The July 25 Galion City Council meeting began with a swearing-in ceremony for new Galion Police Chief Ryan Strange. Mayor Tom O’Leary administered the oath of office, and Strange was joined by his wife and other family members.

As no citizens sought to address the council, members approved the July 11 meeting minutes and jumped into the first readings of ordinances and resolutions.

Ordinance 2023-56, amending the appropriations of funds to assist after property loss or demolition, passed unanimously. These budgetary adjustments are to preserve the safety and welfare of Galion and its residents.

Resolutions 2023-12 and 2023-13, approving and ratifying “then and now” certificates, also both passed with unanimous votes. Those certificates are issued when the city fiscal officer can certify that at the time an order was made, and at the time the treasurer completes the certification, sufficient funds were available to the credit of a proper fund.

Other business included extending the liquor license for Ohio-based BellStores to include Sundays.

Members then engaged in discourse on houses around Galion that seem in disarray, with garbage piled up on the side or “junk cars” sitting, with grass growing around them. O’Leary said many of these homes have already been notified by letter.

Council member-at-large Paula Durbin asked about progress on the Public Square mural, to which O’Leary said he’s open to having community input and spending time developing a consensus. The mayor also noted that Brownfield grants are “inching forward” as the city works with the Port Authority to get sites cleared.

“I’d like to again congratulate Chief Strange on his accomplishment,” Council President Eric Webber said to close the meeting. “We look forward to him being in the position that he has and are excited to see what he does with his department.”

A.J. Kaufman is a correspondent for the Galion Inquirer.