By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
Swanton Village Council members voted to create a new position combining the fire inspector and the community coordinator, who provided code enforcement services.
According to Mayor Neil Toeppe, the impetus for the merged position was the departure of the prior community coordinator, who left for a full-time position in Wauseon. Both original positions as well as the new position are part-time.
Following an executive session to discuss the matter, the council voted both to create the new position and to name Fire Inspector Dave Bennett to the role, for which he will receive a salary of $35,568 and work 24 hours per week.
According to Toeppe, the specifics of the position meant that the job did not need to be posted, either internally or externally.
The job creation and Bennett’s naming to it were made effective as of July 20, the day prior to the council meeting.
SWANTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Swanton Chamber of Commerce President Delray Busch spoke on the efforts of her organization in the village, sharing her gratitude for the community’s involvement.
“We’ve had a lot of momentum this year,” Busch said. One of the newest updates is the launch of our new community calendar, now live on the Swanton website.”
“This calendar is open to the public and allows residents, organizations, and businesses to submit events they’d like to share with the community.”
Busch said the chamber’s “Swanton Summer Block Party” series has been a huge success, with more than 400 people at the first event and around 100 at the second despite inclement weather. Three more parties are scheduled for August 16, September 27, and October 4.
The chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the Andrew McNeil Memorial Golf Tournament, is being held July 25, and the chamber continues to hold monthly “Coffee and Conversations” events at CK Sweets, as well as ribbon cuttings and grand openings for local businesses.
The chamber currently has approximately 120 members.
OTHER BUSINESS
Klumm Brothers has finished replacing the sanitary sewer on North Main Street, and the road repairs should be complete by July 26, with the Ohio Department of Transportation opening the road on July 28 if everything goes well.
During the work, the Public Service Department used the closure as an opportunity to complete the top-priority replacement of a hydrant at 86 Dodge Street.
All the new equipment at the headworks has been installed, including storm pumps, raw pumps, grit system, screen, reuse pumps, and new computer controls.
She also reported that a resolution has been reached regarding the flooding of the facility in April, which will cover damages and ensure proper system operation throughout the building.
The new water distribution and sewer collection building at the public service lot is now under construction.
Village Administrator Shannon Shulters reported that a leaf pick-up contract with Lammon Bros. has been signed, and that it includes the ability of residents to drop off brush, so long as they get the necessary verification form. Residents must have their form and ID when making drop-offs.
In his written report, Police Chief John Trejo stated the Independence Day fireworks display was “well-attended and injury-free” except for a drone flown into a restricted area. Trejo said the operator was found and given a verbal warning.
The council accepted the resignation of part-time Patrol Officer Adam Berg effective July 17. Berg is leaving for another part-time position with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
Fire Chief Cuyler Kepling reported 124 calls for service in June, bringing the total for the first half of the year to 708 calls – comprised of 585 EMS calls and 123 fire calls. He also reported that the department completed radio upgrades earlier this month as required by Lucas County.
The council accepted the status change of Susan Schmitt from part-time firefighter/paramedic to full-time, effective July 20.
Schmidt’s compensation will change from hourly to an annual salary of $62,832.65, and she will be subject to a one-year probationary period.
The council accepted the status change of Nataley Smith from full-time firefighter/paramedic to part-time, effective August 17. Smith’s compensation will change from salary to hourly at $22.77 per hour.
The council accepted the resignation of part-time firefighter/EMT Nick Meko effective July 1. The council approved the appointment of Gunner Green to part-time firefighter/EMT at $21.03 per hour, pending pre-employment testing and including a one-year probationary period.
The council set Halloween trick-or-treating for Thursday, October 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Swanton Village Council will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 11, at 219 Chestnut Street.