By Paula Scott
Ceremonial swearing-in of Chief Alec Cooper
New planning commissioners appointed
Fowler appointed as Detective
Neighborhood Revitalization meeting reminder for January 14
The January 10 regular meeting of the Ada Council began with the ceremonial swearing in of new Chief of Police Alec Cooper with his family and former colleagues from the Delphos Police Department present. (Meeting packet.)
A closed door organizational meeting for 2023 lasted just a few minutes.
Council elected Jeff Oestreich to continue as council president and voted to continue meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers. They further agreed to govern as a committee of the whole. Committee chairs will not change.
Mayor Retterer, who conducts council meetings, noted that there has not been a planning commission meeting for an extended period and that the terms of all commission members had expired. He therefore appointed Jeff Oestrich (as council representative), Fred Rush (Hardin County Commissioner) and Dennis (Junior) Mason to serve with him on the board.
The mayor also presented his annual state of the village address, which is presented in full HERE.
COMMITTEES
Personnel - Council approved an unpaid leave vacation request for Tim Parr.
Council approved a motion to appoint Ptl. Courtney Fowler as Detective. This is an assignment not a promotion. Mike Harnishfeger noted that Fowler has taken some 5 courses and is on track to become a Master Investigator.
Streets - Administrator Jamie Hall made a Grandview Blvd. project update. Work could begin as early as mid-Februray. He has begun preparing legislation involving assessments (in attached packet); an ordinance could be passed by early March.
Utilities - Sean Beck presented to new applications for water bill relief due to leaks. Both were approved.
STAFF
Police Chief - new police chief Alec Cooper was introduced; he reported on:
The passage of Senate Bill 288 strengthens the law regarding use of cell phones while driving. Going into effect on April 1, holding a phone while driving will be a primary offense. You can swipe, you can talk, but you cannot hold the phone. There will be six months of warnings before citations will be made.
Michael Harnishfeger made a report including:
2022 awards for department officers including medical emergency responses with Heimlich, CPR and AED performed, administering Narcan in drug overdoses and the discovery of a trailer fire; a full account is HERE.
In the Sunday, January house fire on Christopher Circle, Officer Mike Bollinger went into the burning house to coax a person looking for pets out of the attic.
An overview of calls including a neighbor dispute, theft with summons, threats and harassment.
OVI’s included an individual who drove over fire hoses at the Chrisopher Circle fire.
A Chevy Tahoe police cruiser has been ordered.
A “heads up” that 2 additional speed signs will be purchased. A Lima Ave. resident told him they have been “wonderful” and definitely have slowed drivers.
Village Administrator - Jamie Hall reported the following:
Saturday, January 14 is the third Neighborhood Revitalization meeting, when a list of community projects will be created. Hall noted that many War Memorial Park projects had been previously discussed; however, it has been determined that this area in not within the village and therefore these projects are not eligible for the grant application. Four of six census tracts within the village are eligible to apply for grants, which is based on income levels.
A portion of Clint St is still officially designated as private property. The street and a lift station need to be dedicated by the village.
Village staff are working on obtaining two grants in preparation for lead and copper water studies.
Legal Counsel - Jane Napier reported that she has reviewed the RITA (Regional Income Tax Agency) collection agreement and asked council to think about whether they have any questions. Discussion showed that there are 16 delinquent accounts, totaling $6,000.
The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.
