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LEETONIA --V illage council approved the purchase of a new police cruiser during its Wednesday meeting.
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox will be purchased from Stadium GM Superstore Inc. In Salem for $30, 310. Police Chief Allen Haueter said that many departments in the area had been struggling to find new vehicles, and that when one can be ordered they typically cost between $50,000 and $60,000, and that the dealer could only guarantee the discounted rate until that evening, necessitating immediate authorization.
Equipment purchases were also approved for the fire department, including a new hot stick to safely check if a downed wire is live for $400, and six Indian pump tanks used for grass fires at a cost of $175 each.
Other fire department business discussed included the retirement of Larry Hepner Sr. after 53 years and nine months of dedicated service to the village. Fire Chief Larry Hepner Jr. cited medical reasons as the cause for the retirement. Council unanimously passed a motion to acknowledge and express its gratitude for his lifetime of dedicated service.
"Council will be sure to deliver him a certificate of thanks for his over half-century of service," said Mayor Kevin Siembida.
Other personnel matters included the hire of Jacob Allen as a part-time street laborer at a rate of $12.35 per hour effective April 6.
Council also discussed the village's response to potential future medical complications and expenses for first responders that were part of the emergency response to the train derailment in East Palestine in February.
"This is something we need to consider for the well-being of those individuals that were on scene, whether we set up a fund or something of that nature, or pursue legal action," said Siembida.
Among the possible responses discussed was the possibility of bringing litigation --whether independently or as part of a class action suit --against Norfolk Southern. Siembida said he would present further information on other possible responses taken by other affected municipalities as they developed but that he felt it was important to present the issue to council so they could begin to consider how best to ensure the first responders were appropriately cared for.
"The equipment will be taken care of, but those long-term ramifications to our employees matter. They're the ones that have to deal with those issues," he said.
Also discussed was the village's mascot and whether the bear had a name. Neither Siembida nor council could recall the bear ever having a name and suggested that a contest to name the beloved character could be a good fundraiser for the village if it does not already have one. Siembida urged anyone who knew to contact him, as he and council did not want to change a name if one already existed.
A motion authorizing the expense of up to $1,500 for the rental of dumpsters for the village's spring-cleaning program was also approved.
Village council will meet next at 6:30 p.m. on April 19.