Garry Thompson elected Olmsted Falls council president after initial nomination of Jansen fails

At the Olmsted Falls City Council organizational meeting on Jan. 2, 2026, council members conducted internal leadership elections. The first nomination for Council President came from Councilwoman Megan Coy, who nominated Jennifer Jansen; Councilwoman Jacklyn Bartkowski seconded the nomination. The poll returned 3 ayes and 4 nays and the nomination failed. The minutes record the four nays as Scott Saari, Garry Thompson, Brett Iafigliola and Anita Greller.

After the failed nomination, Council Ward IV member Scott Saari nominated Garry Thompson for Council President; the motion was seconded by Anita Greller. The subsequent poll was unanimous: 7 ayes, 0 nays. The minutes state, "Councilman Thompson was elected as Council President." The election establishes Thompson as the presiding council officer for the council’s internal proceedings until the next organizational meeting or as otherwise provided by council rules.