FINDLAY: Rasmussen Resigns as Law Director

BY PATTY KLEIN
FINDLAY - In possibly a record setting short City Council meeting on January 7, the official resignation of the Findlay Law director was accepted by council.
In an add-on agenda item, Law Director Don Rasmussen indicated that his last day will be January 12, 2025. Councilman Grant Russell made a motion to allow Rasmussen to give a parting comment if he so chose.
“It’s been 40 years and two months," Rasmussen Said. "I’ve worked with a lot of great people. I think I am leaving at a great time."
Rasmussen joked that Councilwoman Frische would probably be happy with his departure. Frische quipped back that she would miss him and appreciated him “when he agreed with her.” Rasmussen then thanked city officials for their work at keeping the city safe and prosperous.
Mayor Muryn will appoint Assistant Law Director Rob Feighner to interim Law Director until the position is permanently filled by a vote of the Hancock County Republican Central Committee. The Hancock County Central Committee has begun the recruitment process and according to ORC 733.31, must vote for a permanent replacement within 45 days. The replacement will retain that office until a law director is elected in the 2027 election year and is a four year term.
Other items on the agenda included a lengthy discussion on food truck legislation. Rob Martin, Safety Service Director, discussed a new ordinance requiring food truck owners to purchase a yearly license to operate.
There are several safety requirements to obtain a permit. Clarification regarding where and how food trucks operate can be found in city ordinance 2024-146.
Another ordinance that has garnered attention on social media is an ordinance banning camping on city property. Findlay has experienced increasing numbers of homeless individuals sleeping or pitching tents. This city ordinance 2024-143 allows the city to remove homeless camps and attempt to provide the individuals with resources for shelters and social programs.
The short council meeting was adjourned with no public speakers attending. Councilman Dan DeArment can be heard commenting about the short meeting as well as commenting “there was no bloodshed.” One can assume that he was referencing contentious discussions that occur when the often dissenting Councilwoman Frische asks for answers and clarifications about how the city is spending taxpayer money.
The next City Council meeting will be held on January 21st in council chambers. The public may attend or watch on the Findlay YouTube channel.