New Franklin council unanimously approves carpet contract, law director appointment and energy grant acceptance

New Franklin’s City Council on April 1 unanimously adopted three emergency resolutions to address facility needs, staffing and an energy grant.

The council approved resolution 26R13 to authorize a contract with Bington Carpet and Flooring Design to replace worn carpeting in administrative offices and the council chambers. Officials said the existing carpet is stained and 22 years old and that staff obtained multiple quotes; the transcript records a quoted figure written as '24,96' but does not provide a clear, complete dollar amount. Councilors asked whether the police department flooring would be replaced in the same budget cycle; staff said quotes for the police area are being solicited and funding options are under review.

The council also adopted resolution 26R14 appointing Marshall M. Pitchford as the city’s law director. During discussion Pitchford and the mayor noted his municipal experience (the transcript records that he currently serves as Clinton’s law director) and Pitchford said he plans to attend meetings in person and help draft and review city resolutions. Officials discussed proposed billing rates in the record (transcript cites rates of $275 per hour for the law director, $250 per hour for associates and $165 per hour for paralegals; another speaker disputed a figure during the exchange). The appointment passed by unanimous roll call.

Finally, the council adopted resolution 26R15 to accept Energized Community Grants through the Northeast Ohio public energy council program. Committee discussion included ballpark past award figures described in the meeting (speakers estimated recent grants in the $12,000–$14,000 range and elsewhere referenced '25–26,000' as an approximate total); the exact FY2026 award amount was not specified in the meeting transcript and will be confirmed by staff.

Votes and procedure: the council moved to waive three readings for these emergency resolutions and recorded unanimous 'yes' votes on each item. The mayor said staff will continue to pursue funding where appropriate and return with implementation details.

What’s next: Staff will finalize contract paperwork for the carpet replacement, confirm the law-director contract language and billing terms, and supply exact grant award numbers and any required acceptance paperwork for the energization grant at a future meeting.