Hiram – Village Administrator James McGee apprised Council of an ongoing issue with drainage at the Historical home on Village property. He noted that the Service Department snaked the drain that leads from the structure, but the issue persists. He noted that he’ll work with the Historical Society, who owns the structure, to remedy the situation and will advise Council when it had been addressed. In other news, the Village is in discussions with Hiram College to discuss the use of a portion of college-owned property that lies adjacent to the Village’s current composting area. Due to updated EPA requirements, the Village can no longer compost leaves, wood chips, and other natural materials at the location formerly used for this purpose. While the issue remains unresolved, the collection of residents’ yard waste has been halted.
In his Police report, Chief Brian Gregory shared that formal charges were filed against the owners of the property at 11846 Plum Ridge. He noted that after the owners were granted a 60-day extension in order to bring the property into compliance with Village requirements, and that no visible improvements were made during that time. Village Solicitor Tom Reitz explained that as it is a criminal matter, it’s up to the Court to deliver the summons. He noted that at the time of the Village Council meeting, Donald Miles had been served and pled ‘not guilty’; the issue is now in the Portage County Courts. Reitz noted that Mary Ann Texler was no longer at the address on file and would be served with a summons at her new address as soon as it could be located. In similar news, other Village residents whose properties have been noted as non-compliant to Village ordinances have been notified by mail. Letters will identify any issues that need to be addressed and provide deadlines by which residents must comply.
In other news, Chief Gregory noted that while the Village continues to have an issue with feral cats, the problem is inadvertently worsened by well-meaning residents who leave food out both on their property and public property. The unattended food meant for feral cats causes racoons to congregate, which according to Gregory, is becoming an issue. He asked Council to review legislation in order to give the Police Department tools to remedy this situation.
Unfortunately, that evening’s Council meeting, which was rescheduled from the usual meeting date, did not have quorum and was therefore unable to vote on legislation that evening. The next regular meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 13th at 7 pm; residents are encouraged to attend.
