Hiram – At the last Village Council meeting, Keith and Elisa Holmes, residents on Plum Ridge asked council to consider granting an easement or a license. They requested this consideration in order to build a carport structure on their property. According to Village Administrator James McGee, there would be no interference with village water or utility lines; he sees no issue in the placing of the structure as Holmes site plan shows.
In other news, Dr. Michael Greenwood commented on the “sad state of the Beautification Committee.” He asked council to entertain the idea of merging the Beautification Committee with the Parks Commission. After some discussion on the viability of this option, it was noted that the Beautification Committee is funded through a trust that stipulates participation with individuals from Hiram Township and Hiram College. As such, council asked Village Solicitor Thomas Reitz to review the situation and pertinent legal documents in preparation for discussion at the next council meeting. Until such determination has been made, the Beautification Committee will remain dormant.
In other news, Ed Frato-Sweeney noted on behalf of the Hiram Community Trust Board that the Trust was pleased to provide 2022 grants to the Hiram Fire Association for July 4th festivities, the Hiram Parks Board, and the Hiram Police Department in support of the Shop with a Cop program. These were just a portion of the funding the Hiram Community Trust was able to bestow this year.
In other news, Frato-Sweeney shared that a small dedication took place on Hiram’s campus to dedicate the “Black Lives Matter” mural on Sunday, June 19th, the National Juneteenth holiday which celebrates the end of slavery. Frato-Sweeney noted that Hiram College plans to hold a larger event to commemorate the mural when students return to campus in the fall.
In his Police Report, Chief Brian Gregory shared that the Click It or Ticket event at the end of May was successful, with 300 vehicles stopped to reinforce seat belt usage. Motorist and passengers wearing seat belts received gift cards for Maggie’s and More. In similar news, Chief Gregory noted that the recent Car Show held by the department was the largest ever, with 104 vehicles on display and over 200 visitors.
In related news, a councilmember relayed the story of their child being approached by a suspicious person driving a van twice in one day. They didn’t call the police, since they weren’t able to get the license plate number. Upon hearing this, Chief Gregory reiterated the importance of calling the police for follow up, whether you’re able to get the license plate or not. By alerting them of the potential issue, village police, as well as neighboring departments, are better able to identify and resolve potential issues more quickly.
In other news, Village Administrator McGee reported that Mr. Miles, one of the owners of the uninhabited property on Plum Ridge, had cancelled the appointment to have the village reconnect water service to the property. It was also reported that the gas meter had been removed. Based on the repairs and improvements to the property that were agreed to have been completed within 60 days of the May council meeting, Solicitor Reitz noted that if no noticeable action is taken on the property by July 9th, the village is within their right to file criminal charges against the property owners.
In Legislation, council did not pass Resolution 2022-11, which would have placed an additional .25% income tax on the November Ballot. Much discussion followed about the need to find a solution for the village’s limited funds. Councilman Paul Spencer noted, “We have to come up with a better way to solve this problem.” Councilwoman Beth Greenwood shared that while she isn’t a proponent of increasing residents’ income tax, she does agree with a change to the tax credit. “Regardless,” she noted, “It would be fiscally irresponsible for council to do nothing,” Greenwood added.
Resident Ed Frato-Sweeney remarked that the two matters ‘should be considered hand-in-hand’. He urged council to be prepared to act on the matter at the next meeting.
The next regular Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 12th at 7 pm. The August meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 16th.
