With all the serious issues recently swirling around the Swanton community, railyard controversy, income tax increase, school buildings realignment and more, possibly the most commonly asked question from residents has been, “When will Taco Bell be coming in?” At the February 13 Swanton Village Council meeting it was reported that construction on the new fast-food facility is tentatively scheduled to begin in April. This came after Council granted a request from Taco Bell of America on a variance regarding additional signage on the property which will be located at the intersection of Airport Highway and Hallet Avenue.
The meeting began with the promotion and subsequent swearing in of Ed Dziengelewski as a lieutenant on the Swanton Fire Department. Previously, Mr. Dziengelewski had served on the SFD for seven years in a part-time capacity.
The Swanton Police Department also had changes in the status of personnel. Officer Dennis Sattison had submitted a letter of resignation that was effective on January 31. To fill the vacancy Police Chief Adam Berg recommended the promotion of part-time patrol officer JD Rahman to full-time. The Council approved the promotion contingent on a background check, drug testing and a six-month probationary period scheduled to run from February 26 to August 26.
Councilman Mike Rochelle reported that the Finance Committee would like to form a Tax Board of Review. The board would consist of three members serving a two-year term. Two members would be appointed by the Council and one by the Mayor.
Mr. Rochelle also reported the Village will most likely be sharing equipment with the Village of Delta in a cost savings move for both communities. Delta will be sharing their Vactor truck for the cleaning of sewers and Swanton, in turn, will share their street sweeper.
With regards to the Garfield Bridge project scheduled for 2018, Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle informed the Council the Village had received another grant, this one from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) in the amount of $270,000 to help defray the cost of the estimated $1.4M project. Coupled with a previous grant of $854,810, the cost to the Village is reduced to approximately $272,000.
“I’m well aware there are potholes on Garfield Avenue but we’re doing the best that we can,” said Ms. Hoelzle. We’re trying to do a little bit of band-aiding so next year we can do it all as one project.”
The OPWC also granted the Village $219,500 for Phase I of the Church Street project which will be completed in 2018. The Poggemeyer Design Group will likely be doing the engineering work.
Council approved time changes for the next meeting on February 27. The committee of the whole will meet at 6:00 pm, Public Service will meet at 7:45 pm and Public Safety will meet at 8:15 pm.
Bill O’Connell may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com