Celina City Council Approves Park Lease, Mutual Aid Agreement, and Dispatcher Hiring

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CELINA — Celina City Council held its regular meeting Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, opening with a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of city crews for their efforts during the recent snowstorm.

Mayor Jeff Hazel praised public works, utilities, and other city employees for working long hours to clear roads and keep the city operating safely during extreme winter conditions. He also thanked local organizations, including the Moose, Eagles, and Loaded Barrel, for providing food to crews during the storm response.

Council approved an ordinance authorizing a lease agreement with Foundations Behavioral Health Services Recovery Clubhouse for use of a portion of Bryson Park for three outdoor movie nights. The lease allows exclusive use of a designated area of the park for the events at a cost of $1 per year. Council suspended the rules requiring three readings and passed the ordinance unanimously.

Council also approved a mutual aid agreement between the Celina Police Department and the police departments of Rockford, St. Henry, Fort Recovery, and Coldwater. Police Chief Tom Wale explained the agreement provides liability protections and allows officers to respond more quickly during emergencies without waiting for formal requests. The ordinance was passed as an emergency measure to meet a Jan. 31 deadline.

In additional action, council authorized the temporary hiring of an additional full-time dispatcher for training purposes ahead of a planned retirement effective March 31. The position will be in place from Jan. 31 through March 31 and will not permanently increase staffing levels. Council members recognized retiring dispatcher John Mangin for his years of service to the community.

Council also approved resolutions authorizing the sale of unneeded or obsolete city property through online auctions in 2026 and confirming the mayor’s role as the city’s delegate to the Ohio Municipal Electric Association Board of Directors.

No public comments were made during the audience portion of the meeting. The next regular meeting of Celina City Council is scheduled for Feb. 9, with a committee-of-the-whole executive session planned prior to the meeting to discuss the buying and selling of property.