ADDRESSING COUNCIL … New Village Solicitor / Prosecutor Kevin Whitlock and Kimberly Smallman from the newly formed Metamora Chamber of Commerce met and introduced themselves to council during the meeting held on February 7th, 2022. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Metamora Village Council held their meeting on Monday, February 7th. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council first moved to welcome the new village Solicitor Kevin Whitlock. Mr. Whitlock works for the law firm Barber, Kaper, Stamm, McWatters, Whitlock & Maloney in Wauseon
Council asked Mr. Whitlock about the cost structure for his services and if he had any questions. Mr. Whitlock replied that the cost is normally based at $135 an hour and that the price quoted is the price that Wauseon pays.
He also stated that he would be willing to negotiate the amount but that it would need to stay in that ballpark.
Mr. Whitlock then asked if they were looking for just solicitor services or if they were looking for a prosecutor as well. Council informed him that they were just looking for a solicitor.
Mr. Whitlock then offered to do the prosecutorial services as well if they would so like.
Council was open to the idea and asked what the cost for those services would be. Mr. Whitlock explained that normally a discount is given for prosecutorial services if there are already solicitor services being provided.
Council then moved to pass the First Reading for Ordinance 2022-02 to hire Kevin Whitlock as the Village Solicitor and Prosecutor.
Kimberly Smallman from the new Metamora Chamber of Commerce was then introduced. The Chamber has just recently been formed and is hoping to revitalize the Village of Metamora, help with community service, and clean up the town. Some things currently being looked into are bringing a fall festival into town.
Other ideas include a small car show, chili cook-off, and the Park-O-Rama. Council stated that they are excited to see what the Chamber has in store and that they are looking forward to collaborating with them in the future.
Council then moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting on January 19th before moving on to old business.
The Transtar quote was updated with a price that includes switching over from aluminum to copper. After discussion took place, council decided that there was no benefit that justified the increase of cost and to keep the previous quote that involved aluminum.
The Historical Society’s rezoning application was then discussed. The Planning Commission has already met and made a recommendation to proceed with the application.
A motion was made to initiate the process and to send out letters to nearby residents regarding the rezoning. Letters will also be posted around town regarding a public hearing.
A bridge report was then given which discussed bridges around town. Recommendations were made for those that need repairs. The ODOT bridge replacement for 2024 was also addressed.
A discussion was held regarding whether or not the plans should be sent out to make sure that there are no issues for the village. It was decided that it would be a good idea to have someone look at the plans.
An update was then given for the property owned by John Crockett. It was stated that there is still no willingness on behalf of Mr. Crockett to fix anything and that he does not know what he is going to do with it, but that he would like the village to condemn it.
It was decided to send out a letter to Mr. Crockett letting him know that he has thirty days to provide a letter from the engineer he had look at his property.
Council then discussed a issue that had been brought up by a concerned citizen. The concern was regarding prolonged parking on East Main Street.
The allowed parking time on that street is 48 hours before the car must then be moved. Cars are also supposed to be off the road when there is two inches of snow on the ground.
Council decided to send out letters to the residents on that street regarding the time limit and snow emergency ordinance.
The next meeting was then discussed with it being stated that Heather Lumbrezer and Mayor Sauerlender will not be able to attend.
Due to those members being absent on the scheduled meeting day, council decided to move the next meeting date to February 22nd.
The spring newsletter was then reviewed before council moved to enter into executive session. Upon their return, council moved to hire a part-time and full-time maintenance employee.
The meeting was then adjourned at 8:52 p.m.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com
