PEMBERVILLE – Village Solicitor Mike Marsh told village officials Tuesday night he is making efforts to
contact a council member who has apparently moved out of the village.
Ryan Fuerst has not resigned from council but is reportedly residing in Kentucky. He was not at Tuesday’s
meeting, nor was Larry Bockbrader. Council Member Eric Campbell said Bockbrader had called him to report
he was ill and would not be at the meeting.
Although no village official mentioned Fuerst’s name during the meeting, Mayor Gordon Bowman expressed
unhappiness about the situation.
"Let’s see what we can do," Marsh said. "I understand he is not living here anymore."
The solicitor said he would attempt to contact Fuerst to rectify the situation.
Marsh said Ohio law regarding residency "is more convoluted than you might think." He said
there have been many questions raised over the years about residency, especially with regard to members
of the U.S. Congress.
The meeting started several minutes late because Bowman was attending a hearing with the Wood County
Planning Commission, which was reviewing Community Development Block Grant applications. The village is
seeking a grant to pay for the bulk of a chair lift for the swimming pool. The commission has
recommended the project to the Wood County Commissioners.
Council also:
• Approved Bowman’s recommendation to hire Bowling Green resident Robert Hudson as the village’s zoning
inspector at a salary of $130 a month. Bowman said Hudson has "a wealth of experience" that
will serve the village well. Bowman has been acting zoning inspector since Jan. 1 after the retirement
of Brian Heestand. The vote was 4-0.
• Failed to approve the appointment of James Opelt as an alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals by a
3-1 vote. Marsh pointed out that a majority of the full council (six) was needed. Campbell cast the
negative vote.
• Heard Bowman report he has two possible grant applications in mind for Wood County Park District grants
next year. One is for a new heater for the swimming pool and the other is for resurfacing of the tennis
courts. The village received $3,000 this year for new chairs at the pool.