Baberton City Council sworn-in ceremony installs Shorter Griffin as president; Rebecca Gerhardt elected vice president

Shorter Griffin was sworn in as president of the Baberton City Council during the council’s organizational meeting on Friday evening, Jan. 2, 2026, at council chambers. Tabia Galinski, clerk of the Summit County Courts, administered the oath; Griffin recited the pledge to support the U.S. Constitution, the Ohio Constitution and the city charter and pledged to "faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties incumbent upon me as president of city council."

The council appointed and subsequently swore in Laurie Reese Price as clerk of council after nominations and a motion to close nominations passed. Price repeated the oath of office and pledged to uphold the same constitutional and charter duties as clerk.

Two council members at large were also sworn at the meeting. The transcript records that "Crystal" took the oath as council person at large, followed by Julie Miller, who likewise recited the oath. The council acknowledged that Ward 3 remains an open seat.

Nominations for vice president of council were then opened. A council member nominated Rebecca Gerhardt and another member nominated Emily Beck. After nominations were closed and the council conducted roll-call voting, the transcript reports a final tally of three yes votes, two no votes and two abstentions and declares Rebecca Gerhardt elected vice president. Gerhardt then took the oath of office, pledging to "faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all duties incumbent upon me as vice president of council."

The meeting concluded with brief administrative items, expressions of thanks and a motion to adjourn. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded; the president declared the council adjourned at 6:19 p.m.

The organizational meeting focused on filling leadership roles for the council’s upcoming term; no substantive policy or budget items were discussed at this session.