Windham – Windham Village Council held their most recent meeting using Zoom. The meeting got off to a rocky start as there were a few problems with the link to Zoom. After getting all the technical bugs worked out, it was business as usual.
The meeting was called to order with all council members, mayor, fiscal officer, and the village solicitor in attendance for the virtual meeting. Council approved the minutes, before moving on to the fiscal officer’s report. Fiscal Officer Cheree Taylor reported that there was $118,495.21 collected in income tax, $184,120.40 in expenditures, leaving a balance of $1,569,639.68 in the general fund. Council accepted the report as presented.
In the Mayor’s report Mayor Scott Garrett wanted to encourage residents to support the local businesses.
Council accepted the fire and police dispatch report. A resolution to purchase a new all-wheel drive vehicle to be used as a police cruiser. Police Chief Eric Breiding stated that if it is a lease purchase option, he has the money budgeted. It is a lease option purchase. After some discussion, they took the measure to a vote. passing it unanimously.
A resolution to formally approve the Proclamation issued by the Mayor earlier this month was brought up for discussion. The resolution restricts people from congregating after 10 pm or cruising the streets between the hours of 10pm and 5 am. Basically everyone is to remain home between the hours of 10pm and 5am. unless going to and from work or seeking medical attention. The mayor did say that if you have some place to go or be, then you may do so. He insists it is a soft curfew. Some of council and those in attendance question the need for one. One resident felt it was an overreach and unnecessary. She stated that all you must do is enforce the governor’s orders. A council member objected to the clause in it that says it is in effect until the mayor deems it safe to lift it. Those that oppose it, say its restricting citizen’s freedoms and is an overreach. Other portions of the Proclamation were people must comply with officers’ orders and that the village offices are closed to the public until further notice due to inability to social distance. One can call first if they need to see anyone at the office.
An ordinance making landlords responsible for city utility bills on their properties. A few in attendance questioned the reasoning behind it. The village administrator, Deborah Blewitt explained how many times residents leave and behind them are a string of unpaid water and sewer bills. The village then assesses these past due bills to the homeowners’ taxes. By instituting this ordinance, it allows the village to send bills to the resident and property owner so they know how much in arears their property is. In the end, it makes the property owners responsible for the water and sewer bills. One landowner has filed a petition with the PUCO on this issue. The village solicitor says it will be tossed out because the utilities are privately owned. The PUCO only can govern public utilities. Blewitt says, it is needed. She also stated that as of last month, residents were already $22,000 behind in village utility bills.
Council then approved the hiring of Bill Pennington as water and sewer plant operator.
A question was asked about whether modular homes were allowed in the village. They referred the question to Tom Brett who had already logged off. A discussion was held on dedication benches along Main Street, and banners for those who lost their lives in wars. No decision was made on these issues.
The meeting was adjourned, after setting the calendar for May.
