Catawba Island Township Board of Township Trustees
Special Meeting
January 19, 2026
A special meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Chairman Diane Belden on Monday, January 19, at 10:30 a.m. in the conference room of the administration building. The purpose of the meeting was to address the resignation letter from Vicki Wheatley and fill the interim position of Zoning Inspector. This meeting was open to the public and was advertised on the CIT website, the CIT Facebook page, displayed on the bulletin board in the administration building lobby, and was put on the sign in front of the Administration Building.
In attendance were: Diane Belden, Chris Cellier, Quintin Smith, Shelly Garcia, Mary Jane Porozynski, Barb Osterling, Doug Blackburn, David Belden, Helen Fagan, Michael Schenk, Dorthy Baker, Linda Fox, Dan Barlow, William Baker, Chris McKenna, Ann Rumpf, Jack Madison, and Doug Cellier.
Vicki Wheatley submitted three letters. The first was her resignation letter for the position of zoning inspector to where she resigns her position immediately. The second was her notification of resignation for the Catawba Islands Parks Board. The third letter was a letter to the trustees outlining her reasoning for her resignation. In it she states that she felt compelled to step down due to continuing safety concerns in the workplace that have not been adequately addressed. She states that she reported an incident in which she was threated by a resident without provocation while performing her job duties, and despite bringing this matter to the attention of the appropriate parties, there was no sufficient action or support to ensure a safe working environment. She also states lack of backing from a trustee who failed to offer support in such a serious situation. She hopes that that the trustees take these issues seriously to help prevent similar situations in the future and to protect the well-being of other employees.
Chris Cellier then made a motion to accept Zoning Inspector, Vicki Wheatley’s resignation effective January 13, 2026. Quintin Smith seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Quintin Smith then made a motion to accept Vicki Wheatley’s resignation from the Parks Board effective January 13, 2026. Chris Cellier seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Doug Blackburn asked the trustees what they are doing about this situation, and stated if there is an issue within the government here, what’s being done to address it? Diane stated that she knew there was a resident that went in and gave Vicki a hard time, but she wasn’t sure what else in the letter Vicki was talking about but stated that she would be glad to answer the letter when she had time to think about it more. Diane stated that she was here the day that the resident came in and it was an unfortunate situation.
Chris Cellier then stated that this might be something that would need to be discussed with the Police Chief and needed to be looked into a little more.
William Baker asked if there was any physical altercation. Diane Belden stated no there was not. William Baker then asked if there was a threat of bodily injury? Diane stated no, but then Dorthy Baker stated that there was some disagreement, and Diane stated that she was looking at Mary Jane for the answer because she wasn’t in the room when the altercation happened.
Chris Cellier then stated that this was something that needs looked into internally and they would need to gather the facts and go from there. Diane agreed and stated that they will look into this issue further.
Chris Cellier then stated that pursuant to ORC 121.11(G)(1), he moves that they enter into an executive session:
To consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of a public employee or official.
Quintin smith seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried to move into executive session at 10:43.
Roll call vote was taken by Fiscal Officer Shelly Garcia:
Diane Belden aye
Chris Cellier aye
Quintin Smith aye
Chris Cellier made a motion to come out of executive session. Quintin Smith seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Roll call vote was taken by Fiscal Officer Shelly Garcia:
Diane Belden aye
Chris Cellier aye
Quintin Smith aye
Chris Cellier made a motion to appoint Todd Bickley as interim Zoning Inspector effective January 19, 2026 at $48/hour up to 20 hours per week. Quintin Smith seconded the motion.
All voted aye. Motion carried.
The trustees agreed to post the position for a part-time Township Zoning Inspector immediately until February 10, 2026.
William Baker thanked the trustees for having this meeting and posting the position for Zoning Inspector versus the way it was done last time. Diane stated that the way it was done last time was unfortunate.
Jack Madison asked if the trustees could put a posting up for the Park Board seat that is now vacant. All trustees agreed to this.
Chris Cellier made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Quintin Smith seconded the motion. All voted aye. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:57 a.m.
________________________ ______________________
Diane Belden (Chairman) Shelly Garcia (Fiscal Officer)