Chillicothe — As the snow is melting, hear the mayor’s review of the city’s response to it as it fell. Luke Feeney gave his regular briefing to Chillicothe Council on February 9th, 2026.
Mayor Feeney also announced a $1.5M congressional grant for Mary Lou Patton Park, asked residents to request an open house from the Ohio EPA about nearby infamous pollution, noted the promotion of the chief building official to utility director, and said the city will finally get their new ambulance.
Feeney explained the city’s response process to the big, long, cold snow – as well as any snowfall needing plowed. He pointed out that police notify the Service Department if a snow starts during the night, and then other departments help with the plowing as needed. The city then has an after-action review of the response and looks for improvements in the process.
Feeney also mentioned that he is requesting GPS for the plows, like what ODOT has, where their location and streets they have plowed can be tracked.
The mayor thanked representatives Taylor, Moreno, and especially Husted, for securing $1.5M in congressionally-directed spending for Mary Lou Patton Park. On Douglas Avenue in eastern Chillicothe, he said it is a city-owned facility leased to the Scioto Valley Youth League.
Feeney said the funds will be used for parking, roadway, and drainage improvements like those in its southwest quadrant. He said that many in city are affected by the park, and it will be a great upgrade for that corner of town.
On a related note, Feeney said he had requested that the Ohio EPA give a public information session on the groundwater plume of toxins from the nearby former Wear-Ever factory (now Howmet Aerospace).
He said that request was not denied…but the EPA said that they base the necessity of public events on the number of requests. So, Feeney suggested that the the public politely do so at [email protected] or 614 / 644-2782.
The “plume” was a big topic last summer; search for several stories on the Scioto Post, including a long interview with Jason Salley where he points out the danger and nearness of the pollution to the park.
Feeney said that, last week, the city’s Chief Building Official was promoted to Utility Director.
On the job about a year, Brandon Gill will transition into coordinating the city Engineering department with the Utilities department, which Feeney said will “unify into a cohesive unit” such efforts as water line repairs and street work.
And, the mayor said that an ambulance ordered almost four years ago will be delivered next week…after Covid delays. Feeney said a fire truck is also coming, ordered in late 2024.
