He reported the new police station construction is progressing, with occupancy expected by mid-June pending final concrete work and sidewalk repairs.
Administrative Business
Council voted to cancel the first meetings of June, July and August for summer recess. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4 at 6 p.m.
The village is seeking applicants for multiple positions with a June 19 application deadline. The Ward B council seat has a term expiring Dec. 31 and pays $400 monthly plus a $100 expense stipend. Council members meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and must be continuous residents for one year prior to appointment.
The Planning Commission has a vacancy for a term ending Dec. 31, 2028. Members meet the third Wednesday monthly at 7:30 p.m. when needed. Professional architectural, building, planning or zoning experience is preferred but not required.
The Recreation Board also has vacant positions. Members are unpaid volunteers who meet the first Wednesday monthly at 6:30 p.m. when needed.
All positions require village residency and voter registration, with applicants unable to hold other municipal office. Council applications go to Finance Director Jennifer Potvin at finance@northfieldvillage-oh.gov, while Planning Commission and Recreation Board applications should be sent to Mayor Domzalski at mayor@northfieldvillage-oh.gov.
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
