City of Chillicothe Public Safety Committee met Sept. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
In Attendance: Mayor Hughes, Chairperson Bredeman, Alderperson Gehrig, Alderperson Sharp, Alderperson Semtner, City Attorney Kevin Day, Treasurer Bredeman, Chief Cooper, Robbie Stouffer, Rebecca Hawkins, Brian Hurt, Kama King, Kevin Peterson, John Girsch, and Barb O’Connor.
Public Comment: Robbie Stouffer was present due to the recent vehicle burglaries in Chillicothe. Stouffer requested additional lighting at intersections in the residential areas of Chillicothe. Stouffer also mentioned that he would be interested in bringing back a neighborhood watch program to the city.
Rebecca Hawkins was present to report that her apartment complex, located at 301 W. Maple Street, has multiple derelict vehicles, insufficient parking spaces for residents, deteriorated exterior walls, drainage issues, hand rails not properly attached, and mold inside the building.
Brian Hurt was present to hear an update regarding the recent vehicle burglaries in Chillicothe. Hurt also expressed displeasure with the demeanor of Chillicothe police officers and dispatchers. Hurt was also interested in participating in a neighborhood watch program.
Kevin Peterson was present to express concern regarding the recent vehicle burglaries in Chillicothe, and to hear an update from the police chief.
John Girsch was present to express concern regarding the recent vehicle burglaries in Chillicothe. Girsch also expressed displeasure regarding Chillicothe Police Officers, and where they spend their time patrolling.
Barb O’Connor was present to express her interest in forming a neighborhood watch program. O’Connor also expressed concerns regarding young people in Chillicothe operating E-bikes and E-scooters on public streets.
Purpose:
Budget Review 25-26
Chief Cooper advised that the police department budget was on track for the current fiscal year.
Special Event Request -Castaway 20th anniversary
It was the consensus of the committee to move this agenda item to the next City Council meeting.
Special Event Request – Castaway Epilepsy Fundraiser
It was the consensus of the committee to move this agenda item to the next City Council meeting.
Ordinance – Surplus Property – Bicycles
Chief Cooper advised the committee that the police department has acquired approximately 88 unclaimed bicycles, and he would like to refer the city attorney to draft an ordinance allowing the police department to dispose of the bicycles. Chief Cooper advised that in the past, the police department had used a non-profit organization to re-purpose the bicycles. However, that organization no longer exists, and other attempts to re-purpose the bicycles were unsuccessful. It was the consensus of the committee to refer Attorney Day to draft a surplus ordinance to be approved at the next City Council meeting.
Possible Code Enforcement Officer
There was no update regarding this agenda item.
Update – Chillicothe Police Department
Chief Cooper acknowledged the recent spike in vehicle burglaries and motor vehicle thefts in Chillicothe. Chief Cooper further described an event on 8/30/25 in which Chillicothe Police officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in Chillicothe, and the driver of the stolen vehicle rammed a Chillicothe patrol vehicle. Chief Cooper further advised that one suspect from the stolen vehicle was arrested, and there was evidence gathered to further their investigation into the recent burglaries and vehicle thefts.
Update – Chillicothe Fire Protection District
There was not a representative from the fire protection district present at the meeting.
New/Old – Property Maintenance
Update – Property Maintenance Complaints Submitted
It was the consensus of the committee to remove this item from future agendas.
Update – Property Maintenance/Dangerous Buildings -Sturgeon Lane Trailer Park There was no update at this time.
411 Third – Garage – Dangerous Building Update There was no update at this time.
Old Business:
Summary
Council Agenda Items
Special Event Request -Castaway 20th anniversary
Special Event Request – Castaway Epilepsy Fundraiser
Chairperson – Actions
Public Safety Committee
Committee or Group
Alderperson Bredeman
Signature of Chairperson
Aug. 29, 2025
Meeting adjourned at 5:22pm.
https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/09.02.2025%20public%20safety.pdf?t=202509251410350&t=202509251410350
