By: Lucinda Held-Faulhaber
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
After organizing for 2015, Edon Village Council continued with their regular session, addressing a straightforward agenda which also included updates and plans put forward by new Village Administrator Randy Mahlman.
“We are working at getting organized and efficient,” began Mahlman when informing Council on Village matters he’s attended to during his first eleven days on the job. “We’re getting there!”
Subsequently, he went on to report Street Superintendent Jim Brigle’s last day would now be March 2, 2015. “Jim’s service [to the Village] is greatly appreciated” he shared. He also noted two Village maintenance worker positions would be advertised shortly (part-time workers will no longer be needed); presented “Cost of Wages” comparative data for previous and current Village positions along with salary costs (modifications and additions show a six hundred eighty-eight dollar budget increase) and told that lab testing, including those previously contracted out, would now be done in-house, saving the Village over four thousand dollars.
Additionally that evening, Administrator Mahlman proposed to Council plans for: eliminating and replacing Village equipment (i.e. a new truck for use by Village departments, adding a “V” snowplow in the future, doing away with the sweeper, jet-vac truck); entering into mutual services agreements with other communities (e.g. cleaning catch basins); centrally locating equipment, supplies, tools, etc. near Village Hall for easy access and safety measures; routinely cleaning storm sewers and getting back on-track with pumping residential septic tanks.
In other action taken, Council:
•Accepted Andres O’Neil & Lowe’s $12,862 quote to continue providing liability and property insurance for the Village (up approximately fifty-six dollars from last year’s premium); they will serve as agents to HCC Public Risk/Ohio.
•Voted to suspend the required three-reading rule to pass Ordinance 10-14 Adopting Amendments to the text of the Village of Edon Zoning Ordinance regarding Temporary Accessory Structures on its second reading (4-2 vote). The revised Ordinance (Part 11 – Chapter 1175) requires residents to obtain a permit for temporary accessory structures; no permits will be required for party tents.
•Approved the Planning Commission’s recommendation to grant a variance to Edon Farmers Co-Op regarding height and set-back requirements for future construction; previous construction on Railroad Street was completed before zoning regulations were in place.
•Approved the creation of two full-time Village public works/maintenance positions; Administrator Mahlman will bring employee recommendations to Council for approval.
•Accepted a one hundred dollar donation from Edon BSA Troop 74 in appreciation of the Village’s assistance during their 2014 Haunted Forest event; funds have been designated for Park Board projects.
•Authorized Solicitor Thompson to prepare a resolution to increase height requirements (dimensions to be determined) for M1/Light Industrial and M2/Heavy Industrial zoned districts.
•Heard Chief Tom Szymczak’s detailed monthly Service Log and Vehicle Report for December as well as the Police Department’s Year End Report. Included were 2014 Logged Events: (1,830 calls for service, 266 complaints, 95 citations, 279 warnings, 3 accidents, 19 alarms, 12 arrests, 167 assists and 726 follow-ups); 2014 Operational Data: (20,625 total mileage/two vehicles; 2,105 gallons of fuel ~ $6,996.15; maintenance ~ $814.46 (combined total cost ~ $7,810.61); average per mile cost to fuel/service two vehicles ~ $2.64, up just nine cents from the previous year) and 2014 Municipal Court Revenue ($5,675 from fines and fees). In addition to commending his force on their supportive efforts in helping to reduce departmental costs, he also noted he’d participated in the schools’ annual Officer Phil program; met with Interim Superintendent John Granger regarding future A.L.I.C.E. training and updating the District Safety Plan; received a new hand-held radar unit from Ohio Department of Public Safety for participating in statewide traffic safety programs (no cost to Village/thousand dollar value) and discussed the purpose behind the newly established “Satellite Office” at the school with Dr. Granger, Student Council and their advisor (at this time, he is periodically on campus three days per week).
•Supported Mayor Burkhardt’s proclamation of February 1-28, 2015 as “Career and Technical Education Month” in Edon. The declaration urges all citizens to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by the career and technical education programs in the community and to support and participate in these programs to enhance their individual work skills and productivity.
•Were reminded building and demolition permits should be secured from the Village before undertaking any project; residents are encouraged to contact Administrator Mahlman regarding specific options and fees.
•Accepted the Minutes, Financial Report and bills as presented.
Prior to adjournment, members voted to enter into Executive Session for the expressed purpose of discussing possible property acquisition; no action was expected to be taken.
In observance of President’s Day, the next monthly meeting of Edon Village Council will be moved to Tuesday, February 17, 2015 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Village Chambers.
Lucinda Held-Faulhaber
May be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
