March 17 Council Meeting 2009

From the opening rap of the gavel to closing it took 36 minutes to conduct the meeting. All members were present except Don Brown. Don had knee replacement surgery earlier this week. It will be a while until the doctors & therapists let him loose. Hope you have a speedy recovery Don. The only administrators present was Jim Saracco and WFD Chief Smith. Village Solicitor Andy Beech & Fiscal Officer Dale Davis was also in attendance.

Under Public Speaking Main Street resident Glenn Fields addressed council and furnished pictures to illustrate his points. Along with several other concerns he opened his remarks about another Main Street residence with garbage piling up in front of the place. He asked if village employees can pick it up. He also asked about fences around above ground pools. In the State of Ohio a fence is not required for above ground pools as long as they have fold-up ladders. He also asked about fences around properties. There is an ordinance in the ville stating that fences can't go past the front of a house for safety reasons. Those places that have fences past the front of the house were grandfathered in before the ordinance was adopted. Lastly he mentioned signs for businesses that have deteriorated to the point of becoming unsightly and unsafe. It was decided that he would meet with the Mayor and the Village Administrator on Wednesday to address all his concerns.

Under Administration Reports Saracco advised the village is in the process of hiring a company to smoke test our sewers to determine where down spouts are discharging rain water into the system. Discharging rain water into the sewer system is prohibitive and causes an overload at the filtration plant. It is a costly practice the village is trying to eliminate. Saracco advised letters were sent to all residents some time ago. Anyone caught doing this could be fined.

Saracco also gave a detailed report on sewage bill collections being done by Clerk Nancy Murray. For the last six months of 2008 over $57,000 was collected for delinquent bills & $57,709.67 was collected on current bills. For this year January collections were $7,025.50 for current bills and $8,536.56 for 95 delinquent accounts. February saw $7,303 taken in for 251 current bills and another $11,516.48 for 114 delinquents. Councilman Joe Soldano relayed his thanks to Mrs. Murray for her very precise report and also brought up the idea of possibly having the village to once again handle the billing and collections for sewage accounts. We use to do this. Remember Betty Bright and Bud Salter after Betty retired? According to Fiscal Officer Davis we are paying United Water $1,700 a month for this function. It may require the hiring of another clerk and was decided to refer this matter to committee. With all the money taken in on delinquent accounts it seems Nancy is doing a whale of a job.

WFD Chief Smith presented council with a package of bids for a new outdoor siren for the department. The best bid he received is in the range of $9,000. Right now we have a siren on loan from Liverpool Township to use in the interim. It is their back-up we're borrowing. A hearty thanks should go out to Liverpool Twp. for being good neighbors and coming to our aid.

Chief Smitty also advised he has been "in contact with people over in Lisbon" in regards to the tear down program they have been working on. Smitty said he was going to be quite busy with title searches on targeted structures. According to the mayor we are applying for grants for this program from two different sources. Surace advised there is money coming. They just don't know how much just yet. Smitty also announced they are looking at the last Saturday in June to do an erecting of the flood wall exercise. That's not set in stone yet.

Under the Mayor's Report Surace advised that the Magistrate Court took in $7,280 in February in fines. Year-to-date income from the court is $19,552.44 in fines & court costs.

Under Committee Reports Finance Chairman Tony Cataldo made a motion for the mayor to apply for grants for two additional police officers from the COPS program. This is a US Dept. of Justice program under their Cops Hiring Recovery Program. It is a four year deal where the program pays for 100% of the officer's salaries & benefits for three years and the village pays for the fourth year. Hopefully by the fourth year the village will be in better financial shape and will be able to handle the costs for these additions to the WPD. The motion passed without any opposition. Cataldo also announced there will be a meeting for the committee next Monday at 2 P.M.

For Streets Joe Soldano advised they will be meeting with the county inspector to go over what streets will be treated under the chip & seal program for this summer. They have to come in and see if the streets & alley ways on the list are wide enough for their equipment to get through. It was also noted they are waiting for a check for the new lights for the 18th Street playground and that some vulgar graffiti has be found inside the ark at the play ground. Former Mayor Nunzio Lombardozzi has volunteered to paint over the graffiti using paint that is left over from last year's Fix-Up, Clean-Up efforts. Councilman McMahon thanked Nunzi for his time and trouble.

