Ashtabula Council Hears Homeless Outreach Results, Debates Immigration Resolution and Fourth of July Fireworks

ASHTABULA, OH — Ashtabula City Council met on March 16, 2026, for a pre-council work session and regular meeting that spanned homelessness, immigration policy, municipal contracts, and the possibility of 250th anniversary fireworks. All nine council members were present. Homeless Outreach: From 80 to 21 The evening's centerpiece was a presentation from Police Chief Robert Stell and officers from the Ashtabula Police Department on the city's multi-agency approach to its unhoused population. Chief Stell reported that the estimated number of homeless individuals in Ashtabula has dropped from roughly 80 to 21 over the past three years. "We said, let's try a different approach. Let's go down there in plain clothes, just start building a rapport with people, offer them water, things like that," Chief Stell explained. "And it worked." Officers said they developed relationships that not only connected people with services but also revealed criminal activity targeting the vulnerable population. The effort has grown from two plainclothes officers into a multi-agency team of nine or ten members, including partnerships with Square One, the local social services organization. Chief Stell credited Captain Chase from the fire department for code enforcement work on encampments, and noted that Square One made significant operational changes that contributed to the progress. One notable shift: three years ago, the majority of unhoused individuals were from outside the area — New York, Virginia, and other states. Today, the remaining population is primarily from Ashtabula or the surrounding area. Several individuals have been reconnected with family or returned to their home communities, including to Connecticut, South Carolina, and Florida. Councilwoman RoLesia Holman asked about long-term outcomes. Officers confirmed that those reconnected with services or relocated have largely not returned. Councilwoman Jane DiGiacomo praised the collaborative approach, noting its impact on community quality of life. July 4th Fireworks for the 250th Anniversary City Manager Jim Timonere shared that the city received a $30,000 quote for a July 4th fireworks display to mark the nation's 250th anniversary — significantly more than the $12,500 spent on the annual Wine and Walleye fireworks (of which $7,500 comes from the Parks and Recreation fund and $5,000 from the LBCA). The premium pricing is due to the holiday timing. Timonere noted the show would also differ in format — likely launched from Walnut Beach rather than along the river, requiring larger aerial shells instead of the fountain effects used at Wine and Walleye. A decision would be needed quickly, as the only available date would be July 3rd, since the Fourth itself was already booked. Council President John Roskovics voiced support: "I still think we should have fireworks on 4th of July for our 250th anniversary. I know it's expensive, but I think we should still do it." Immigration Resolution Sparks Heated Public Comment Several residents addressed council requesting the city draft a resolution or ordinance establishing guidelines for interactions with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Residents cited recent incidents in the county, including the detention and deportation of two individuals from a construction site in Saybrook. They referenced similar resolutions passed by Cleveland, Columbus, and East Cleveland, and urged Ashtabula to follow suit. One resident presented a letter from a local advocacy group outlining three principles — safety, autonomy, and legality — requesting the city codify expectations for ICE and CBP behavior while asserting community rights. Another resident, who identified as a business owner on Bridge Street and a nurse practitioner, emphasized the economic contributions of the immigrant community and the need for local protections. Councilwoman Kym Foglio acknowledged she had shared model ordinances from East Cleveland and other municipalities with fellow council members and asked for continued dialogue. Council President Roskovics directed the discussion toward potential future work sessions. Legislative Actions Council addressed several items on the consent agenda: Yard waste disposal contract: An ordinance to enter into a contract with Broes Enterprise for 2026 yard waste disposal, covering grass clippings, leaves, tree limbs, and compost materials collected by Public Works Police vehicle purchase: An ordinance to purchase three used police vehicles (2017–2018 models) from the Geauga County Board of Commissioners. The vehicles have high mileage but remain in serviceable condition and come partially outfitted, reducing upfront costs CRA tax incentive continuations: An ordinance authorizing continuation of eight Community Reinvestment Area tax incentive agreements, as recommended by the Tax Incentive Review Council Equipment disposal: An ordinance authorizing disposal of obsolete equipme