In public comment at the start of October’s meeting, resident Sean Fabich asked that a debate be held prior to election day on November 7th since there are two candidates running for Mayor in the Village. Hiram’s current mayor, Lou Bertrand, is currently serving in his fourth term in this position; he was first elected in 2007. Write-in candidate Anne Haynam, a Hiram College graduate and 24-year resident is opposing Bertrand in the November 7th election.
Fabich continued his comments, suggesting that Council refrain from passing non-emergency legislation until after the November election. Fabich also voiced concern about topics including instituting an operations and efficiencies task force and the potential of implementing a “stripped-down village executive model” in light of the village’s financial situation. He also shared his perception of the lack of equity in dealing with village property owners of derelict or nuisance properties. Fabich left the meeting prior to the village’s Police Chief, Fire Chief, Village Administrator, Mayor or Fiscal Officers reports, and prior to Council’s consideration of legislation.
On the topic of derelict or nuisance properties, an attorney from Global Development Solutions (GDS), a non-profit based in Hubbard, was present to update Mayor Bertrand and Council on the status of the Alfred W. Couch Organic Farm, one of the properties to which Fabich had referred. GDS Council noted that the current occupant was on track to vacate the farmhouse shortly. He noted that GDS would begin work immediately, making what he characterized as ‘concrete action’ on addressing the list of concerns and issues that had been presented to property owners by Council.
In his report, Police Chief Brian Gregory highlighted some of the cost-cutting measures the department has undergone in an effort to work within the village’s current constrained budget. To that end, Council unanimously approved a motion to use $15,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help fund the department through the end of the year. Both the police and fire department budgets are strained due to the loss of a large portion of the Small Government Fund and the lack of an agreement with Hiram College for police and fire services.
In similar news, council approved enacting Section 351.17 of the village’s Codified Ordinances to establish a parking permit provision. This action allows the village to make parking permits available for sale on village streets to residents, college students, and faculty, bringing much-needed funding to the village.
In his report, Fire Chief Bill Byers noted that a 2 mil Fire & EMS replacement levy would be on the ballot for voters on Tuesday, November 7th.
The next regularly scheduled Hiram Village Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 14th at 7 pm.
