By: Bill O’Connell
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Swanton Village Council will be taking a four-week hiatus after their meeting on July 11, 2016 and here are some of the highlights from that meeting and from several press releases since.
In an effort to streamline Village duties and responsibilities, Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle put forth Emergency Ordinance 2016-35 which will create the appointed position of Fiscal Officer and effectively abolish the elected position of Finance Director. Additionally, the elected position of Clerk/Treasurer will also be abolished and the tasks assumed by the Fiscal Officer’s position.
The Ohio Revised Code allows the Village to make this move and it will result in a tax savings for the residents of Swanton. The motion to accept the Ordinance was passed unanimously and Ms. Hoelzle recommended current Fiscal Director Karla Sexton be appointed Fiscal Officer. Council accepted the recommendation.
Two Pilliod Park projects have been completed. The parking lot and the walking trails have both been repaved and a water fountain, financed by the Swanton Rotary, was installed, creating a more family-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere.
The Clark Street Serer Separation project is set to begin at the end of July. The Village is asking for the community’s cooperation during this project as there may be changes related to on-street parking as well as lane closures on affected streets.
The Village has purchased a 2013 Chevy Malibu from McNeill Chevrolet-Buick for administrative use by Village employees. The vehicle will be financed through the dealership with a 48-month loan with monthly payments of $296.
The new Swanton Community Center will be hosting its first event on July 28 when the Swanton Rotary holds its weekly luncheon. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays it will be the Fulton County Senior Center.
Another project that is in its early stages will be the “rebranding” of the village with a heavy railroad theme. Jim Wagner, owner of the Brailey Depot on County Road 3, is willing to donate the depot to the Village which would be relocated to the Chestnut Street corridor along the railroad tracks. A platform for the depot along with an observation deck for train enthusiasts would be part of the project as a tourist attraction.
A second reading of Ordinance 2016-23, the Village’s request to separate from Fulton and Swancreek Townships is still tabled. The next meeting will be August 8, 2016 at 7:00 PM.
Bill O’Connell may be reached at
publisher@thevillagereporter.com