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COLUMBIANA -- In addition to filling the police chief's job, the city police department will be hiring a two new officers.
City Manager Lance Willard informed city council this week of the upcoming need for new officers after two left to join the county sheriff's office. A civil service test will be held.
He also said that interviews will be conducted this month for the chief position following the retirement of Tim Gladis. The city is getting assistance from the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) for the search for a new chief and the non-profit organization held an assessment center for the position on Jan. 23.
Willard also told council that the city's Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) negotiating committee has made an offer to A-Plus Powder Coaters and YESCO for their respective CRA applications. The committee offered 15-year, 15 percent tax abatements to both companies on the improved value of their upcoming expansions.
The Columbiana school district will be asked to approve the applications if the companies accept the offer, and final approval will then be needed by council.
Willard also briefed council on a project being discussed among the planning commission, and that is a sewer extension out near County Line Road. Willard said the project will involve putting sewer from Jamestown Trace east under County Line Road along state Route 14.
"This will most likely be a cost sharing project (with affected property owners) of which the city will participate due to the land that we own," he said.
The planning commission will discuss the matter more during their meeting next week, he added.
The only item on the city council agenda this week was legislation amending section 5.2 of the policies and procedures manual of the city. According to Willard, this is a small change that covers the ability for non-union employees to cash out a portion of their vacation.
The legislation was approved by majority vote, with councilman Dan Bekar against. Bekar did not offer comment during the meeting on his vote.
Council also held an executive session to discuss pending litigation. No action was taken.