Waite Hill Council hears finance, planning and safety reports; recycling reconsidered

The Waite Hill Council received committee reports and administrative updates at its Jan. 12 meeting.

Finance: Finance Committee Chair Karl Scheucher submitted an appended report showing total fund balances of $8,445,487, a decline of $201,859 compared with the prior year. The appendix (incorporated in the minutes) included monthly surplus/deficit performance, fund trajectory graphics, and a Star Ohio annualized yield of 3.90% as of Jan. 9, 2026 with an average days-to-maturity of 28.8.

Planning and zoning: Council member Abby Hiltsley, reporting for the Planning & Zoning Commission and the Architectural Board of Review, said the Architectural Board denied a request to ratify a garage constructed on Rollin Road. That denial is being appealed to Council and is scheduled for the February Council meeting. The Planning & Zoning Commission will recommend amendments to ordinances governing deposits and will prepare an FAQ for village construction projects.

Safety and public works: Safety Committee Chair Stephanie Winterer deferred to Police Chief Carl Dondorfer, who said December traffic contacts were lower due to weather and that weather-related incidents increased. The Village used the WENS notification system to inform residents after a postponed garbage pickup, and dispatch numbers and a new agreement with the City of Willoughby Hills remain under review.

Service Director Bob Haynik reported heavy winter operations: 450 tons of salt had been used thus far and additional salt was to be delivered the same day; a truck issue was corrected, a new pickup truck is expected in February 2026, and a new skid steer is expected later this year. The minutes state the village’s recycling program is being reconsidered; no policy decision was recorded during the meeting.

Executive session: The Council moved to adjourn to executive session to discuss pending or imminent litigation and employee compensation; the motion passed by roll call and the Council adjourned to executive session at 9:17 a.m. The Mayor reconvened the meeting at 9:36 a.m. and the session was adjourned.

Next steps: The Rollin Road garage ratification appeal will appear on the February agenda; the minutes provide no other deadlines for follow-up actions.