REPUBLIC - Council members said "thank you, but no thank you" to two grants Monday night.
Police Chief Don Holmer said a $125,000 COPS grant offered to the village in late June by the U.S. Department of Justice would not work best for the village because it could only hire a full-time entry-level officer laid off from another department or with military experience. The grant benefited the village for three years but the village would have to provide $46,000 as its portion. As part of the agreement, the village then would be responsible to continue the officer's salary and benefits for an additional two years, costing about $70,000.
After discussion, council voted to turn down the grant.
The village received a $39,000 Community Development Block Grant in 2011 to make the office Amercians with Disabilities Act compliant. This figure included engineering for the project, plus materials and labor. Following discussion, members also refused the CDBG grant because members said they can accomplish the task for much less.
Council approved investigating making the rear entrance to the village office ADA compliant and estimated total costs to be $500-$750.
After a short executive session, members took action to hire attorney Jim Gucker as solicitor and associate Jessica Monday as assistant solicitor effective Sept. 1.
In other action, council:
Welcomed Crystal Fields as new village administrator.
Learned interim village administrator Darin Brown's last day is Aug. 13.
Approved re-appropriations to pay utility bills.
Approved creation of a resolution to approve all re-appropriations.
Heard the cash summary by fund report and approved paying bills.
Agreed to allow Mayor Bruce Lambert to handle an electrical situation at a Cole rental property.
Approved the purchase of solar-powered batteries for the mobile radar trailer.
Heard Vernon Burkholder from American Legion Post 404 thank members for the village's assistance during Rally in the Road.
Heard Seneca East student Cody Stombaugh has been assisting with the village's website.
Mentioned numerous cats, tall weeds and trash not being picked up in the village.
Upcoming meetings include a tree committee meeting at 7 p.m. and a utility committee meeting ay 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Council meets next at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 20.
