Mantua – At the start of the March Mantua Village meeting at 6:30 pm, Mayor Clark and Council convened an executive session to discuss the ongoing Police Department investigation. Roughly 30 people were in attendance waiting in the gallery, including three publications, Chief Urso, Patrolman Brothers, and their legal representative. The executive session ended, with Mayor Clark re-convening the regular Council meeting at 7:19 pm. No comment was provided on the outcome of the discussion either during the meeting or afterward, as the mayor and council are not permitted to comment on an ongoing investigation.
Moving ahead, in her monthly report, Mayor Clark noted receipt of the insurance for the Art on the Hill event which should be renewed and received by July 1st for the July 8th event. Clark also noted receipt of a letter of interest from Ian Jones expressing his desire to be considered for the village’s Historic Landmark Commission. Jones is an architect with experience in grant-writing and historic preservation filing; Council approved his appointment to fill an open position on the Landmark Commission through December of this year.
In other news, Clark noted that the village applied for secondary funding for the paving and storm sewer replacement on West Franklin. In similar news, she noted that CT Consultants filled out a pre-application for OPWC funding, round 38 for a project from Oak Street to Elm Street. In other news, Clark asked council for approval on a work authorization for Phase Five of Buchert Park improvements. She noted that the DMRC will provide $2,500 to cover the cost, which includes replacement of an ADA path, improvements to the sand volleyball court and the addition of a pickleball court.
In public comment, several residents, including employees of the village’s Police Department, shared their concerns about the ramifications the ongoing investigation has on the department’s morale and the credibility within the broader community. Stephanie Morehead, who serves as a dispatcher at the department shared kind words about her co-workers, and noted her, “shock at the accusations,” of the investigation, something she noted as “a witch hunt”. Concerned citizen Corey Turnbull voiced a differing opinion, noting council’s “duty to integrity,” as the fuel for the investigation. He noted that issues like the ones under investigation “undermine (the community’s) trust and confidence,” in the institution. He commended Council for their, “commitment to upholding the professionalism and integrity of the Police Department,” which he noted is charged to “serve and protect the community with honor and integrity.”
The next village council meeting will be help on Tuesday, April 18th at 6:30 pm; residents are encouraged to attend.
