Minutes: Mayor Louis Sanders called the September 11, 2025, Village of Attica Council regular meeting to order at 7:30PM.
Roll Call: Ed Beamer, Owen Best, Nicole Lenhart, Jim Gray, Keith Hopple, Kirk Stanfield
Others Present: Solicitor Niedermeier
Absent:
Approval of Warrants: Motion by Councilwoman Lenhart to approve the warrants for payment, seconded by Councilman Best. Vote: 6-0 Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: Motion by Councilman Beamer to approve 8/28/25 regular meeting minutes, seconded by Councilwoman Lenhart. Vote: 4-0, with Councilman Best and Councilman Stanfield abstaining. Motion carried.
Written & Oral Communication: Resident at 27 Liberty Street inquired on their water bill and usage. Councilman Beamer suspected a potential leaking service line could be the cause of the water usage, especially if the meter continues to turn while the homeowner has the water turned off inside the home. Councilman Beamer noted that he would contact Alyssa, the utility billing clerk the next day to discuss in more detail and would follow up with the resident.
Resident Michelle Watson inquired on her water bill and usage. She noted she filled her pool and paid a higher bill and she expected, but now she is seeing her next bill is high as well. Councilman Beamer noted on her bill that the usage is estimated based on prior usage from the pool being filled. Councilman Beamer spoke to Alyssa previously about the issue, Alyssa will ensure the meter is read and an accurate bill is calculated.
Public Safety: None
Streets & Properties: None
Parks: None
Trees: None
Fire: None
EMS: None
Cemetery: None
Personnel: None
Zoning Commission: None
Finance and rule: Fiscal Officer noted cash balance of $994K.
Fiscal Officer provided Ordinance 2025-14 supplemental appropriations.
The large appropriation increase is driven by the design, engineering, and corrosion control study for the proposed water supply regionalization with Northern Ohio Rural Water. The expense increase will be offset by note and grant proceeds from Ohio Water Development Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Councilman Stanfield inquired if the council was aware that the corrosion control study is a con-job.
Councilman Stanfield also inquired on why the Village is paying for the line to connect to Northern Ohio Rural Water instead of Northern Ohio Rural Water or the County paying for it.
Councilman Beamer explained the necessity of the study, noting that Attica has chemically treated water for years to coat the supply pipes throughout town to protect from lead invasion. Northern Ohio Rural Water does not feed the same chemicals that Attica does, so the study will help the community understand how NORW’s water may react with Attica’s pipes.
Councilman Beamer responded by asking Councilman Stanfield why is advocation for connecting to Northern Ohio Rural Water has changed.
Councilman Stanfield replied that he is a proponent of connecting a direct line to the water tower without a study and being done with the ordeal.
Councilman Best noted that Northern Ohio Rural Water would not connect to Village pipes without a corrosion control study.
Councilman Stanfield claimed the former a lie.
Councilman Best, refuted the claim, stating he and Councilman Beamer have spent countless hours working directly with Northern Ohio Rural Water, while Councilman Stanfield has not.
Fiscal Officer noted that the water regionalization would cost the community more without the corrosion control study, due to the fact that the EPA has offered $800,000 towards the project if we complete the $300,000 corrosion control study.
Councilman Stanfield inquired if New Washington did a corrosion control study when connecting to Northern Ohio Rural Water.
Councilman Best stated probably not, noting the lack of regulations 20 years ago that lead to disasters such as, the Flint Michigan water situation.
Councilman Stanfield proclaimed the project a racket.
Mayor Stanfield asked Council to move on.
Councilman Stanfield refused, calling Mayor Sanders worthless.
Councilman Beamer reminded council of the rules of decorum passed in legislation.
Mayor Sanders ruled to move to the next item of business.
Councilman Stanfield refused, noting he won’t stand for the “Stalin like” propaganda of the Village putting information on Facebook while not allowing comments from the public.
Councilman Beamer asked Councilman Stanfield if his only reason for being on Council is to cause havoc.
Councilman Stanfield asked why he can’t argue against anything.
Councilman Hopple replied that arguments are welcome, but not when you are standing and yelling.
Councilman Stanfield continued on, calling council members ‘bobbleheads’ various times, as well as name-calling, the non-present, media representative of The Hub “landfill”, and claiming himself a genuine explicative.
Councilman Stanfield continued on with expletives and name calling.
Councilman Beamer made motion to remove Councilman Stanfield from the meeting for violating rules of decorum, Councilwoman Lenhart seconded the motion, Vote 4-1, with Councilman Best opposed, and Councilman Stanfield abstained. Motion Carried.
Seneca County Sherriff, Sgt. Kneeskern, politely asked Councilman Stanfield numerous times to leave the meeting peacefully. Councilman Stanfield refused and was taken into custody.
Sgt. Kneeskern then has those present at the meeting provide sworn statements regarding the matter.
Councilman Best made motion to declare an emergency, suspend the three-read rule, and approve Ordinance 2025-14. Councilman Beamer seconded the motion. Vote 5-0, Motion carried.
Water & Sewer: None
Village Website & IT: None
Train Derailment: None
Unfinished, Old Business and New Business: None
Next meeting: Regular meeting on Thursday, September 25th at 7:30 PM.
Motion by Councilman Beamer, seconded by Councilman Best to adjourn the meeting. Time: 10:15 PM. Vote: 5-0, Motion carried.
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Mayor Louis Sanders - Fiscal Officer Isaac Phillips
