RECOGNITION Mayor Huner reads a recognition letter for Fulton County Veterans Service Officer Crystal Bennett
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council held their meeting on Monday, November 6th. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.
Council first moved to approve minutes from the previous meeting held on October 16th along with Committee of the Whole meeting minutes from November 2nd.
Council and Mayor Kathy Huner then moved to recognize Fulton County Veteran Services Officer/Director Crystal Bennett. Bennett then thanked the mayor and members of council before telling a little bit about herself.
It was stated by Bennett that she has been employed by the office in Fulton County since 2004 and that she is an instructor for OSACVSO and NACVSO.
To that end, Bennett has instructed hundreds, if not thousands, of new service officers across the nation to become advocates for veterans.
Prior to her employment with the Veterans Service Office, Bennett held positions with Job and Family Services Offices of Child Support and the Board of Developmental Disabilities in Fulton County. She was also a member of the military herself, serving four years in the United States Navy.
Council then shifted to hear reports from department heads. Fire Chief Phil Kessler spoke first and stated that it had been a busy month. He also went on to say that donuts and cider went well this year and that the newly refurbished engine is in service.
Kessler also explained that some members attended a speaking event by Dr. David Griffin who spoke on mental health for police and fire members. Lastly, Kessler stated that they are continuing to work on Fire District questions.
Police Chief Kevin Chittenden then stated a new part-time dispatcher had been hired before informing council about this year’s upcoming Christmas for Kids event in the county.
Director of Public Service Keith Torbet spoke next, and stated leaf pickup was in full swing. ODOT is also being worked with regarding projects for next year including the Hybrid Beacon on Shoop and Oak Street Resurfacing.
Torbet was then asked if the roundabout is still being planned for just outside the city limits south of the hospital. Torbet explained that it is still on their docket and that there are also talks from ODOT of increasing the speed on South Shoop Avenue as you exit the city limit.
Following reports from department heads, council moved to approve the following measures. The First Reading of Ordinance 2023-5 to amend section 933.06(B) of the Codified Ordinances of The City of Wauseon. The Second Reading of Ordinance 2023-4 amending section 377 of the Codified Ordinances of The City of Wauseon.
Under new business, council also approved a motion to authorize the mayor to execute a Restrictive Covenant agreeing that the city will not construct a structure on Parcel No. 06-016284-02.000 within 60 feet of the Haas Door building located on Parcel No. 06-015848-00.000 owned by Jet Enterprises, LLC.
Approval of the bills took place next before council moved to adjourn at 5:25 p.m.
