(PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
IN APPRECIATION … Police Chief Tim Livengood accepts a plaque on behalf of Lieutenant Jon Roberts, honoring Roberts for 15 years of service to the Pioneer Police Department.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Village of Pioneer Council convened Monday evening, May 12, for its regularly scheduled meeting. All Council members were present, including; Fiscal Officer Nicki Mittelstaedt, Solicitor Tom Thompson, Administrator Anthony Burnett, and Mayor Ed Kidston.
The council swiftly approved the meeting agenda, minutes from the April 14 session, the April 2025 financial report, and the latest bill payments, through a roll call vote.
Police Chief Tim Livengood gave his report, stating that a plan to take care of nuisance property concerns is in the works. Over 17 violations have been reported, with more to follow.
With recent staffing changes coming to the Pioneer PD, Livengood has appointed Officer Stephanie Mills to a full-time position. Livengood relayed the resignation of Lieutenant Jon Roberts, a 15-year police veteran to Pioneer, who accepted a position as police chief in Geneva, Ohio.
Mayor Kidston presented a plaque of service to thank Roberts for his service, but he was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
Moving on to the Fire Chief’s report, Roger Swank gave a short presentation to the Council. He announced Teresa Burke as First Responder Supervisor for the village of Pioneer. This position has long been vacant.
Six out of eight fire department calls were for medical first responders, so Burke has taken on the challenge of helping to better her community.
She will be serving a probationary period until December 2025, in which the Council hopes to see improvement in its response times and roster. Swank also mentioned that the new fire truck is still on track for a November arrival.
The administrator’s report, presented by Anthony Burnett, announced a donation of over 150 traffic cones from the Ohio Turnpike.
He also noted the American Legion donating several food equipment supplies to the concession stands, which he expects to experience a very busy this summer.
Burnett also informed the Council of the first step of the computer service replacement project for the village.
It involves the replacement and purchasing of new computers for the administrator, police, and fire department of Pioneer. This is to help the town stay up to date with current technologies, with an estimated cost of around $45,000.
The Sooz property, located at 101 Baubice Street, will be going up for bid on May 20, in which a total demolition is to be expected.
Lastly, Burnett reports that the annual Kaleb McLaughlin Ride to Remember parade and festivities will not be held this year.
Instead, the village is looking to hold a one-day event where the community can get together and kick off summer. Details will follow as the plan is developed.
Fiscal Officer Nikki Mittelstaedt highlighted several encouraging developments for the community. The village received a donation of $1,428.50 from the American Legion, which will go toward purchasing flags for community display. Additionally, the local summer recreation program was rewarded with $1,155 in sponsorship funds.
Council unanimously approved Ordinance 13-2025, which amends the 2025 appropriations and was declared an emergency measure. This adjustment allows for greater flexibility in managing construction services and their funding.
Next, Ordinance 14-2025 was passed, authorizing the village administrator to enter into a purchase agreement for real property.
The ordinance also grants the administrator authority to take all necessary steps to finalize the acquisition. This was also declared as an emergency action.
Resolution 106-2025 was adopted to support the annexation of property, consisting of 107.365 acres, from Madison Township to the Village of Pioneer.
The resolution complies with the Ohio Revised Code Section 709.03 (D) and indicates specific services Pioneer intends to provide to the annexed area.
An executive session was held at 8:36 p.m. to discuss potential property acquisition. After returning to open session, the council decided to adjourn the meeting.