Dalton Village Council Nov. 18 meeting report

DGKN staff report

DALTON   Council agreed to have four street lights installed along Wenger Road where property has been annexed.

Finance Chairman Steve Gerber brought up the motion during committee reports at Village Council’s regular monthly meeting Nov. 18.

Street Superintendent Dave Reynolds explained that the village provides lighting within the corporation limit. Orrville Utilities would install and maintain the lights at $4.80 each; $19.20 per month; $230 per year.

In other business:

n Councilman Pat Sword moved that council creates ground rules regarding funds used to contract with public entities.

Solicitor Melissa Craemer Smith asked in what sense he was making the motion because the village often contracts with public entities. She said the motion was too general and asked how the motion can be effective and enforced.

Sword explained his concern was about the village supplying money that is being used for lawsuits and not beneficial to the community as a whole. He narrowed his motion to refer to East Wayne Fire District.

“The lawsuit’s got to end that’s what’s dividing this community,” Sword said.

Sword and councilwoman Dee Rodi-Barbera voted for the motion and the rest of council voted against.

n Craemer Smith provided an update regarding the Rails to Trails court case. All briefs have been submitted and oral arguments have been scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 in the  Wooster courthouse. Craemer Smith said she plans to attend.

n Council agreed to continue to advertise for a new village solicitor up until closer to the December council meeting. Mayor Judy Cox said one applicant has shown interest and a former judge also asked about the position. Craemer Smith recommended to see about posting advertising through the Ohio Municipal League. Council agreed to make Dec. 9 the deadline to submit applications so they can be reviewed before the next council meeting.

n Council approved, with Sword voting against, to pay $815 to move a fireproof file cabinet containing cemetery records from the mayor’s home office to village hall.

n Council approved to pay bills for $63,368. Municipal fines totaled $170.

Under the mayor’s announcements:

n The Dalton Holidays Festival Business Open House is 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Village Hall will be open to the community. Roads will be blocked for the parade, which begins at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7.

n Girls on the Run had its first event in the village Nov. 9 and the mayor participated. Cox said organizers complimented the police department for their work that day.

Finance committee meets next at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and council meets next at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16.