(PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LIABILITY HOT POTATO … Greg Hillabrand of Hillabrand and Sons Construction addresses the Swanton Village Council during its meeting Monday evening. A discrepancy between council and Hillabrand regarding whether the contractor or Ohio Gas is responsible for certain property cleanup following work by both businesses in the village is now planned to be sorted out in future meetings with representatives from each as well as a project manager.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
In a unanimous vote Monday evening, the Swanton Village Council chose to snuff a proposal to allow backyard chickens.
Each of the council members echoed roughly the same sentiments – each was shocked by the low turnout at the public hearing of those in favor of allowing chickens as well as the lack of response by supporters to the signatures turned in in opposition to the measure.
They also all pointed out that it was their job to put their personal opinions aside and vote in the manner which their constituency was most in favor.
While all of them said they spoke with many residents about the issue, Councilwoman Dianne Westhoven in particular said she had received between 25 and 30 calls, and that all of them were against the proposal.
Council members also expressed their concerns as to whether the village’s code enforcement officer would have time to complete appropriate and timely inspections necessary for such a program with her increasing workload.
Councilman Derek Kania made the motion to move the proposal forward in order to bring a vote, with Councilman Patrick Messenger providing the second. All council members voted against the measure, which will once again be shelved.
PARK FEES
The council discussed a proposal by Village Administrator Shannon Shulters to increase the village’s park fee schedule.
There was a general agreement that an increase to the park levy would be a non-starter with voters, and that many organizations which were positive for the community, such as the Corn Festival, were still not providing enough compensation to cover the cost to the village for the combined usage of the facilities, maintenance of said facilities, and wages for public service employees performing the maintenance.
No action has yet been taken on the general proposal, nor has an ordinance been drawn up, although Shulters hinted at a recommendation of $1,000 to rent the park for the two days of the festival.
PROJECT CLEANUP
Discussion became mildly heated during comments from Greg Hillabrand of Hillabrand and Sons Construction with regard to incomplete items related to the village’s projects 3, 11, and 12.
Councilman John Schmidt questioned when the business would be completing restoration of residents’ lawns damaged by heavy equipment during the course of the project. Hillabrand claimed all such work had been completed, which Schmidt strongly denied.
It was Hillabrand’s position that any remaining lawn damage was due instead to equipment belonging to Ohio Gas, who also completed work in the area during the same time period.
Shulters eventually stated they would do another walkthrough of the project area and meet with Jones and Henry – who managed the project – along with representatives from Hillabrand and Ohio Gas, in order to sort out the situation.
FIRE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL
Council members approved a variety of personnel changes for the Swanton Fire and Rescue Division, including a trio of promotions they approved following an executive session in which they were discussed.
Lieutenant Jeff Dawson was promoted to Captain of Training, Health, and Safety, with a salary of $72,262.15, firefighter Josh Heinemann was promoted to lieutenant (to replace Dawson), with a salary of $67,252.24, and firefighter Ashley Leach was promoted to lieutenant to fill a vacancy, with a salary of $65,351.92.
The discrepancy in pay between Heinemann and Leach was due to differing certification levels. Once Leach earns the same level as Heinemann, her pay will be increased to match.
Council members approved the hiring of full-time firefighter/paramedic Emma Krabill at a yearly salary of $61,372.64, part-time EMT Logan Vargl at an hourly rate of $21.03 per hour, and part-time firefighter Nick Back at an hourly rate of $21.03 per hour.
The council also approved Chris Stillion shifting from full-time to part-time. Stillion has taken a job in the private sector, and the change will allow him to have more time with his family.
Fire Chief Cuyler Kepling also reported the department responded to 96 EMS calls and 24 fire calls in April, with a year-to-date total of 516 calls.
OTHER BUSINESS
Council members spent some time discussing concerns surrounding residents parking vehicles on lawns, raised by Councilman Schmidt, before eventually deciding there was no acceptable answer to the issue outside of existing regulations regarding nuisance vehicles – those which are broken down, unregistered, on blocks for an extended period of time, etc.
Councilman Kania shared his intent to start bringing representatives from local community organizations such as Rotary, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Corn Festival board, one at a time at every other meeting in order to better share what they’re doing in the community as well as to find ways for the organizations and the council to work together for the village’s benefit.
Shulters reported bulk dropoff would be occurring Saturday, May 17, in the stone parking lot adjacent to the community center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the dumpsters are full.
The council approved the hiring of Trey Keefer as a full-time patrol officer with the police department at an hourly rate of $23.50.
The council approved on final reading ordinances setting leaf collection fees at $15 per property owner and street lighting fees at $32 per property owner. Neither fee changed from 2024.
Toeppe read a proclamation declaring the week of May 18 through 24 as National Emergency Medical Services Week.
The next regular meeting of the Swanton Village Council will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, at 219 Chestnut Street.