Meeting for its last session in 2015, Cardington Village Council gave their approval to three resolutions and two ordinances when they met December 7, 2015.
Approved was an ordinance authorizing the fiscal officer to write off as uncollectable certain utility bills and to reflect the same on the village financial documents. Fiscal officer Deb Fry said every effort had been made to collect these bills which total $2008.43.
Also approved was an ordinance authorizing the administrator to enter into an agreement with Cardington-Joint Recreation Board with respect to services provided by the fiscal officer. It was explained that part of the duties of the fiscal officer (as opposed to the former clerk treasurer role) is to provide services to the Joint Recreation Board. Because of her “extraordinary services” for 2015 on behalf of the village, this ordinance authorizes payment of $1,000 from the village which will be repaid to the village by the Joint Recreation Board. This is considered a bonus and includes the cost of associated Council approved a resolution confirming the recommendation of Aaron Bigelow to the position of volunteer fire department member for the village. Fire Chief Gary Goodman said Bigelow was a 14 year member of the Marengo Volunteer fire department and has moved to Cardington.
Also approved was a resolution reappointing Charity Edwards as the village representative to the Cardington-Lincoln Joint Recreation Board. It was explained that Edwards had been appointed to complete the term of a member who had resigned in 2014. With this resolution she will begin her own four year term on the board.
A resolution was approved ratifying the dismissal of Brock Lehman from the position of auxiliary police officer for the village.
Fry, giving her fiscal officer report, pointed out several of the bills to be paid and included $584 to American Quality Door for repair to the street building; $1,023 to Electro Controls for on site repair; $927 to Fire Safety] SVCS for Turn out Gear for the fire department and $2,321.50 to the treasurer of the State of Ohio for UAN fees and audit fees. A total of $44,281.95 in bills was approved for payment.
Fry pointed out the village has received more than $50,000 in 2015 than in 2014 with a majority of this coming from income tax. She noted the receipts from income tax at year end will be well above the budgeted amount. taxes and benefits.
She told council the auditors are recommending that along with her normal reports provided each month that she includes the appropriation status report which will provide the difference between actual and budget for each fund and each line item within.
Police Chief John Hinton said they have taken 982 calls for service this year compared to 1,207 at this same time last year. He said the body cameras have been ordered and two officers attended simulation training free of charge at the sheriff’s office He had also spoke at the Morrow County Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Fire Chief Gary Goodman said the department has made 186 runs this year.
Village Administrator Danny Wood said all the water lines have been installed and restoration will soon be underway.
Village Manager Fry reminded council of their sponsorship of several families this Christmas .
Mayor Susie Peyton said new council members Tim Abraham and Steve Burton will be given the oath of office during the first meeting in January, 2016. She will also be given the oath of office for her new four year term.
Mayor Peyton recognized council members Vicki Wise and Sherry Graham whose terms expire December 31, 2015. Neither sought to run for a new term.
Vicki was elected to council in 1996. She served as president from May 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009 when John May, who had been elected mayor, passed away before the term began.
Graham was appointed to the council in April, 2003 and then elected to the position in 2004. Each was given a recognition plaque by the mayor and a reception was held in their honor.
The next meeting will be held January 5, 2016.
Evelyn Long is a correspondent with the Morrow County Sentinel and can be reached at [email protected].
