98 DODGE … Owners of the property at 98 Dodge speak to council regarding their request for a driveway to be allowed at the property. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Swanton Village Council held their meeting on Monday, February 14th. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council first moved to approve the current agenda as presented as well as the minutes from the previous meeting that took place on January 24th.
Committee reports followed after with an update for water and sewer being given first. It was stated that an agenda item for the current meeting will effect water and sewer bills for the filling of swimming pools.
The recommendation gives residents no sewer charge for the filling of their permanent swimming pool during the first year.
Afterwards, a $50 credit will be applied to the sewer charge once during the lifespan of the pool sometime between the second and fifteenth year. A motion was made to approve this recommendation which passed.
Next, an update was given for the finance committee meeting. The finance documents were completed by Mrs. Harkey before her resignation was final. A motion was made to approve these documents as presented which was approved.
The need for a new credit card compliance officer was then discussed. It was stated that Councilman Messenger had volunteered for the position.
Discussion then shifted to a recommendation for Then and Now certificates with a recommendation being made to approve the purchase orders which passed.
In old business, council heard the Third Reading for an Ordinance regarding the amending of the Village Zoning Map by amending the zoning classifications for 98 Dodge in the Village of Swanton. A motion was made to approve the ordinance which passed.
In new business, council reviewed the Law Enforcement Trust Fund report and the rules of council. A discussion took place to consider the changing of items 1C and 3D for the rules of council. A motion was made to approve the change for the rules which passed.
The following ordinances and resolutions were then approved by council. The First Reading for an Ordinance declaring the necessity to assess all properties in the Village of Swanton, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 727.01. Et seq, for the cost of leaf collection, approving plans, establishing tentative assessments, and the method of payment.
The First Reading for an Ordinance declaring the necessity to assess all properties in the Village of Swanton, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code section 727.01. Et seq, for the cost of street lighting, approving plans, establishing tentative assessments, and the method of payment.
An Emergency Resolution authorizing the administration to dispose of certain surplus property not needed for any municipal purpose. An Emergency Resolution opposing the State of Ohio Legislature HB 512 which proposes an increase of employer contributions to the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund.
The mayor’s report was then given with Mayor Toeppe first wishing to thank the public service crews for a job well done with the snow removal.
The mayor then spoke about a call he participates in monthly with the Mayors Association of Ohio.
He explained that after every call, he feels as though he has come out with more and more good information. Examples of previous calls and the information given during those calls was discussed.
The mayor also informed everyone present that Fire Chief Schaffer is retiring on March 19th. Toeppe thanked Chief Schaffer for his service before explaining that the search for a new Chief will begin soon.
The Administrator’s report was then given with the meeting area redesign and live streaming being discussed first. Ideas for the new changes are still being explored and an idea for TVs to conduct zoom calls is also being looked into.
The Snow Angel program was also discussed with it being stated that 7 households had signed up for this year with only one family signing up to volunteer.
The program allows for households to sign up for volunteers to help with the shoveling of their driveways and sidewalks. Since this program started, not very many people have offered to volunteer which is what is needed.
Numerous other projects were discussed including a future road work project on West Garfield. It was stated that postcards have been sent out to residents to explain that, when the work begins and the concrete is poured, it will be very inconvenient for residents.
It is important to let residents know of this now before the work begins due to residents being unable to drive over the concrete for a period of time while it sets.
The personnel report was then discussed with a resignation being received from Police Sgt. JD Rahman. Rahman is leaving the Swanton Police Department and is taking a job with the Toledo Police Department.
The retirement for Fire Chief Schaffer was then again discussed. A motion was made and approved for each resignation before moving on to hear public concerns.
Kay Bloyd-Howard and Robin Howard from 98 Dodge spoke to council regarding their request for a driveway. They first thanked council for approving their zoning request before handing out a sketch to council members showing the property and the proposed driveway.
They explained to council that they would like to park their vehicles on their property and that, in the future, they would like to purchase an electric car. In order to purchase an electric car, a driveway is needed to be close enough to charge the vehicle.
Discussions took place between the property owners of 98 Dodge and members of council. Both parties agreed to continue looking for mitigations for their concerns and to continue the discussion.
Council then moved into executive session at 8:22 p.m. Upon their return, council moved to adjourn for the evening.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com