City Council Recap: Welcoming Home a Firefighter and Preparing for the Holidays
The Nov. 4 City Council meeting began with a big welcome home for a Harrison firefighter returning from military service in the Middle East.
Mayor Ryan Grubbs recognized Jonathan “Johnny” Swiecki, an Army staff sergeant who has returned to work with the Harrison Fire Department.
“I’d like to welcome you back home. Thank you for your service,” Mayor Grubbs said.
The Mayor thanked Johnny for serving his country and community, acknowledged his family’s support and encouraged residents to welcome him home.
This year Harrison firefighters showed their support for service members overseas through RED Fridays, short for Remember Everyone Deployed.
The evening also brought a hometown welcome for Officer Rebeccann P. Richter, who was publicly sworn in with the Harrison Police Department. A Harrison High School graduate, Richter completed her police academy training at Great Oaks and is a certified Ohio peace officer. She joins the department from Hamilton, where she also served as a field training officer. Mayor Grubbs initially swore her in on Oct. 26 after she successfully completed the Civil Service appointment process. She has been assigned to a field training officer as she gets started with Harrison Police. Captain Joe Ramsey said her arrival fills the department’s final vacancy following recent retirements and promotions.
Road Improvements and Downtown Parking
Council approved budget amendments supporting paving on Walnut, Vine, Baltimore and Edgewood, along with Harrison Avenue traffic signals. The City’s share of the signal improvements will be paid through the Harrison Avenue tax increment financing fund.
Councilman Bill Neyer reported that the I-74 entrance and exit ramps at Dry Fork Road have reopened. The bridge itself remains closed, with reopening anticipated in mid-December. Rehabilitation work on New Haven Road and West Bridge is also nearing completion.
In the District, the City continues to evaluate making a portion of Harrison Avenue one-way westbound. The proposal could create additional parking spaces. Business owners have been contacted for feedback, and design discussions continue. No traffic change has been approved.
Leaf collection is underway. Residents can check the City’s website for collection schedules and instructions before bringing leaves to the curb.
Planning for Next Year
The finance report described department spending as within budget, with favorable activity in permit fees and interest income. Water-fund revenue is below projections, however, and officials are monitoring what that could mean for future equipment maintenance.
The contract for design and construction support for the new fire station has been signed. Financing remains under discussion as the City continues preparing next year’s budget.
Council also approved an agreement with the firefighters’ union amending health insurance premium contributions for represented full-time employees.
City Administrator Kim Downey continues working with the City’s insurance carrier to recover money lost in the previously reported fraud case. No new developments in the case were reported.
Around Harrison
Construction is becoming more visible along Harrison Avenue. Target’s walls are up at Harrison Town Center, and site work has started at Harrison Marketplace beside Kroger. Officials also discussed plans for First Watch and Olive Garden, with additional Town Center tenant announcements still to come. Read more about the developments and restaurant plans in The Source.
Following the election, Council reported that the proposed City Charter amendment did not pass. Officials will consider reviewing the wording and potentially reconvening the Charter Review Committee before deciding whether to bring a proposal back to voters.
During public comments, officials also discussed the comprehensive zoning and property-maintenance review. Proposed changes will be available for public review before a vote, with public hearings tentatively expected in early 2027.
The Mayor proclaimed November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, recognizing the importance of research and support for people affected by the disease.
Holiday Assistance and an Invitation
Registration is underway for holiday assistance through the Harrison Mayor’s Community Fund. Remaining sign-up dates at the Harrison Community Center, 300 George St., are Nov. 11 and 18, from 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Mayor said the fund is seeing increased need this year. Residents can donate new, unwrapped toys and games at collection locations throughout the community through Dec. 15. He encouraged donors to remember older children when choosing gifts. Find donation information and the fund’s online wish list here.
Council also thanked the Recreation Commission and volunteers for Spooktacular. Families received treat bags, and the American Legion provided hot dogs for those attending.
Next on the holiday calendar is Harrison’s Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, Saturday, Dec. 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the District. The parade begins at 5 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 7 p.m. Families can enjoy free photos with Santa and train rides. A train display at the firehouse will honor the memory of Jim Robertson.
Watch Harrison City Council meetings on ICRC-TV for the complete Nov. 4 recording.
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