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City Council

City Council

City Council consists of seven members who are elected at-large to serve four-year terms. They represent all residents living within Hilliard city boundaries. As Hilliard’s legislative body, City Council sets policy, establishes goals, and oversees the municipal government’s annual budget.

Council’s regular meetings begin at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month (unless otherwise noted on the meeting schedule) in Council Chambers in the Municipal Building, 3800 Municipal Way.

City Council may also meet as a Committee of the Whole to discuss topics of interest, legislation before its introduction at a regular Council Meeting, potential legislation, and other matters as necessary. All such meetings are subject to public meeting laws and open to the public. 

Council also may meet in or in special/executive session to discuss matters allowed by Ohio Revised Code.

  • Agendas and minutes: Information about upcoming and previous meetings are available online.
  • Keyword search: Specific legislation and actions from previous Council meetings can be found with a keyword search. The documents found in this search are not the official copy. For official, signed copies, contact the Clerk of Council.
  • Speaking before Council: Members of the public may address Council during the regular meeting on any subject matter, including legislation listed on the agenda. To speak before City Council, residents and others are asked to sign in on a form provided by the Clerk of Council before the meeting. All speakers are given three minutes, must conduct themselves in a professional manner, and only address topics they designated when signing in. Contact the Clerk of Council with questions or for more information.
  • Contact City Council: Email City Council with your thoughts or concerns. This account is monitored by the Clerk of Council, who will forward your email to the individuals on City Council or City Staff who can most immediately respond to your inquiry. Individual Council members can be contacted at the email addresses listed below.

City Council Members

Greg Betts

Greg Betts began serving his first elected term on City Council in January 2024.

He retired in January 2021 after 30 years of military service and was looking for a new way to serve his fellow citizens. He decided that serving on Council would be a great way to do that. He also wants to help Hilliard prepare for the challenges of the future while remaining the vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community he and his family have come to know during the more than 26 years they’ve lived here.

Greg served for 30 years in the U.S. Army, with multiple combat tours to the Middle East. He retired on Jan. 1, 2021, as a colonel. He commanded troops at the company, battalion, and brigade levels and served in a myriad of key administrative and staff positions during his three decades of service. During his last command assignment, he served as a brigade commander in the Middle East, responsible for more than 2,500 soldiers and providing sustainment support to all U.S. and coalition forces operating in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

His last assignment was as the Director of Human Resources for the Ohio National Guard, where he gained a vast amount of experience in writing, implementing, and overseeing policies, regulations, and command guidance.

He received numerous awards during his decades of service.

Greg coached baseball and softball for several of his son’s and daughter’s teams when they were young. Most recently, he has served as a volunteer at the Mid-Ohio Food Bank and has served as a precinct election official for the last several election cycles.

Greg earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a master of strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

He and his wife, Kristin, raised two children (Megan and Jake) during their 26 years living in this community.

Greg’s term runs through December 2027.

Council member Les Carrier

Frank L. (Les) Carrier has served on Hilliard City Council since being elected in 2013. His community service has included membership on the Hilliard City Schools’ Audit and Accountability Committee and the St. Brendan School Advisory Board.

Les currently works for Arcadia Settlement Consulting Group, using his 30 years of insurance claims and litigation experience in his position as a structured settlement consultant for the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic Regions.

Les began his insurance career in 1994 at Nationwide Insurance Company in Columbus as a casualty claims representative. He later worked as a litigation claims manager within Nationwide’s Specialty Claims operation. In that capacity, he managed claims and litigation that included casualty, material damage, and product liability for 27 western U.S. jurisdictions and Canada.

Les is a graduate of the University of Toledo College of Law and a member of the Ohio State Bar Association. He is a member of the National Structured Settlement Trade Association (NSSTA). He received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Ohio University, is a Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC), and secured his master’s degree in structured settlement consulting (MSSC) from Notre Dame Mendoza business school.

Additionally, Les has earned the Associate in Claims (AIC) professional designation, a nationally recognized educational program consisting of four courses and national exams that covers the handling of insurance claims. His most recent professional designation supports planning around governmental benefits and personal injury settlements, earning his CMSS designation (Certified Medicare Settlement Specialist).

Les, his wife, Heather, and their two children, Molly and Sean, moved to Hilliard in 1998. They are active members of St. Brendan Parish in Hilliard and enjoy the many wonderful school activities in our community.

His term runs through December 31, 2025.

Emily Cole began serving her first elected term on City Council in January 2024.

Emily’s work and dedication to building stronger Ohio communities has distinguished her among her peers and set an example across the state for community-driven leadership. She advanced health equity at the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, improved the key drivers of community health through the Ohio Colleges of Medicine Government Resource Center, and brought needed resources into local communities to improve healthcare access by consulting with community health centers.

In 2021, Emily co-founded and has served as Executive Director of Ohio Families Unite for Political Action and Change (OFUPAC), a 501(c)4 that gives a voice to families impacted by police violence. She also works with OFUPAC’s sister organization, Ohio Families Unite Against Police Brutality (OFUAPB), to build Ohio communities where families come first, before politics, to thrive.

