UTICA — All members of the council were present during Monday’s council meeting, and Mayor Larry Friesel returned from his sick leave in good health.
The meeting was unique compared to usual council meetings, because no resolutions and ordinances were up for review.
“I think for the second time in the 18 years that I have been here we have no resolutions and ordinances,” Friesel said.
Village Solicitor Sara Light spoke on several topics, one of which is that the WODA Group LLC attorney is looking into issues related to setbacks in building and planning, and doing other research for the village. Light is looking into a couple of mayor court cases.
Village Police Chief Robert Curtis reported that two of his officers recently attended a weeklong training program on incident resources to terrorist bombings in New Mexico, and that everything went well.
“I think this training will definitely benefit our people and it will definitely benefit this entire community,” said Friesel.
Street Committee Chairman Jack Raines reported on the committee’s Feb. 2 meeting regarding paving estimates for Riverside Drive, Grant Alley, North Washington Street, New Street, Alley Tib, North Village Drive, Pleasant View, Picket Alley and Lee Alley. He also said snow removal went well, and that the street committee received many compliments on a job well done.
“I commend the street department on the excellent job they always do,” said Friesel. “I think we are on the up standard for the streets being clean, and I think that is a plus.”
Public Service Committee Chairman John Davison reported the police department received 1,132 calls in 2008, all officers received their continuing education for 2008 and have an additional two hours to fulfill in 2009, and that the evaluation of all officers has been completed.
On behalf of the Light Committee, Chairman Lester Grennell reported on the wastewater plant new hire, the buena vista property, a possible increase in water rates and the rewriting of the shut-off ordinance.
Chairwoman Cathy Evans of the Finance Committee spoke on the reviewing and paying of bills for the village.
Village clerk Anna Flaherty spoke about changes made to the revenue expense budget and to the expense, revenue and fund listings.
The mayor spoke to council on upcoming events, one of which is the Service to Mankind banquet that will be held at the Utica United Methodist Church this evening at 6:30 in honor of Sharon Cashdollar. On Feb. 16 there will be a council budget work session at 7:30 p.m., and a mock disaster meeting will be held the May 6. Friesel also said he received an official notice of the layoff at Holophane Inc. Employees are to be laid off between Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. It is still undetermined as to what will be done with the building, he said.
Friesel said the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District assessment for residents is an additional $12 a year; for the village town hall building, it is $700, plus an additional fee for each building the village owns. Although the village is tax exempt, the village still has to pay the assessment, due by Feb. 25.
Council went into an executive session with no further action being taken.
