Republic Mayor Bruce Lambert said he had no comment on the $125,000 COPS Hiring Program grant from the U.S. Department of Justice arranged by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. Lambert said the financial responsibilities to the village are unknown in accepting the grant and they would like to examine that further.
The grant would make it possible to support 75 percent of the cost of three years of salary and fringe benefits for the officer.
Lambert and council members completed another brush pick-up for residents incapable of hauling their own, but found many capable citizens taking advantage of the service. Those able to handle their brush are to deliver it to the sewer plant next to the railroad tracks.
A notice is to be mailed with the next utility billing informing residents of the procedure.
Lambert also told council the Seneca Regional Planning Commission has notified the village that grant funding is available for the demolition of condemned properties on a designated list. After some discussion, Lambert recommended they not take advantage of the grant funding and council concurred.
Following a 90-day probationary period, interim village administrator Darin Brown asked council to reduce his stipend to 75 percent of the pay he has been receiving. Since hiring Jim Aurand as a maintenance worker, Brown's workload has been reduced and he spends less time in the village, away from his full-time position in Bloomville. Members approved the reduction in pay.
Having filed for a new five-year application for a permit for discharges at the sewer plant, Brown still is examining the EPA paperwork reviewing the regulations for tank affluent limitations and sampling requirements.
He announced an AMP OH sponsored training July 17 in Clyde 17 for employees to receive bucket and pole top rescue procedures. Council approved their participation.
Brown said Aurand has completed his hydrant flushing training and hydrants are to be flushed July 24-25. Aurand is to update the water contingency plans for the village in case of emergencies.
Police Chief Don Holmer announced a block watch meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday at townhall.
He also signed the liquor permit for the American Legion to conduct its beer garden July 27 during the "Rally in the Road." Festivities run 6 p.m.-midnight with the Lions Club cooking hamburgers and the Scipio/Republic Fire Department providing a fish fry. DJ "The Chief" is to start the evening off, followed by the Soul Pilots at 8 p.m.
Fiscal Officer Monique Delaney submitted the 2013 budget and the cash summary report. She had no mayor's court report.
Resident Sean Peck approached council about his recent water bill that showed he had used 15,000 gallons of water when his bills had been averaging 4,000 gallons. Village employees have found no leaks and are monitoring the usage daily. Wanting to find a resolution, the accuracy of his meter was questioned. Council moved to change the meter for a comparison.
Dave Hamilton said youth have been out late playing flashlight tag. The village's curfew ordinance states those younger than 15 years of age are to be in 11 p.m.-5 a.m. and 18-year-olds can be out until 1 a.m.
The meeting moved into executive session for discussion of personnel issues. Upon returning to open session, council moved to advertise for a full-time village administrator.
In other business, council:
Approved the 2013 budget. Copies are available at the village office.
Adopted an ordinance allowing the fiscal officer to reside outside the village limits.
Heard the second reading of the ordinance abolishing mayor's court.
Discussed village employee qualifications for tree trimming near power lines.
Learned a new homebuilder is questioning the process for getting water and sewer services to his home. Brown is to examine policies.
Heard Lambert name new committees with recent council changes.
Set a personnel committee meeting for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Heard council member training is 10 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Tuesday at the North Central Ohio Educational Service Center.
Received compliments from community members for more involvement.
Heard neighborhood watch signs have been erected.
Heard youth have been playing on the railroad tracks near the viaduct.
Council is to meet at 6:30 p.m. July 16.