For Water & Sewage a motion was made by Chairman Randy Allmon to authorize village engineering firm G,G&J to complete an application to the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources for funds to repair the dam at the old reservoir. The dam has been inspected by ODNR to determine what needs to be done. Buckeye Water District will be turning the reservoir property back over to village control later this year. After that it will only be used by BWD as an emergency back up if the need ever arises. That agreement with the water company is the reason the dam has to be repaired & maintained.

Another motion was made to have G,G&J apply for $1.4 million in stimulus money for filtration plant refurbishing & upgrades and for new man-holes. Nearly $400,000 will be earmarked for the man-hole program and the rest will be used on the filtration plant. Both motions passed without any opposition.

Under Personnel Allmon advised the village will be switching insurance companies for medical coverage for village employees effective April 1. This change will save the village $67,000/year from what we have paying Anthem. Allmon related that some costs for Emergency Room visits and deductibles will be less for employees with the new carrier. Employees will not lose any coverage under the new plan. Soldano thanked insurance agent Greg Arcuri & Cataldo for all the work they did putting this improved package together.

Property Committee Chairman McMahon said that the ordinance to change the hours at the 18th Street Playground is in the works. The new hours will be dawn to dusk for being open and from dusk to dawn for being closed.

Rosie Goss had nothing for Claim, Rules & Ordinances but she did publicly thank Joe Soldano for getting a couple of street lights quickly repaired. Soldano related that AEP does a nice job once he calls them.

Under Legislation Ordinance 09-03 authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Grant Source Professional LLC was tabled. Soldano said he had a few more questions he would like to get answered before voting on this.

Under suspension of rules Ordinance 09-04 was approved to appropriate money for expenses and other expenditures for this year.

Also under suspension of rules Ordinance 09-05 was approved to amend Section 95-03 to change the hours at 18th Street. The need to change the signs down there was also discussed. This ordinance wasn't on the printed agenda. I have a feeling that Andy Beech brought it with him when he came to the meeting unbeknownst to McMahon.

There being no New Business the meeting was adjourned at 6:38 P.M. Next meeting is April 7. This meeting was sparsely attended. Other than three village officials there was only three other people in the cheap seats. One of those was the guy from the new health insurance company.

ole nib

Upcoming Events

This coming Saturday, March 21, will be the monthly pet food give-away by the angels of the ville's Alley Cat Aid Brigade. Starting this month they are only going to hold the event for one day. They will starting at 11 A.M. and will be there until the food runs out. The location is the same as the last two months at their facility on Commerce across from the old Sterling China plant. Remember this will be one day only for everyone interested. Donations will be accepted but everything is free to all that come. Pictured above are the ladies of the brigade at their January give-away. Thankfully the temperature is suppose to be in the low fifties.

Also we got notification of the up-coming auditions that will be held by the Pottery Players Community Theater. They are looking for up to thirty young people age 10 and above to put on a play called "Mr. Toad's Mad Adventures" which is based on the classic "The Wind in the Willows". The auditions are open to anyone from anywhere. Auditions will be held Monday & Tuesday, March 23 & 24, at their theater at 417 15th St. here in the ville. No experience is necessary. The play will be directed by Mary Beth Morse and is scheduled for performances in May. It should be a good one.

ole nib

Wellsville Historical Society March '09 Meeting

Last night's regular monthly meeting was packed full of historical information and tidbits of Wellsville history. For me it was another learning experience of things as they were in the early years of the ville.

Seems brochures are on the mind of a lot of folks these days. It was announced that the Society is in the process of updating their brochure with directional information, points of interest and such. The new brochures will be distributed to various places where people can pick them up and learn of the museum's existence and is designed to pique interest in paying a visit. They are also in the process of refurbishing the directional signs at both ends of town that guide visitors to the museum.

It was also announced that roof slate they have accumulated in the basement will be donated to a Jefferson County group that is refurbishing a historic one room school house down that way. That will be something to see when it's completed. I had an aunt that was a school teacher for nearly fifty years until she retired in 1971. I recall her telling me she started out teaching in such a place. I think she told me they paid her something like $20/month for teaching a room full of kids from the first to eighth grade. It's amazing to see how our educational system has evolved over the years.

Society President Robert "Brassy" Beresford related to the members about doing some research for a Prof. Green of Miami University in Oxford, OH. Prof. Green's interest is in river boats and Brassy compiled a list of boats for him that were built in Wellsville. Nobody counted how many there were but the list was quite lengthy. Back in the early years before railroads were around here boat building was a booming business in town. Remember the ville started out as a very busy transportation hub transferring goods that were shipped in on the river to horse drawn drays for shipment to places all over the region.

