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LEETONIA -- Village council approved the purchase of a new vehicle for the police department in its recent meeting.
Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado for the police department from Asia Motor Inc. Police Chief Allen Haueter said the Silverado would cost $54,000 and come fully outfitted for service.
Council also unanimously authorized the installation of automated load systems for the EMS department's power cots in both of its ambulances by Myers Equipment Corporation in Canfield at a cost not to exceed $8,000. Council previously approved the purchase of the power cots and loaders in its July 15 meeting.
Other financial matters approved included a motion to permit $23,500 from the village's Water Operating Fund to be paid to the General Fund to repay a cash advance.
Village Administrator Roman Ferry told council that the village was currently subleasing the property on state Route 344 near the railroad tracks where the village sign stands to Spectrum. He said that the revenue from the sublease would be applied to the cost of the village's own lease from Norfolk Southern.
Ferry also said that surveying was underway by Howells & Baird Inc. for the village's upcoming paving projects, and that once the survey was completed and the documents were prepared the village would move forward with taking the project to bid.
"Spectrum is putting fiber-optic internet into the village, kind of similar to what Omni Fiber was doing last year. It's kind of the same situation; you can't really fight them because of the utility company. However, they were going to be paying us a $300 per month usage [fee]. So, we'll basically be reimbursed for our payment to Norfolk Southern for the first year," Ferry said.
Councilwoman Leisa Lorch asked Ferry what the current status of the village's zoning department following the resignation of Zoning Officer Jacob Brooks on July 16, and if the position had been posted for applicants yet.
Ferry said that for the time being he was overseeing the department "during this transition phase" and encouraged the council members to share any zoning concerns with him, noting that he felt "the more eyes we have, the better," and that "zoning is a community thing, not just one person."
"I have been sending out citations and letters to residents that are out of compliance and starting my documentation, so that is progressing. As you know, with zoning there's no quick fix, but we are not by any means letting these properties slide in the meantime," Ferry said.
During his report EMS Chief Robert Sanchez told the council that the ambulance the village purchased from the village of New Waterford had been picked up on Aug. 18, and that the department was working on a design and would obtain quotes for a vinyl wrap for the new ambulance.
During his report Public Works Superintendent Ed Allen said that the village had received a payment of $2,000 from Omni-Fiber for damage caused during their installation of fiber-optic cable in the village. He also said that the village was still owed two invoices from Omni-Fiber with a collective value of approximately $20,000.
The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss the compensation of a public employee, which was followed by no action.
Council will meet next at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 2.