Councilman's robo-call alerts 'folks of Middletown'

10,000 residents notified a resolution on collective bargaining was tabled.

MIDDLETOWN — Councilman A.J. Smith wanted to make sure residents knew City Council voted to table a resolution on collective bargaining as he sent out an automated phone call to 10,000 residents Wednesday.

The message rang out around 1 p.m., telling residents “the folks of Middletown have spoken, and we at City Council heard you. We have decided not to pursue the resolution presented to council that would put our city services and citizens at risk.”

Smith added that while he has been supporting the fire and police departments and public employees, council voted 6-1 to table the resolution urging the Ohio General Assembly to change laws regarding collective bargaining.

After using the robo-calling system during his campaign for City Council, Smith said he thought it was a good way to spread the message to the public.

Pioneer Cemetery hearing is Thursday

A hearing is scheduled for Thursday before the Ohio Cemetery Dispute Resolution Commission concerning the Middletown Cemetery, also known as the Pioneer Cemetery.

According to a statement by City Manager Judy Gilleland, a citizen filed a complaint with the commission about the condition of the cemetery. Law Director Les Landen will attend the hearing on the city’s behalf.

The location of the hearing is 77 S. High St. in Columbus, 31st floor in Hearing Room East B.

Another complaint was filed with the commission earlier in the year, but was withdrawn in September, according to Landen.

In October, City Council voted to create a Middletown Cemetery Board to advise members on the operation and maintenance of the old Pioneer Cemetery and seek private donations for its upkeep.

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