It was standing room only at the August 24^th Enon Village Council meeting, and many residents came to show their support for Mayor Cliff Vernon.

Lee Earnest reminded Council that the reason given for the executive session at the last meeting was not valid.  She said that she had attended a training session offered by the State of Ohio that included discussions of the Open Meetings Act.  “It is not sufficient to state ‘personnel’ as a reason for executive session,” said Earnest, reading from a handout prepared by the State Auditor’s Office.  “There should have been no motion, there should have been no vote and there should have been no executive session until the proper procedures were followed,” she said.

Council Member Denise D’Agostino and Village Solicitor Paul Kavanaugh also agreed that the reason given for executive session was not a valid reason.

Matthew Barnhill said that the village “has good people” in the Mayor, the Police Chief and the Village administrator.  “You have to support these people and let them do their job,” said Barnhill

“I’m very disturbed about what’s been going on in here,” said Village resident Jennifer Hawks.  “I think this is a personal vendetta that has been fed and fed again by ex-members of council and other people who are not happy with our Mayor.”

“I’m very proud of Enon, I’m proud of Council, I’m proud of the Chief and I’m proud of the Mayor,” said Marion Lattislaw.  “It would be nice if the good things were talked about rather than incidents because it makes us look bad.”

Earnest spoke again and stated that this is the second largest crowd she had seen at a village council meeting.  “Where are you people the second and fourth Tuesday of every month?” she asked.  “Don’t show up when there’s an article in the paper that you don’t like,” she continued.  “Until you know, don’t presume anything.”

Council Member Steve Bowers reported that the possibility of starting a Neighborhood Watch in the village was discussed, but, since none of the Village’s police officers have any experience with such groups, more research is required.

The Public Safety Committee also discussed installing metal detectors to be used for Mayor’s Court.  Mayor Vernon said that it would be used for all meetings.  The cost would be about $3500 plus shipping.

In other action,

• Council Clerk Debra Maurer reported that the Village has $1,195,000 in available cash.
• Village Administrator Jason Rose informed Council that Sheriff Kelly has set Beggars Night for Saturday, October 30 from 6-8 PM.
• Hydrant flushing will be conducted from September 13 through October 15.
• The Village has received a high priority for a grant for repaving of Main St.
• Police Chief Troy Callahan reported that the National Night Out was “one of the biggest attendances we’ve ever had.”  He thanked the Village and Township residents who attended.
• D’Agostino suggested the need for training for bicycle officers and wanted it referred to the Public Safety Committee.

Enon Village Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at the Government Center.  The public is invited to attend.

You can hear audio recordings of many Village Council meetings at audio.enonohio.net