Leesville council hires Brand as solicitor

At the Feb. 19 meeting of the Leesville Village Council, attorney Luke Brand attended to discuss the village solicitor position.

Mayor Mara Malterer said she spoke with Solicitor Nicole Welsh about hiring a more local attorney and Welsh agreed, citing her recent relocation to Cuyahoga Falls and a longer commute to Leesville.

Malterer introduced Brand to council. Brand said he “lives in Sherrodsville and would work hard for Leesville.” Brand said he recently passed the state bar exam, worked at Connelly, Hillyer & Ong while in law school and is currently employed there.

Council suspended the rules for three readings and passed Ordinance 2026-1 as an emergency measure to hire Brand as the village solicitor.

Resident Bruce Beamer addressed council regarding dogs running at large. Malterer said she has also noticed the issue and will send the owner the village ordinance on leashing dogs.

Sewer utility operator Jerry Bowser was absent but submitted a report for council’s review. Malterer said rebuilding the pumps at the sewer plant would cost $6,500 and that two pumps failed due to an overload of baby wipes in the system. Councilman John Traxler recommended completing the work soon.

Bowser also reported the pump at the local school may be having issues. After discussion, council said it wants pricing for replacement units and agreed that if the cost is $8,600 or less, the units should be ordered.

Council heard a report from employee Rich Albright and learned the tractor needs service.

Council said it has not received a response to the notice sent to the owner of a tiny home in the village.

Council heard an update on the status of an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant for a proposed TAP trail and learned all streetlights are functioning in the village.

Council reported receipts of $8,087.76 and approved expenses of $4,422.78.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. in the village hall.