Hiram – At their last meeting, former Hiram Police Officer Devin Brown was in attendance to inquire about the date of his final payout from the village. Officer Brown was laid off by the village due to budget constraints. Fiscal Officer Susan Skrovan noted that the final payout would be made that week. She noted that the final payout could not be provided until after Officer Brown’s final paycheck was issued and all department-issued materials were returned. She noted that his final paycheck was sent via EFT to Brown’s account on 3/15. She noted that Brown should anticipate receipt of the final payout no later than 3/24. She assured Brown that she would contact him as soon as the check was available for pickup.
In Chief Brian Gregory’s absence, the Police Department Report was provided by Officer James Clemens. He noted that the department’s annual Pancake Breakfast will take place on Saturday, April 15th from 9 am until 1 pm. As in the past, the all-you-can-eat pancakes will be served at Hiram College Kennedy Center Dix Dining Hall, 11730 Garfield Road. Donations received at this annual event help fund the Hiram Police Department’s “Shop With A Cop” program each December, so mark your calendar and plan to attend.
Clemens also noted that beginning on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, it will be illegal in most circumstances for anyone in Ohio to use or hold a cell phone or electronic device while driving. Clemens noted that this will be a primary offense for all ages, not just teen drivers. While drivers will be issued warnings during the first six months of this new change, the first ticketed offense will be charged $150 and incur two points on the driver’s license..
In other news, the Town Hall meeting that was cancelled on February 22nd has been rescheduled for April 19th at 7 pm. That evening, Village Council President Christopher Szell and a representative from iPark will give a presentation explaining the village’s new parking proposal. The meeting will be held at Hiram College’s Koritansky Hall located at the corner of Garfield and Wakefield Roads. This is an informational meeting that is open to the public, but due to venue size seating will be limited.
Moving forward, the Portage County District Recycling Center will host a recycling event on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22nd from 8 am until noon. The event takes place at the PC Recycling Center, 3588 Mogadore Road in Kent. That day, Portage County residents showing valid ID can drop off latex paint, electronics, and up to eight passenger tires without rims. Please note that these items will not be accepted at the Hiram Municipal Building. For more information on this event, visit portagerecycles.com or call (330) 678-8808.
Lastly, the Hiram Village spring clean-up is scheduled for Saturday, May 6th. Residential pickup will take place from 7 am until noon. As in previous years, Kimble will pass by each residence to provide service one time only. Materials set out after the Kimble truck passes will be left at the curb. Large appliances with doors removed will be collected (Freon must be removed from refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, etc. and tagged by a professional service, as items not tagged will be left at the curb). Wooden furniture and wooden chairs will be collected. Upholstered couches and chairs infested with bed bugs need to be wrapped in plastic or they will be left at the curb. Glass portions or windows need to be removed or taped for the safety of the workers. The following items will not be accepted: Hazardous waste, chemicals, fuel, paint, batteries, tires, car parts, lawn mowers, metal, tree branches over 4’ in length, or railroad ties. Containers over 33 gallons in size will not be emptied, containers that have materials in that weigh over 50 pounds (ex: dirt/rocks) will not be emptied.
The next regularly scheduled Hiram Village Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 11th at 7 pm; residents are encouraged to attend.
