The human resources committee looked at a list of 11 possible criteria that can be used as proof of residency. Some of those include driver's license, tax information, military discharge papers, and mailing address. The committee discussed if there would be a set number of criteria, like four or five, out of the 11 possible that would have to be met for the Allen County Board of Election to declare a candidate a resident of Lima, if it was called into question.

Carla Thompson failed to receive enough certified signatures when she filed her petition to run again for the seat, but was the only one to file a petition to be on the ballot, which means that council has to appoint someone to the seat when it is vacant on January 1^st of the new year. A majority of councilors voiced support for keeping Thompson in the seat saying that she was the only one who filed and put the work in to go out into the community and get signatures to run for office.

Fire Chief Andy Heffner has expressed that recruiting for the deputy fire chief has become tough as the battalion chiefs who are next in line make more money than the deputy chief because of earning overtime. The committee met tonight to discuss increasing the position's pay to make it more equitable to the difference between the pay of the police chief and the major position. Currently, the difference between the police chief and major is 8%, while the difference Between fire chief and deputy chief is around 16%, which the committee would like to cut down to 8%.

wo of Lima's newest city council members have officially been sworn in. Lima Second Ward Councilman Tony Wilkerson and Fourth Ward City Councilwoman Peggy Ehora were sworn in at the city council meeting. Wilkerson was sworn in with his wife and Ehora with her husband. After that, they got the chance to be a part of their first city council meeting. They both admit it was a little nerve-wracking, but are grateful for the help of the council and look forward to serving their wards.

Improving housing and increasing safety services in the 2nd ward were some of the main issues addressed by incumbent Sam McLean and challenger Tony Wilkerson at the neighborhood candidate forum. As far as improving housing in the ward, McLean believes there needs to be more home-ownership.

A Lima man has announced his candidacy for 2nd Ward councilman. Tony Wilkerson made the announcement this afternoon that he would be in the running for the election this fall. The Lima native says that he cares about the community and that if he were elected, he would push for keeping young people interested in staying local, as well as making sure that neighborhoods are safe for everyone.