REPUBLIC - A rash of resignations rocked Republic's council meeting Monday night.
After presenting his report, Chief of Police Randy Marfia tendered his resignation that is effective May 19, which members accepted. He also informed council that all village officers plan to resign May 19.
This was followed by the resignations of Councilmen Matt Lucius and Dave Kirian. Council also approved those resignations that are effective immediately.
Marfia had reported that the Ohio Department of Transportation had completed a speed study in the village and is proposing increasing speed limits in some areas. Residents expressed concern over the changes and council wants to investigate before making a decision.
Interim Village Administrator Darin Brown read a letter received from the Ohio Board of Workers' Compensation alleging that village employees had reported the use of village equipment without proper safety procedures. The letter stated the village has 30 days to comply with providing safety training on all equipment.
Brown is obtaining safety videos and compiling a safety operation library for employees. Employees are to familiarize themselves with the operator's manuals of all equipment and he must sign off when they have accomplished training.
Brown also reported on the status of the salt contract, noted a pump from a lift station is being repaired and a main valve at the water plant is not working.
He is to obtain prices for having four stumps removed.
Fiscal Officer Monique Delaney submitted the mayor's court report, the cash summary by funds and stated she is compiling the 2013 final budget.
Resident John Bass addressed council concerning his delinquent electric bill. Service had been disconnected at the property Friday without notification. Confusion over the grace period for paying delinquent bills had occurred. Previously users had 30 days to pay but council had recently moved to increase the period to 90 days. Service was quickly restored after village employees were informed. His bills have contained differing figures on the amount owed.
In other action, council:
Heard the second reading of ordinances repealing previous ordinances pertaining to a full-time officer, establishing an auxiliary police unit and establishing overtime and means of compensation for the police chief.
Determined the rate of pay for a part-time police chief and heard the first reading of an ordinance setting the rate at $12.50 per hour.
Seeks candidates for two vacant council seats.
Heard residents thank Mayor Bruce Lambert and council for picking up brush in the village.
Learned the Community Garage Sales are 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. June 8-9. The cost is $3 to participate. For more information, contact Lori Wise at (419) 618-7153.
Discussed a community trash pick-up following the garage sales.
Heard the Memorial Day parade steps off at 9 a.m. May 28. Participants are to gather at the American Legion post and march to Farewell Retreat Cemetery.
Discussed mayor's court costs and is investigating continuing mayor's court in the village.
Discussed the possibility of farming out unused property at the sewer plant.
Moved to pay former Councilman Larry Shock an extra $10 each meeting when he served as president pro-tem.
Moved to not pay Shock for attending a special meeting.
Approved paying president pro-tem the same rate as other councilmen.
Stated that neighborhood watch signs are to be erected.
Noted an increase in FSI garbage bags at 10 for $15.
Set a personnel committee meeting for 6:30 p.m. May 14.
A finance committee of the whole meeting followed the regular session wherein Chairman Mike Oberlander presented results of inquiries from other communities regarding police department costs.
Delaney stated that the state auditor's office recommends the finance committee be named the finance/audit committee.
Council is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. May 21.
