Hiram – Sue Skrovan was sworn in by Hiram Village Mayor Bertrand as the newly appointed Fiscal Officer at the last Village Council meeting. Skrovan, who was officially appointed by a unanimous vote of the Hiram Village Council on December 27, started in her new role on December 28. Skrovan, a 20-year resident of Mantua, has served as the Assistant Clerk for the Village of Mantua for over six years before being hired by Hiram. “It was a great opportunity for me,” states Skrovan. In larger communities, the Fiscal Officer position is usually an elected one. To run for office, applicants must generally live in the community they wish to serve. The opportunity in Hiram was an appointed position, and residency was not required.
Skrovan, who is excited by her new challenge, explained that her previous boss, Mantua Village Fiscal Officer Jenny August, encouraged her to apply for the Hiram position. Skrovan credits August for her support and encouragement, adding, “There’s lots of great support between our local communities — it’s nice to have that kind of support around me in my new role.” Skrovan’s new position became available when the spot was vacated by the retirement of Kay Ziska, who held the position for nearly nine years.
In other news, the Village Council approved a resolution accepting 88.73 acres to be annexed to the Village of Hiram. The parcel of land, which lies along the Village’s north border, east of State Route 700, is slated for development as a retirement village. This planned community will be marketed toward, but not limited to Hiram College alumni. The new community would give residents access to college activities including sporting events, cultural activities and classes, and is modeled after similar programs like those at Oberlin College and Dennison University. In order that the proposed development tie in to Hiram Village water and sewer lines, annexation of the property was necessary.
In further news, Council discussed plans to create a Village Park Board. Current Hiram Village Park properties include the Elmer Jagow Play Park and baseball fields located behind the Hiram Municipal Building, community gardens on the Hiram College Campus, and the property formerly occupied by the Village School. Potential park plans include connection to area hike and bike trails, and would be a great resource for area residents and college students. Board members could include representatives from Hiram Village, Hiram College and Hiram Township.
The next meeting of the Hiram Village Council will be held at the Municipal Building on February 12 at 7:00 p.m.
