How Kirtland, Ohio Appointed Jamey Fisher as Police Chief

What happened with Kirtland's police chief appointment

In 2024, the Kirtland City Council passed a resolution to appoint Jamey Fisher as the city's Police Chief. This was a formal action taken through the city's standard appointment process, which required a council vote and the passage of a resolution — the official document that makes the appointment binding.

Fisher's appointment followed the departure of the previous police chief and went through Kirtland's established procedure for filling the position. The resolution documented the council's decision and made the appointment official in the city's records.

Key Takeaways

• Kirtland's city council used a resolution — a formal written decision — to make Jamey Fisher's appointment as Police Chief official.
• Police chief appointments in Ohio cities typically require a city council vote and must be documented in a resolution that becomes part of the city record.
• The resolution process is public, meaning the vote and the document itself are available to residents through the city's official records.
• Once a resolution passes, the appointment is effective immediately, though the new chief may have a start date specified in the resolution or a separate employment agreement.

How city council resolutions work for appointments

A resolution is a formal decision made by a city council that creates an official record. Unlike an informal vote or a memo, a resolution is numbered, dated, and kept in the city's permanent files. When a council votes to pass a resolution, that vote is recorded in the meeting minutes, and the resolution itself becomes a public document.

For a police chief appointment, the resolution typically states the appointee's name, the position title, the effective date, and sometimes the terms of employment or salary range. The resolution may also reference the hiring process that led to the appointment — whether that was a search committee, interviews, or other vetting.

Once passed, the resolution is filed with the city clerk and becomes part of the official record. Residents can request to see it through the city's public records process, and it is usually available on the city's website or through a records request to kirtlandohio.com or the city clerk's office directly.

Where to find Kirtland's appointment resolution

The resolution appointing Jamey Fisher should be available through the City of Kirtland's official website or the city clerk's office. Most Ohio municipalities post council resolutions on their websites, either in a dedicated section for council documents or in meeting minutes from the date the resolution was passed.

If you cannot find it online, you can contact the Kirtland City Clerk's office directly. They maintain all resolutions and can provide you with a copy. You can also attend a city council meeting — the agenda and any recent resolutions are usually discussed or referenced during the meeting.

The resolution will show the vote count (how many council members voted for it), the date it was passed, and any conditions or details about Fisher's appointment. If you need a certified copy for any reason, the city clerk can provide one for a small fee.

What a police chief appointment resolution includes

A typical police chief appointment resolution contains several standard sections. It opens with the resolution number and date, then states the purpose — in this case, the appointment of Jamey Fisher to the position of Police Chief for the City of Kirtland.

The resolution usually includes a brief background section explaining why the appointment is being made (for example, that the previous chief retired or left the position). It then formally appoints Fisher to the role, often specifying an effective date and sometimes referencing his qualifications, experience, or the process used to select him.

The resolution may also include terms such as salary, benefits, or reporting structure — though these details are sometimes in a separate employment agreement rather than the resolution itself. At the end, the resolution lists the council members who voted for it and is signed by the mayor or council president.

The public records process for government appointments

In Ohio, government appointments and the documents that formalize them are public records. This means any resident can request to see the resolution, the meeting minutes from when it was voted on, and related hiring documents. You do not need a reason to ask — public records are open to the public by law.

To request records from Kirtland, you can contact the city clerk's office by phone, email, or in person. Most cities respond to public records requests within a few business days. If the city does not have the document readily available, they may take up to 30 days to locate and provide it, though they usually move faster for something as straightforward as a council resolution.

You can also attend city council meetings, which are open to the public. The agenda for each meeting is posted in advance, and resolutions are often discussed or voted on during the meeting. This gives you a chance to see the appointment process in real time and hear any discussion about the appointment.

Understanding police chief authority in Ohio cities

Once appointed, a police chief in an Ohio city has authority over the police department and reports to the city manager or mayor, depending on the city's structure. The chief is responsible for day-to-day operations, hiring and discipline of officers, and implementing the city's public safety policies.

The appointment resolution formalizes this authority and makes it official in the city's records. It also establishes the chief's employment relationship with the city, which is governed by the city's charter, any applicable union agreements, and the terms set in the resolution or a separate employment contract.

In Kirtland, like most Ohio cities, the police chief serves at the pleasure of the city council or city manager, meaning they can be removed if the council or manager decides to do so. The resolution does not may provide lifetime employment — it simply makes the appointment official and establishes the terms under which the chief will serve.

What happens after a police chief is appointed

After the resolution passes, the new police chief typically begins their duties on the effective date stated in the resolution. This may be immediately, or there may be a transition period if the previous chief is still in the role or if the new chief is coming from another department.

The chief usually meets with city leadership to discuss priorities, budget, staffing, and any immediate concerns. They may also meet with the police department to introduce themselves and outline their vision for the department. Many new chiefs conduct a review of department policies and procedures in their first weeks or months.

The appointment is then recorded in the city's official records and becomes part of the public history of Kirtland's government. Future residents and officials can look back at the resolution to understand when and how the appointment was made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see the actual resolution that appointed Jamey Fisher?

Yes. Contact the Kirtland City Clerk's office or visit kirtlandohio.com to request the resolution. It is a public record and should be available within a few business days. You can also ask for the meeting minutes from the council meeting where the resolution was voted on.

What if I disagree with the appointment?

Once a resolution passes, the appointment is official and cannot be undone through a public records request. However, you can attend city council meetings, speak during public comment periods, or contact your council representative with concerns. The council can vote to remove the chief at any time if they choose to do so.

Does the resolution say how much the police chief is paid?

Sometimes. Some resolutions include salary information, while others reference a separate employment agreement. If the resolution does not list the salary, you can request the employment contract or ask the city clerk what the chief's compensation is — that information is also public.

How long does a police chief appointment last?

The resolution does not set a term length. The chief serves at the pleasure of the city council or city manager, meaning they can be removed at any time. However, many chiefs have informal understandings about how long they will serve, and some have employment contracts that specify notice periods or severance.

Where can I find information about Jamey Fisher's background?

The resolution itself may mention his qualifications or experience. You can also contact the city clerk or the police department directly to ask about the chief's background, training, and previous positions. Some cities post hiring announcements or background information on their websites when a new chief is appointed.