Emily is a frequent speaker at the Ohio State Legislature, where she has given important testimony on a wide array of issues that affect all Ohioans, including protecting voting rights access, advocating for safe communities, and standing us all to be seen and valued for our full humanity.

She volunteers with Hilliard’s Cub Scouts Pack 672, serves on the Planning Committee for Hilliard Pride, volunteers at Avery Elementary School, and is a member of the Hilliard United Methodist Church.

Emily has a master’s degree in public administration from The Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs and bachelor’s degrees in economics and political science from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va.

She and her husband, Wade, have two children, August and Levi. They have lived in Hilliard since 2015, settling in Old Hilliard in 2018.

Emily’s term runs through December 2027.

After recently retiring from a career managing projects for a Central Ohio publishing company, Tina Cottone is now ready to help the City of Hilliard chart its course for the future in other ways as a member of Hilliard’s City Council.

Tina was elected to her first term as a member of City Council in November 2021, and says she is honored to have this opportunity to serve the Hilliard community and its wonderful citizens.

“As our city continues to grow, I will be a voice for the community to implement changes at the city level that reflect the wants and needs of all the people who live here,” she said.

Tina has been a regular volunteer at the Hilliard Food Pantry, delivering monthly grocery items to people in senior living communities. She is currently the secretary of her homeowners association, and frequently bakes casseroles and cakes for people who need help.

With her free time, she enjoys spending time outside walking, gardening and playing with her two Maltese dogs, Tank and Max. Tina is part of a book club that introduces her to books that are not mysteries. She loves public art and is a big fan of modern dance.

She graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in English.

She and her husband, Rick Adams, have lived in Hilliard since 2010.

Tina’s four-year term runs through December 2025.

 

Portrait of Peggy Hale

Not only is Peggy Hale the only board-certified emergency medical physician to have a seat among the members of Hilliard City Council, she also is the only officially trained ninja among the seven elected officials!

Peggy was elected to her first term on Council in November 2021 on a platform that included an emphasis on health and wellness – a natural fit, considering her experience as an ER physician, a former teacher in grades 6-9, and a mother of two young boys.

She also was a member of the Healthy Hilliard PAC, the community group that advocated for the passage of the 2021 Issue 22 income tax increase, which earmarked funds for recreation and parks – including the construction and operation of the City’s planned Community Center.

“As a doctor, I am a huge proponent of health and wellness. I will always support the health and wellness of our community,” Peggy said.

Peggy even competed to be on the TV show “American Ninja Warrior” in 2017, making her the only person to ever be both an elected City of Hilliard official and a ninja.

She is actively involved in the community, including serving as the Good Tidings Christmas Store Donation coordinator, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship E-learning director, UALC Community Garden volunteer, SON Ministry/FESTA Dinner Angel, and guest lecturer at English as a Second Language classes.

Peggy is a Hilliard City Schools lecturer for Just-in-Case (topic: anti-discrimination) and composting, volunteer at Hoffman Trails Elementary, and a volunteer doctor at Vineyard Free Clinic. She operates a pro-bono telemedicine clinic for the homeless, uninsured or underinsured individuals; is a food pantry volunteer; is a guest lecturer at Cross Sports at the Ohio State University; and is a Younglife/Wyldlife host.

She was named Chief Resident for 2009-2010, Resident of the Year in 2007-2009, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Resident of the Year in 2010. She was a participant in the third annual Paul Ambrose Health Promotion Student Leadership Symposium, was a recipient of the Paul Ambrose Health Promotion Grant, and was a National Merit Scholar.

Peggy earned her bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from the Midwestern University of Osteopathic Medicine in Glendale, Arizona.

She and her husband, Matt, have two children. They have lived in Hilliard since 2012.

Peggy’s four-year term runs through December 2025.

Council Member Andy Teater

Andy Teater was elected to Hilliard City Council in January 2018. Before his election, Andy was a member of Hilliard City School Board for 12 years. He served as board president for three years and vice president for four years. Andy was recognized as the 2017 “Friend of Education” by the Hilliard Education Association.

Andy and his wife of 30 years, Phyllis, have three children who are graduates of Hilliard City Schools. Rachel is a graduate of The Ohio State University and currently a graduate student at Vanderbilt University. Dan attends Anderson University and Sarah attends The Ohio State University.

Andy is an active member of Meadow Park Church of God and has been an Ohio High School Football official for 30 years.

In his professional career, Andy owns Teater Relocation Services and has been involved with relocation assistance for the past 31 years, working with families and businesses that have been displaced by public projects.

His term runs through December 31, 2025.

Council member Cynthia Vermillion

Cynthia Vermillion began her first term on Hilliard City Council in January 2020.

She believes effective local government agencies must take steps to involve community residents, seeking their ideas and input, and that bold steps are often necessary for the betterment of a community.

