The Hiram Village Council convened on September 10, 2024, at the Rosser Municipal Building, led by Mayor Anne Haynam. Council members Mr. Szell, Mrs. Greenwood, Mr. Frato-Sweeney, Mr. Smith, Mr. Bisutti, and Mr. McCreight attended, along with key village officials: Village Solicitor Charles Gasior, Fiscal Officer Susan Skrovan-DeYoung, Police Chief Brian Gregory, Fire Chief Bill Byers, Assistant Fire Chief Jason Groselle, and Village Administrator Steve Schuller.
The meeting opened with the approval of the August 13, 2024, minutes and the evening’s agenda, both approved by general consent.
Police Chief Brian Gregory reported the recent repair of the village’s speed camera, which had returned to service, capturing 200 videos which are stored in “the cloud”. In response to Councilman Dave Smith’s inquiry, it was noted that a “no engine brake” sign, removed due to obstruction of traffic visibility, would be reinstalled in a safer location. Additionally, Trick-or-Treat was scheduled for October 31, from 5-7 p.m.
Fire Chief Bill Byers and Assistant Chief Jason Groselle submitted their monthly reports at the Finance and Safety Committee meeting. No additional updates were provided during this session.
Administrator Steve Schuller shared that MSRC, LLC (formerly PC Surgeons) had begun updating the wiring for the village’s new router, with a scheduled switch to occur on September 17. The recent survey of the light plant site was also completed. Schuller updated the council on ongoing water/sewer billing software improvements and noted a zoning violation related to the demolition of a garage without a permit.
Mayor Haynam reminded residents of the recent 32% increase in property reappraisals and encouraged those interested to file appeals by September 30 with the Portage County Auditor. A public hearing on the village’s proposed paid parking initiative was held on September 25 in the council chambers.
The Mayor’s report also included updates on various committees:
Beautification Commission: Ongoing work at Hurd Public Garden and Bonney Castle Public Garden, with discussions on fall bulb planting scheduled for the next meeting.
Website Committee: The village’s new website is anticipated to go live in late October or early November.
Trail Town Initiative Task Force: The Loop Trail map is featured in this month’s Communicator, with all trailhead signs in place except for one at Hadsell Park.
Hiram Historical Society: In celebration of Fairview Cemetery’s 200th anniversary, an event will be held on November 1, and the Garfield Flag display will be rescheduled around Presidents’ Day.
Village Pass Committee: Planning a potluck on September 10 before a volleyball game for pass members and parents of players.
Economic Development Committee: Welcomed new member Dr. Morgan Clevenger, an associate professor of business management.
Fiscal Officer Susan Skrovan-DeYoung presented the village’s financial reports. She recommended adopting Positive Pay Protection on all village checks to enhance fraud protection. Council voted unanimously to approve this measure and accepted the fiscal officer’s report and monthly bills list.
The Council reviewed several ordinances and resolutions:
Ordinance 2024-20: Regarding amendments to the Village Employee Handbook (second reading).
Ordinance 2024-22: Amendments to codified ordinances regarding paid parking passed on the second reading as an emergency with a 5-1 vote.
Resolution 2024-29: Authorizing a contract with T2 Systems for implementing a paid parking system; this item remains tabled.
Resolution 2024-31: Approved as an emergency, authorizing tax levies for the 2025 budget.
Additional Business and Announcements:
Council approved a temporary suspension of late fees on water/sewer bills and authorized payment plans through the end of 2024. In preparation for an audit, Deborah Wordell was approved to assist with the water/sewer billing audit.
Editor’s Disclosure: This article was written from the meeting minutes of the Village of Hiram’s council meeting.
