Hiram – At their last meeting, Council and Mayor Lou Bertrand honored former Hiram Village Fire Chief Gary Bott. Chief Bott served as the department’s chief from 2004 through 2010, but served the village as a firefighter and in various other capacities for far longer. Current Fire Chief Bill Byers spoke highly of Mr. Bott’s years of service and friendship to himself and the department. The mayor, on behalf of council, awarded a proclamation to honor this esteemed member of the community.
Next, council heard from Assistant Village Administrator Steven Schuller on the status of the village’s water system. He noted that while monthly reports show that the department is making gains, in order to find suspected leaks in the system, funds will be required. He noted, however, that through the village’s five-year-plan, which outlines the timing of valve and line replacements throughout the village’s underground pipeline, leaks and other issues may be solved over time. Next, Mr. Schuller shared that he and Village Administrator James McGee are working to get cost estimates to repair or replace the Village’s water tower, including the potential of applying for a grant this year to help fund the project in 2019.
In his report, the police chief shared that offense reports were up slightly in February; he attributed this increase to improved weather over the previous month. He shared that his department received an Ohio Justice Assistance Grant, which he plans to use to purchase Multi-Agency Radio Communication System (MARCS) radios. Next, he noted that his department would be holding an alcohol awareness event, entitled, “Buzzed Driving,” at Hiram College prior to Spring Break. The event, held in conjunction with AAA and Hiram College, will inform students of the dangers of driving while distracted or under the influences of drugs or alcohol. There will be many fun, educational games, including the use of “Drunk Buster” and “Marijuana” goggles. Impaired Putt Putt, Obstacle Course, Field Sobriety Tests and other challenges will let participants experience the effect of impaired motor skills in a safe manner. The event will be open to the public and the college community. According to Gregory, the latest statistics show that motor vehicle fatalities due to distracted driving are up 6% from 2017. More than 37,000 people were killed on our nation’s roadways last year, and distracted driving is a major contributor. Luckily, each death is 100% preventable — just one second of your attention is all takes to change a life forever.
In other news, he reported that the Annual Pancake Breakfast, which benefits the Shop with a Cop program, was very successful, and raised almost $1,700 for the program. “The Shop with a Cop program provides under privileged children in both Crestwood & Garfield School District and their families, the opportunity to enjoy the holiday season,” Chief Gregory shared. “Our goal is that every child gets the chance to enjoy the holiday season.” Chief Gregory extended special thanks to Hiram College, AVI and Diane McBride, Windswept Farms, Maggie’s Donuts, and all of the people who attended and graciously support the event. “I am overwhelmed at all of the support and encouragement that Hiram Police Department receives from the community,” Chief Gregory beamed. “It really is heartwarming that so many people believe in us and our community programs.”
The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 10th at 7 pm; residents are encouraged to attend.
