Hiram – According to Police Chief Brian Gregory, due to staffing and budget constraints, the department has been limiting officers’ evening shift hours “where it makes sense.” Gregory noted this is a ‘band aid’ measure, and noted that even the State Highway Patrol is short-handed, asking that local departments assist on minor crashes where applicable. Mayor Lou Bertrand shared that Chief Gregory works 60-80 hours per week, noting, “This isn’t sustainable.”
In lighter news, Councilman David Smith commended the HPD on assisting a senior citizen in the village that day. Lastly, Gregory shared that the Department hopes to again hold the annual Shop With a Cop program at Target in Streetsboro. If schedules allow, 2022 will mark the third year the community program would be held at this location.
In his Fire Department report, Chief Bill Byers noted that the vehicle ordered in March of this year will be delivered in November. Byers asked council to consider options to purchase a new ambulance, as Engine One will be 30 years old in 2024 (which he noted was old for a public service vehicle). Byers noted that Hiram Township, which shares service and funding of the Fire Department, will cover 60% of the cost of the new vehicle. He noted that the Department has $50,000 in the Capital Fund toward the new vehicle, which left roughly $58,000 to fund. After discussion, council unanimously approved a motion to use $30,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and finance the remainder for two to three years.
Village Administrator James McGee noted that the village’s loan was approved for the Water Tower project. On the topic of water, McGee noted that the sump pump inside the Historical Society home was still draining into the park. After discussion, council directed McGee to contact Dr. Denny Taylor of the Historical Society to ascertain when the group’s contractor is scheduled to complete the necessary project. In other news, McGee noted that three storm drains will be replace on State Route 82 at a cost of roughly $4,000 per drain. The replacement project will be paid with ARPA funds.
Lastly, residents are reminded that Hiram Village will not be collecting yard waste until further notice. Residents are advised to contact Kimble Sanitation, who provides special service to collect twigs and branches at $5 per bundle; and general yard waste including grass clippings and leaves at $3 per bag. Residents may arrange pick up by calling Kimble at 1-800-201-0005.
Lastly, it was noted that village offices would be closed on Friday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day and Thursday and Friday, November 24th and 25th in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 8th at 7 pm.
