NEW HIRINGS … Edgerton Police Chief Gary Plotts hired two policemen at Monday’s village council meeting. Platts, who was hired in November 2021, has already hired four new policemen in his four months at the helm. (PHOTO BY DANIEL COOLEY, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
The March 7 Edgerton Village Council meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a prayer from Mayor Robert Day, Roll call was then taken, with four of five council members, Sharon Blinzler, Pam Wampler, Jason Gruver, Leslie VanAusdale and Chuck Wallace, present.
First, the village council approved of both the meeting minutes from February 15 and of the meeting minutes from the special council meeting held on February 22.
Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles then followed with a report. Fitzcharles began by thanking everyone, including Edgerton employees, Mike Schultz, the youth of the community, the Village Market, council members, the police force and others who helped out after the recent water main break.
She added that Vernon Nagel’s work after the water main crisis was amazing. Fitzcharles stated that the village now owes the EPA a more detailed report..
Fitzcharles also stated that the pink ribbons seen on Oak Street are the locations where sidewalks will be constructed, after June 1.
Fitzcharles also said that a safety and safe routes to school has been submitted to the Ohio Department of Transportation.
In addition, Fitzcharles stated that more work needs to be done before the water tower project is ready to begin.
Village Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht stated that the credit card statements are available and that the February financials and the 2021 funding report has been completed.
Edgerton Police Chief Gary Plotts then gave a report. He started with saying how great it was to see the community come together during the water problem.
He also stated that the police office has moved to another location within the current building where the police department is housed. Plotts said that he is pleased with the move.
Plotts also said that he has two policemen he wants to hire, in Kyle Thurwell and Austin Cape, to be placed on part time probationary status.
Next, the board had a discussion with the Cemetery Board and the St. Joseph Trustees, regarding what needs to be done in order to get insurance for the caretaker.
It was stated by one of the cemetery board members that the caretaker does such excellent work. As a case in point, several letters have been received from people who say that the Edgerton cemetery is one of the nicest ones they’ve seen.
Fitzcharles stated that in regards to health insurance, the cheapest route might be to offer a stipend.
The Edgerton Village Council suggested that the cemetery board check on the numbers and see whether insurance or a stipend would be more feasible.
Next, the village council approved of the paying of the bills. That was followed by council’s approval of the hiring of Thurwell and Cape.
That was followed by approval of a status change of street department employee Elias Carter from probationary status to regular part time. “He has been a good asset to the team,” Fitzcharles said.
Next, council approved of the Police Department’s LEADS/OHLEG Security. “We had to (meet with the) compliance of the LEADS/OHLEG policy procedure,” explained Plotts.
Next, council approved of Tiffany McBride of Edon, a certified athletic trainer, to the Williams County Board of Health. McBride still has to be approved by the village of Edon, the cemetery board and the village of Blakeslee.
The council then approved of the building assessment contract with Poggemeyer Design Group, regarding the town hall facility. The village wants to upgrade the facility.
Next, the council approved of Resolution number 2022-006, involving a relay project.
“We want to replace four relays that have surpassed their useful life,” Fitzcharles stated. The council then approved of Ordinance 1096. This provided for a supplement to the 2022 annual appropriations.
Next, in council comments, Gruver stated that it’s exciting to see the direction of the police department. He also commented on the village’s removal of some trees.
“There are a lot of trees in this village that have aged out and need to come down and it’s being done in a safe manner,” Gruver said.
The council then moved into executive session.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com