LISBON — Lisbon is set to implement a completely updated zoning code, ending a 20-year effort to modernize and streamline development regulations in the village. The new code, led by a consultant along with village officials Ryan Berg and Zach Barkley, will take effect Jan. 8, 2026, 30 days after village council held its third and final reading during Tuesday’s regular meeting at Village Hall.

Council approved Ordinance 2240-2025 and Ordinance 2241-2025, which repeal the village’s existing zoning code and replace it with the new one.

Mayor Peter Wilson described the updated zoning code as a “massive, years-long effort” designed to eliminate inconsistencies and make development in Lisbon more straightforward.

Wilson also provided updates on ongoing initiatives, including the village’s authority to set speed limits on local streets and progress on the Welcome Home Ohio housing program, which will bring three new-build homes to Lisbon — two on Sherman Street and one on Pritchard Avenue.

After speaking with the Ohio Department of Transportation, Wilson said municipalities have authority to set limits on state routes within their borders as long as they do not exceed state maximums.

“We don’t have to do any type of traffic tests and it is up to the municipality to set the limits so if we want to do 25 MPH the length of Lincoln Way, we can,” Wilson said.

Several residents have recently urged council to reduce the current 35 mph speed limit through the village. To make a change, Fiscal Officer Tracey Wonner said council would need to pass an ordinance codifying the new limit.

Lisbon’s participation in the Welcome Home Ohio program will result in three newly constructed homes.

“This is really good news for Lisbon,” Wilson said. “Hopefully we will also qualify for Round 2 WHO funding.”

In new business, the council approved Resolution No. 2245-2025, authorizing a Local Public Agency agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the Pritchard Avenue Bridge replacement project. Construction is scheduled to begin May 1, 2026, and conclude five months later. Resolution No. 2246-2025, amending the 2025 annual appropriations for the Fire Levy Fund, was also passed as an emergency measure.

The council also approved a grant for upgrades to the police department’s bulletproof vests at a cost of $1,462 to the village. Lisbon PD will receive $5,849 total for plates to better protect officers against higher caliber weapons.

Council also approved staffing changes in the fire department, accepting the resignation of Firefighter Kody Vint and hiring Nathaniel Clark as his replacement. The resignation of Barbara DeCort from the Architectural Review Board’s Board of Appeals was also approved.

During the Public Speaks segment, resident Jereme Kliner urged council to work together and voiced frustration with political division and what he sees as a lack of meaningful support from higher-level officials.

“We only have us. We have to get along,” Kliner said, explaining that he recently replied to a mass campaign text from U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli and felt he received another generic message in return. He said many residents are still waiting for economic progress.

“People want real jobs and real answers. Where are the jobs at the end of the rainbow?” Kliner said. He added that in his view, “Michael Rulli does not care. He is moving up and out, like everyone else,” urging council to focus on local cooperation. “We may as well be the happiest, little broke town in America and make somebody want to move here.”

Pastor Donna Shuman spoke about the Father’s Heart program, which provides Walmart and Amazon gift cards to teenage foster children in the county.

Council tabled an offer from RCAP for a team-building course for council members and village supervisors until the new year so incoming Councilman Joe Morenz can vote on the matter.

The meeting concluded with departmental updates and discussions on recent village events, including the Christmas parade.

Council will next meet Jan. 13.