Four council members were sworn in just before the Jan. 4 regular meeting. The members were re-elected councilperson Tammy Coontz and three newly-elected members, Troy Bradfield, Kevin Owens and Tom Wolfe.
During the meeting, Mayor Mike Kolomichuk said the village has faced many challenges in 2009 the resident pride has shown through this year’s accomplishments, in spite of the cuts that were made.
Kolomichuk especially mentioned the Department of Public Services (DOPS). The department has been cut from six full-time employees to three.
“They have managed to get many things done such as storm sewer ditching, repairs to the road garage area and salt domes, etc., I thank them for doing such an excellent job in 2009,” he said.
He said the village has seen great benefits from the contractual agreement with the Springfield Township Police Department and spoke of the need to find more alternative ways to accomplish what needs to get done.
During committee reports, Coontz noted the passiing of resident Bob Starcher and asked for residents’ thoughts and prayers for friends and family. A moment of silence was observed.
Rick Justice spoke about the benefits to Lakemore if a new school complex was built. He said the project would create and keep jobs within the village and would attract other revenues from the construction.
Chief Saley thanked the Lakemore Fire Department (LFD) members for their sacrifices and hard work in 2009. He thanked Coontz for her job as LFD liaison in 2009.
Village Administrator Chad Pryor thanked the DOPS crew for the great job throughout the past year and for all they have been doing during the recent snows.
Fiscal Officer Rick Quay said the permanent budget should be finished by the end of the month.
Resident Mike Miletich thanked the DOPS and LPD for their actions during the fire hydrant accident on Thanksgiving Eve. He questioned why residents can't recycle glass and plastic?
Pryor said residents can recycle plastic and glass by placing it in the brown recycle bins that are provided to residents.
James Burge questioned the minimum charge for utilities and why single residents have to pay the same as others for minimums.
Quay said the costs are spread out over the number of accounts. They are not based on occupants.
“We are looking into a way to do something with minimum bills, but our costs are still there and are the same to transport to every separate account,” Quay said “The water itself is not the cost driver, it’s the procuring, treating and transporting that drive the costs.”
An emergency resolution was passed by the council members for current and expected village expenditures, for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31. This allows for the payment of current and future expenses.
There was a motion to suspend regular order of business for pending legal issues. The mayor, council and solicitor went into executive session. They returned and adjourned the meeting.
