SWANTON COUNCIL … The Swanton Village Administrator (center) presents her report to council. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Swanton Village Council held their meeting on Monday, October 25th. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call was then started with all council members in attendance.
Council first moved to amend the agenda with an addition regarding the approval for fire and rescue contracts with Fulton and Swan Creek Township.
A motion was then made to approve the minutes from the October 12th meeting which passed followed by a motion to approve the minutes from the October 20th public safety meeting which also passed.
Council then moved to committee reports with a discussion regarding public service going first. The first issue discussed was in regard to a berm and driveway repairs. The work has been completed and no further action is planned.
Next, a homeowner has requested the addition of a driveway on their property. It was decided to let them bring in the plans to see where it would go. Finally, a discussion took place regarding #ServeSwanton. It is a public service program that works to shovel snow, cut grass and more for those that cannot.
Next in committee reports, council heard a report regarding public safety. The Village Administrator will be reaching out to other communities and the Health Department to see what they do regarding food trucks and legislation.
Council was also informed that a discussion had taken place regarding the Munson traffic study. Next, council was informed about a grant for body cameras being available. The plan is to hopefully get six new body cameras for the police department.
Lastly, the fire advisory meeting update was discussed. It was stated that council will be voting on a new agreement during this meeting.
Moving on to old business, the following ordinances were approved. The Third Reading for an Ordinance authorizing the Village Administrator to enter into a fisheries agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
A Second Reading to amend Ordinance 2021-20 establishing Swanton Village employee compensation schedule for Swanton Police Division 2022-2025.
The Second Reading for an Ordinance assenting to the detachment of property. A Second Reading for an Ordinance notifying the Fulton and Lucas County auditors the one tax levy passed specifically for fire protection shall not be collected for the five-year term as specified in the ballot language unless this ordinance is repealed during said term.
A Second Reading for an Ordinance dedicating the unimproved portion of Hickory Street in the Village of Swanton, Fulton County, Ohio.
A Second Reading for an Ordinance authorizing the Village Administrator to enter into an agreement for prosecutorial services for the Village of Swanton. A Second Reading for an Ordinance appointing a Village Solicitor and establishing compensation.
Council then moved on to new business. Council first heard an Emergency Resolution authorizing the submission and support of an application to the State of Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.
A motion was made to suspend the rules which passed followed by a motion to approve the resolution which also passed.
Council then moved to discuss a request for the 2022 Corn Festival to be held next year on August 12th and 13th. A motion was made to approve the request which passed.
Following after, the Village Administrator advised council that a fire hydrant meter request was discussed. An official request was not submitted yet but asked if one could be approved pending application. A motion was made to approve a fire hydrant meter request pending application which passed.
Council member Kathy Kreuz then asked if it would be possible to go back and change the ordinance regarding compensation for the police department to an emergency ordinance. It was stated that since it was already approved, they could go back and approve it as an emergency.
A motion was made to suspend the rules which passed followed by a motion to approve the ordinance which also passed.
A motion was then made to suspend the rules which was approve followed by a motion to approve the new fire and rescue agreement with Fulton Township which also passed.
Next, a motion was made to suspend the rules which was approve followed by a motion to approve the new fire and rescue agreement with Swan Creek Township which also passed.
Council then moved to hear a report from the Village Administrator.Leaf pickup will start this week, but rain will most likely delay that. The tree commission did not meet in October. Brush pickup was also delayed due to rain and the chipper still being down.
An update on the Ohio Grant submission was then given. It says on their website that it should only take 45 days to hear back regarding the status of each application however that timeframe has passed.
An update for the membrane softening project was given. Advertising for bids will take place on November 3rd. A pre-bid meeting will take place on November 17th and bid will open on December 2nd.
Only 44 meters had to be read door to door out of 1,900. The village is still waiting to hear if small government funding for Crestwood will be available.
Applications have been received for sidewalk repair. Grant funding has been received for both parts of Hallett Road. Almost $900,000 will be received total from the grants. The welcome guide is complete, and the business guide is almost complete.
The mayor then commended Village Administrator Rosanna and wished for her good health and that of her upcoming baby. Council then moved to Executive session at 7:28 p.m. before later adjourning for the evening.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com