Cynthia is a first-generation American who was raised in San Diego, Calif., by parents who taught her the importance of hard work. Her father started a small wrought iron furniture manufacturing plant in Tijuana, Mexico, while her mother stayed home to take care of her and her three older siblings.

In 2004, Cynthia, her husband, and four children – Rebekah, Sarah, Christian and Madeline – relocated to Hilliard.

In 2014, she and her husband became involved with a group that fed the homeless of Columbus every week. In 2015, they were asked to lead this activity, which they did on a bi-weekly basis for almost 2 1/2 years, serving up homemade meals and gathering donations of blankets, clothing, and other supplies. She believes this service has been one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of her life.

Cynthia received her bachelor of science degree in telecommunications and film from San Diego State University. She works for Coldwell Banker King Thompson as a licensed real estate agent.

She serves as chair of Progress Hilliard, a local progressive group, and is vice president of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Columbus. She has been a member of Columbus Board of Realtors since 2015.

Cynthia Vermillion is currently City Council President.

Cynthia’s term runs through December 2027.

Clerk of Council

Headshot of Diane Werbrich

Diane Werbrich, MMC serves as Hilliard’s Clerk of Council.

The Clerk of Council acts as a liaison between the City Administration, City Council and its boards and commissions. The Clerk of Council is responsible for preparing meeting agendas and packets, preparing minutes of all meetings of Council, and distributing information to City residents. The Clerk of Council is also responsible for responding to Public Records Requests.

Diane Werbrich came to the City from Moraine, Ohio, where she served as Clerk of Council from 2015-2020. During her time with the City of Moraine she also served as Fire Division Secretary from 2008-2014 and Deputy Clerk of Council from 2006-2008.

She served as President of the Ohio Municipal Clerks Association (OMCA) 2018-2020, is current Past -President of OMCA, she obtained her MMC in 2019, is a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), and earned her Athenian Fellow Certificate.

She worked for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1983-1997 and received the Career Intelligence Medal upon her departure.

2024 Regular Meeting Dates

Unless noted, City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

Dates
January 08, 2024
January 22, 2024
February 12, 2024
February 26, 2024
March 11, 2024
March 25, 2024
April 08, 2024
April 22, 2024
May 13, 2024
May 28, 2024 (Tuesday)
June 10, 2024
June 24, 2024
July 08, 2024
August 26, 2024
September 09, 2024
September 23, 2024
October 14, 2024
October 28, 2024
November 12, 2024 (Tuesday)
November 25, 2024
December 09, 2024

Important Documents

For information on making a public records request regarding any City Council public meetings or related business, visit this web page

Legislative Bulletins

The Hilliard City Legislative Bulletin is published under the authority of the Hilliard City Charter and at the direction of the Clerk of Council.

The Legislative Bulletin contains ordinances and resolutions acted upon by City Council. If noted within the ordinance or resolution text, supplemental support documents, such as exhibits, are available upon request to the Clerk of Council at 3800 Municipal Way, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 or by emailing CouncilClerk1@hilliardohio.gov. For copies of past issues please contact the Clerk of Council.

DateTypeClick To View
3/11/2024Legislative BulletinView File
2/26/2024Legislative BulletinView File
2/12/2024Legislative BulletinView File
1/22/2024Legislative BulletinView File
1/8/2024Legislative BulletinView File
12/11/2023Legislative BulletinView File
11/27/2023Legislative BulletinView File
11/13/2023Legislative BulletinView File
10/23/2023Legislative BulletinView File
10/9/2023Legislative BulletinView File
9/25/2023Legislative BulletinView File
9/11/2023Legislative BulletinView File
8/28/2023Legislative BulletinView File
7/10/2023Legislative BulletinView File
6/27/2023Legislative BulletinView File
5/22/2023Legislative BulletinView File
5/8/2023Legislative BulletinView File
4/24/2023Legislative BulletinView File
3/13/2023Legislative BulletinView File
2/27/2023Legislative BulletinView File
2/13/2023Legislative BulletinView File
1/23/2023Legislative BulletinView File
1/11/2023Legislative BulletinView File
12/12/2022Legislative BulletinView File
11/28/2022Legislative BulletinView File
11/14/2022Legislative BulletinView File
10/24/2022Legislative BulletinView File
10/10/2022Legislative BulletinView File
9/26/2022Legislative BulletinView File
8/22/2022Legislative BulletinView File
7/11/2022Legislative BulletinView File
7/5/2022Legislative BulletinView File
6/27/2022Legislative BulletinView File
6/13/2022Legislative BulletinView File
5/23/2022Legislative BulletinView File
5/9/2022Legislative BulletinView File
4/25/2022Legislative BulletinView File
4/11/2022Legislative BulletinView File
3/28/2022Legislative BulletinView File
3/14/2022Legislative BulletinView File
2/28/2022Legislative BulletinView File
2/14/2022Legislative BulletinView File
1/24/2022Legislative BulletinView File
1/10/2022Legislative BulletinView File
12/13/2021Legislative BulletinView File
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