Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief Announce Retirements
Fire Chief Tim Hall and assistant fire chief Harvey Giffin announced their retirements effective January at Monday’s council meeting.
“First of the year I’m retiring,” Hall said. “It’s that time of year, I need to do this. I need to focus on more important things that I’ve neglected over the years.”
Hall started by thanking his wife of 40 years, Annette, for always understanding his passion to help and serve others and never complaining when he had to leave family dinners, holidays and more.
“I felt the need to serve others. She’s been a trooper. She never complained,” he said. “I want to recognize her publicly. She was my partner through it all.”
Hall went around the room and thanked everyone sharing memories and stories with each council member as well as Fiscal Officer Jeannie Hannahs and Police Chief Rocky Sirianni.
Hall added that his career has exposed him to moments he wishes he could forget, including tragedy, but it has also brought many positive experiences.
Hall was named fire chief in 2018 following the retirement of Bob Smith. He joined the VFD in 1982, was named captain in 1990 and promoted to assistant chief in 1999.
Hall’s family has been associated with the Barnesville Fire Department since the 1950s. Hall’s grandfather, Harold G. Hall, was in the department for 32 years from 1956 until he passed in 1988, while his father Gary joined the department in 1968 retiring in 2012.
Following Hall’s announcement, assistant chief Giffin also announced his retirement from Barnesville Fire & EMS also effective in January.
“I just want to thank council, all the former council members, mayors and the voters who supported the fire department,” he said. “Since I’ve been on, I’ve had a great time. I’m six years older than Tim, so I’m going to join him by retiring.”
Council president Tony Johnson shared that he appreciates the work the two men have put in at the department. “The hours that the chief puts in is basically for nothing because it’s a low paying job,” he said. “It changed my whole perspective on what goes on over there (at the fire station).”
After the announcements, council members and visitors stood and applauded their dedication..
PERMITS
Hershberger announced two permits were up for consideration:
Adam Ackerman – 414 North Arch St. – Demo house which was approved.
JEFBA, LLC – 101 W Main St. and North Chestnut Street – New construction (T.J. Jefferis project) at the former location of Patrick’s Restaurant, Antiques on the Main and Barnesville Vet Services.
[©Barnesville Area News Company photos]
Jefferis attended the meeting and told council the construction project has experienced delays due setbacks, including his architect’s office being damaged by fire. Construction is hopefully expected to begin in the spring.
A variance from the village to build on the property is required, Hershberger added since there will be no 10-foot sidewalk setbacks.
The project will require footers extending under the sidewalk, removal of street trees, which will be replaced after construction, sidewalk and parking space closures, excavation work affecting sidewalks, culverts and drainage leading to an existing catch basin and temporary fencing for pedestrian safety.
Jefferis acknowledged there are challenges but is committed to restoring sidewalks, drainage infrastructure and landscaping once work is complete.
The estimated cost for construction is $3.5 million.
Council approved of the construction permit.
ANNEXATION REQUEST
Council discussed the annexation request from Jefferis Real Estate, also owned by T.J. Jefferis. The area in question are two parcels of over 9.4 acres. located along Route 147 across from the Walton Home and Emerald Pointe Health & Rehabilitation, the former Elerick residence and site of the former Jack and Jean English home. The annexation would incorporate the roadway and adjacent land.
The purpose of the annexation is to enable sewer access for future development, support economic development and provide long-term flexibility for potential commercial or residential uses, Jefferis said.
Solicitor Richard Myser told council the only action required at the meeting was authorization to begin the formal process by preparing a resolution. Council approved moving forward.
Maps of the annexation area were provided members.
FINANCE/ORDINANCE
Council approved fiscal officer Jeannie Hannahs to pay the pending bills and invoices totaling $326,223.90. Members also approved the November 2025 financial statements and bank reconciliation statements. .
Myser read the third reading of two resolutions: 4027, an application to participate in the Appalachian Regional Commission Program for the Barnesville North Waterline Extension project
4028, To apply for a Water Supply Revolving Loan Account from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for the Barnesville North Waterline Extension project
Council passed both resolutions. The third, final reading and vote will take place on Dec. 29.