Brassy read an amusing story from an ELO newspaper called The Daily Crisis that was dated Sept. 16, 1889. The story was about a police raid on "Big Liz's" house of ill repute that was located on Coal Street here in the ville. Apparently Big Liz had a thriving business going on and the article went on to naming names of the customers that were apprehended as they tried to flee out the back door. Unfortunately there were officers waiting outside the back door while another group went in the front door. Whoops! The reporter went on to tell us most of the offenders were fined $25 each and there was quite a bit of trouble in their various homes. Wonder whatever happened to Big Liz?

Donations this month included a paper written on Wellsville schools from 1880 to 1980 researched and writtened by the late Joey McCutcheon. Mrs. McCutheon was a long time teacher in the ville. Brassy sent out thanks to Joey's husband, Dr. Wm. McCutheon, for donating the paper and a couple of books. One of the books was entitled The Enchanted Village of Fredrickstown which Brassy said is loaded with historical facts. The history of Wellsville schools is one of the subjects for a program in the forth coming months.

Brassy also sent out thanks to Dick & "Boots" Vaness for their donation of two tin lunch boxes that brought back memories for me. I remember using those things back in the day. I remember the thermos bottles didn't last too long with my not too gentle handling of the lunch boxes. Pictured above is Brassy holding up the two. You can click on the picture to enlarge it. One box is Superman with his associates at The Daily Planet. Superman who was Clark Kent in everyday life is shown with reporter Lois Lane, photographer Jimmy Olsen and their editor. Anybody remember what his name was? I don't. The other box is Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. I've been thinking about this since last night but can only think of about three names for the dwarfs.

Welcomed as a new member was Dr. Herschel Ruben from ELO. Doc is actually a renewed member after being absent for a few years. He's the same fellow that set me up with my first eye glasses more years ago than I want to admit.

Last night's program was a history of Wellsville floods from 1832 up to 1991 presented by Bob Lloyd. Bob did a Power Point presentation with lots of pictures. It's an excellent collection of photos accumulated not only showing the high waters from the various floods but showing also a lot of structures that are long gone. We'll have more on that later. Bob graciously said he would copy the pictures to a disc for me. That way we'll be able to put some of them on here for you all to see.

Next meeting is April 21. Try to join us.

ole nib

Crime Doesn't Pay - Reporting It Could

It was nice seeing the Crime Watch Committee getting some coverage for their meeting last week. Haven't seen much of that since they formed a few years ago. Since writing my last piece we found out they have changed their meeting nights to the second Thursday of the month which I think is a good move on their part. It shows that we do have an active citizen's committee for this and could possibly be a plus factor if the ville officials apply for some grants for WPD in the future. That report last week was the result of the reporter for our area going out her way to get there after another meeting she covered. I've already noticed an increase in the Police Reports sections which I think is important. It shows that our officers are doing more than just running speed checks up on the highway. Overall I think they do a good job with their limited resources. People have to see this. Someday it may come to the point to ask the voters to approve a levy to help support the duties of our police. It is also good incentive to know we got an active law force for folks considering to locate here. I haven't heard any rumors about a new levy. With our economy today it certainly is not the time but it does pay to advertise.

I can't help thinking about St. Clair Township when I read WPD's Chief Scarabino's wish list in that newspaper report. I think they have all the things he mentioned he would like to see in the ville - the cameras, the computers and the officers. They even have tasers out there. Of course they have a better financial base with all the businesses out that way and they don't have an income tax. Like I said it pays to advertise and that includes being seen and heard. It more than likely would be a plus if some of that would be the appearance of the WPD administrator at Council Meetings on a regular basis if for no other reason than to give monthly activity reports.

Susie Haugh has added another page to her web site www.wellsvilleohio.net for our Animal Control office. You can get to it by clicking on the link for Animal Control in the column on the left. As reported in the papers it is loaded with all kinds of information if you ever need it. They even have a picture of our ACO. Nice job Susie.

Kudos to the Wellsville Knights-of-Columbus for sponsoring the poster contest for drug awareness. It's nice to know they are still active in the community. Reading about it was the first I heard and thanks again to Jo Bob they got some really nice coverage in today's MJ. With the contest and the awards and dinner the Knights probably made a lasting impression on those young ones. Thanks should also go out to Mrs. Ferguson for taking the ball and running with it at Garfield.

