Hiram – At the last Village Council meeting, Mayor Lou Bertrand and Council issued a public proclamation honoring Council President Thomas Wadkins. He noted that Wadkins was a 2003 Hiram College graduate who has served his community as a councilman for 12 years, serving as Village Council President for the past 10.
The mayor’s proclamation reads, “Whereas, Thomas Wadkins has displayed both the highest degree of leadership and professionalism during his tenure as a member of Hiram Village Council. Mr. Wadkins has served for those past 11 years as the Mayor’s back stop and valued counselor.” Mayor Bertrand added, “We’re losing someone who has been very valuable to our community.” The Mayor and Council expressed their gratitude for Wadkins’ years of service, and wish he and his wife Kyle best wishes and good luck on their relocation to a family home in Streetsboro.
Next, Corporal Devin Brown presented council with a proposal for a plan to initiate and fund a narcotics K-9 unit within the Hiram Police Department. According to Cpl. Brown, the perspective K-9 handler, the dog would be trained in narcotics, tracking, and searches, which would enable the department to increase enforcement activities and resident safety. According to Brown, eight of the 11 Police Departments in Portage County have K-9 officers on the force, however, these officers are not always available to assist in Hiram.
In addition to detecting controlled substances, a K-9 unit would serve multiple purposes, including assisting in the search for missing children or adults, to help officers on foot pursuit to apprehend fleeing suspects, and as a psychological deterrent. The cost for the K-9 program, which includes the dog, training, and necessary equipment and vehicle modifications is estimated at $16,000 – $17,000. Some of the costs would be allocated from the department’s Drug Task Force proceeds, as well as the addition of any grants and donations that could be solicited. The decision to allow Cpl. Brown and the department to proceed was approved by council. One of their first steps will be to apply to Pittsburgh Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s Foundation, which disperses grants to police and fire department K-9 units throughout the US. Private donations will also be accepted — contact Village Hall or the department for more information.
In other news, Village Administrator James McGee shared that the village is looking for a wastewater lab technician/operator at the village’s wastewater plant. The successful candidate must possess lab analyst certifications and Wastewater or Water licenses as required by the OH and Federal EPA. Applicants must have experience in water and wastewater plant operation, and must pass drug test, criminal background check and possess a valid driver’s license. Questions about the position may be emailed to James McGee, VA at va.hvoh@gmail.com. Resumes may be submitted to Hiram Village, Attn: James McGee VA, P.O. Box 65, in Hiram.
Lastly, it was noted that the Hiram Park Board will hold the annual community garage sale on Saturday, July 14th from 9 am until 2 pm in conjunction with Hiram Police Department’s annual food drive and pet adoption event. The event will be held at the Hiram Municipal Center (11617 Garfield Road in Hiram). Cost is $15 to sign up for a 10-foot by 10-foot space to sell your wares, and tables will be provided upon request. In addition, residents may purchase a sign to have a garage sale at their home within the village; cost includes addition to a map that will be distributed. For more information, call 330-569-7677 or email park.board2.hvoh@gmail.com.
Prior to the close of the meeting, Mr. Wadkins resigned from Council and as Council President; Councilman Rob Dempsey accepted nominated as the new Council President, and the motion passed unanimously.
The next regularly scheduled Village Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 10th at 7 pm.