Council declared emergencies for the following ordinances, also up for a second reading.
4030, increasing the pay rates for village employees
4031, increasing the salary for the village administrator
4032, increasing the salary for the fire chief and assistant fire chief
4033, increasing “per call” rate for fire calls
4034, starting wages
Council passed the resolutions to provide time for Hannahs to enter the changes into the system before the end of the year. Readers can learn more about the employee wage proposals from the previous meeting.
Myser read the first reading of a resolution supporting the Ohio Commission for the U.S. SemiQuincentennial (America 250-OH).
Myser stated that some of the highlights of the resolution is that the village would be recognized for its participation in statewide celebration and ceremonies while, helping spotlight Barnesville’s “unique contribution to its nation’s history.”
The resolution recommends the village appoint a local committee to consider and plan events to celebrate “America 250” in the village.
Myser brought another ordinance to the meeting, which would reappoint himself as village solicitor in a contract as discussed at council’s last meeting.
Myser’s contract ended on Nov. 27, however he is still serving as the solicitor until council hires one. The mayor must appoint someone while council approves the nomination. Myser said the ordinance was prepared to be acted on if the mayor wishes.
Hershberger said he drafted an advertisement for the solicitor position that went out to the local newspaper Monday.
Myser asked, “What is the planned procedure for hiring a new employee?”
Hershberger explained that he is advertising the position for four weeks for anyone interested, and will move forward from there in January.
Disagreements arose between council members and the mayor at the previous council meeting on Dec. 1 about the hiring.
Tim McKelvey made a motion to gift a one-time bonus to village employees for the benefits of the village receiving gas & oil money. Council approved full time employees receiving $500 and part-time employees, $250. The motion passed unanimously.
PARKS/RECREATION
At the last meeting, village administrator Roger Deal suggested council members thank Adam Ackerman for his offer to rebuild the Junior Women’s Club of Barnesville’s shelter at no cost to the village. Ackerman was present at this meeting and was thanked for his “awesome” offer.
“Thank you for allowing the Junior Women’s Club name to remain, “ Hershberger said. “That’s huge. That’ll be tremendous for them.”
FIRE REPORT
Hall reported he’s been busy with demolitions of depilated structures in the village this year. Many have taken place with more to come. Some were completed by property owners, others by volunteers, and some through the Belmont County Land Bank.
POLICE REPORT
Council approved the request from Sirianni to hire Teri Moore as full-time police dispatcher following the retirement of dispatcher Kathy Norris.
STREETS
Council discussed the Safe Routes to School Design program that the village applied for last year for but did not receive funding. Feedback on the initial application indicated the proposal needed a more developed design and stronger cost estimate.
Hershberger reached out to May Engineering of St. Clairsville negotiating a cost of $15,000 for a 15-20% match. May initially proposed a higher 30% design cost but given the grant funding is not guaranteed, they reduced the cost.
The grant could provide up to $1 million for the village primarily directed towards sidewalk improvements, including repairs, widening and ADA-compliant features to improve student safety. While the preliminary design cost would not be grant-eligible, future design and construction costs would be covered if the grant is awarded.
The grant applies to areas within two miles of each school, with an emphasis for work near the elementary school.
Hershberger believes this second-year application has a higher chance of approval with the improved documentation and cost estimates. Council members questioned if following through with May Engineering would be worth it, they ultimately decided it would.
Council unanimously approved the motion to contract with May Engineering to proceed with preliminary design work.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mark Lucas, who will be joining council in January, told members Memorial Park looks “beautiful” with the Christmas lights. He praised chamber director Jill Hissom and village crews who worked to make it happen.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Council entered into executive session to consider the complaints against a public employee. Members did not take any action following the closed door discussion.
MINUTES
Council approved the minutes from the Dec. 1 meeting with council member Misner abstaining. She was absent from that meeting. .
NEXT MEETING
The final council meeting for 2025 will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 29. at the municipal building.
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