Reading a press release last Friday from Congressman Wilson about the stimulus money coming to Ohio for weatherization programs got me curious. I went to the web site for Ohio to see if they had any information on what individual communties are getting. That didn't exist but it was amazing to see that as of March 12 there have been 21,242 requests submitted in just Ohio for money from this program. That's a lot.

Postage stamps are going up another two cents on May 11. If you use a lot of them now is the time to load up on forever stamps at today's prices. Saving a couple of pennies don't sound like much but it can add up.

In closing here's something that got a chuckle from yours truly. In an engagement announcement in yesterday's ER for Sara Klavuhn & Charles Diequez it was noted that Mr. Diequez works at American Bride & Steel. If left me wondering if they manufacture steel wedding gowns?!!! ;-)

Tomorrow is council night at six and later the Wellsville Historical Society at 7&half hours as they use to say.

ole nib

Counting the Days

Eight days until Spring begins... It's the time of the year I least like with winter lingering on and the promise of the Spring season in the air. Hate to wish away my life but I can't wait for those eight days to pass. Mother Nature gave us a teaser with a few days last week warm enough to actually open up some windows to get some fresh air in the house. Lord I enjoyed that.

Hasn't been much to write about this week. There was a Crime Watch, a Tree Board & a B.O.E. meeting this week. I didn't make it to any of them and so far, there hasn't been any press coverage on any of them. In all fairness to Jo Ann Bobby she has been kept busy with Salineville and their committee meetings from what I read in the papers. In the middle of fighting a budget short fall this year their fiscal officer left for a better paying job. Officials out that way are scrambling. Of course have you ever noticed that everyone wants to conduct their meetings either on a Monday or Tuesday evening? Why don't some of these committees consider a Wednesday or Thursday, especially if they want a chance of getting some coverage? For example the Crime Watch folks always meet on the same night as the B.O.E. It's just food for thought but if they did change their meeting days they would stand a better chance of getting some free publicity for their programs. They all have good missions but some people don't even know they exist.

They held a court session today on the weapons suppression motion filed by J.C. Amato's defense attorney. This was for the charges filed last fall on having weapons under a disability. We'll have to wait for the newspaper tomorrow to tell us in plain English what went on. There were six entries made in the Docket file for the case. It's all Greek to me that my simple mind can't put meaning to. I did notice under the Events section that a status hearing is still scheduled for May and the trial about a week late for that charge. J.C.'s murder trial is scheduled for August.

Word on the street is that there was a colorful, verbal shoot out at the OK Corral this past Friday...tsk...tsk...tsk.

Writing the piece about the St. Francis Animal Shelter awhile back was an educational experience for me. I learned that there is definitely two schools of thought on the disposition of any strays taken in. I admire both equally with respect for their line of thinking. If push came to shove I don't know which way I would lean if forced to make a decision. I had to reject a lot of comments on that piece and don't want to open old wounds. I just want to wish both sides the best and hope everyone can co-exist in doing what they think is best. Speaking of SFAS... they are having a Chili Cook-off tomorrow night at the SOI starting at 6. It's a fund raiser that's worth supporting.

It was announced last week that the WPD got a $10,894 grant from the Justice Assistance Grant Program. That's a federal program called the Recovery Act 2009. Wonder if this money will help continue the DARE program, perhaps support Marsha's fire bug program or what?

Ville officials would do well to follow the Willis Smith case in ELO to go to school on what must be done to demolished falling down derelict structures in town. The Smith case involves the Smiths Auto Parts building in ELO at 4th & Broadway. It's exactly what will have to be done in the ville if the mayor gets the funding he's hoping for. From talking to various people I think WFD Chief Smith has a good grasp on what has to be accomplished. Others make me wonder. Once everything is done and the building is brought down who owns the land?

Been wanting to do a piece on the present day economy and what effects it has on us but every time I turn around all I run into is more depressing news. Everyday there is something on one aspect or the other of the falling economy in the papers or on the boob tube. You can't open an Internet news page without something gloomy on the subject. I found it interesting that the county un-employment rate - somewhere around 14% - is equal to what it was back in the 1980s when Crucible put some 5,000 people out on the street. For those of us that lived through that it certainly reminds us of the trickle down effect that goes on when such an event occurs. It's happening again with lost jobs and funding drying up for programs we have grown accustomed to. It is very depressing and I hope all who read this well. On the bright side the mayor told me there is a definite need for some belt tightening but there are no lay-offs foreseen right now.

I want to sincerely apologize to the guys & gals on the WHS basketball & wrestling teams this year. I completely missed their season and failed to mention any of them. The thought was there and I was following them in the papers. Even got a file full of newspaper clippings but time just slipped by far too quickly for me. Both basketball teams had rosters made up of mostly younger, untried players. The girls started off slow but were coming on strong toward the end of the season. They finished the season at 9 - 12 with most of those wins coming in the last weeks of their schedule. On the boys side it was suppose to be a rebuilding year but Bug Thompson found some new and exciting talent. They started out the season with two veterans from last year. One got a broken foot early in season and the other just up and quit the team. For a team that was on the rebuild they finished the season with a very respectful 14 - 7 record. Both teams got knocked out in the first round of tournament play but they have nothing to hang their heads over. With some of the news on the Middle School teams I got the distinct impression we have lots of exciting Wellsville basketball to look forward to. To those players that stuck it out all season long through good & bad I'd like to say thanks. Stand tall! You carried on the tradition and once again proved to us that the Tigers are what made what some consider the ville as a "basketball town". We're proud of each & everyone of you. As for myself I'll try to do better next season.

Speaking of basketball the mayor tells me they are still doing vocal web casting of the games on WKMX. I think they are going to do baseball too. I was told it takes about $50 to do one game. It's an exciting new dimension for those that want to follow our teams and can't make it to the games. If you're interested in donating you can contact the mayor or Roger Miller. Those guys are two of the announcers and all of them donate their time for this. The money mostly goes to fees that the league charges them.

Also want to offer kudos to Ryan Crabtree for a stellar season in his weight class in wrestling. Ryan got his name in WHS history books this year as being number two on the all time winners list in that sport. Ryan even got to Columbus for the State Meets this year. Congratulations on all you accomplished Ryan.

Another kid that got a nice write-up in the ER is Collin Kinsey. He's a WHS alumni from back in the early 1990s. He got a job at St. Catherine College near Springfield, KY, setting up and coaching a men & women's cross country/track team. St. Catherine's is a small junior college located in the heart of Kentucky farm country. Prior to adding the college they had a girls Catholic high school at the historic Dominican motherhouse. This is the first year for a track program and a kid from the ville is getting it started. The high school goes back for probably a century now. The Jr. College was added in more recent times. According to the article Kinsey did the same at Georgetown College, another Kentucky school. As they say if you look hard enough you can usually find a ville connection just about anywhere in this country, even in Washington County, Kentucky.

Gee, I didn't think I had anything to write about and here I bent your "ears" for some time now. Only one other thing I want to mention. In the last few days I got two comments for a piece that I wrote two years ago called "Tell Me More Joe" where the Wiz & the Walrus are still snipping at each other. Are you guys messin' with my mind?

Think Spring... Jack Call said he saw his first robin last week. That's a good sign.

ole nib

Buckeye Boys State 2009

Buckeye Boys State is an annual event usually held in the summer months that is sponsored by the American Legion. As stated in their brochure it "is a 9-day hands on experience in the operation of the Democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Ohio Governments." They form two political parties, nominate candidates, hold an election, and set up various systems of government. That includes a governor, other state level officers and a Boys State General Assembly. They do the same with county, city and school board members. They even have a State Patrol guided by officers & troopers of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Many of the other staff members are former Boy Staters from all walks of life.

Started in 1936 Ohio has the largest Boys State program in the nation with 1,300 young men attending. All these young men are in the summer between their junior & senior year, have to be recommended by their high school principal and pass a qualifying exam to be considered. They come from all four corners of the state. All expenses are paid by the American Legion. Astronaut Neil Armstrong and Pro-Golfer Jack Nicholson are just two of the better known people that attended this event.

This year's Buckeye Boys State will be held at Bowling Green State University from June 13 - 21. Representing American Legion Post 70 is Wellsville High School junior Robert "Bob" Barringer. Bob is an honor student and the son of Sharon Barringer.

All young men attending Boys State will be eligible to be one of two candidates selected to attend the American Legion Boys Nation being held this year in July in Washington, D.C. They also have a chance to be nominated to participate in the U.S. Senate Youth Program. Each year the American Legion Buckeye Boys State Foundation awards six attendees a $1,000 Savings Bond. All in all it's a rewarding educational experience.

Pictured above is Chairman of the Selection Committee for Post 70 Dane Dysert congratulating Mr. Barringer on being this year's selection. I would also like to say congratulations, Bob.

ole nib

March 3 Council Meeting 2008 Plus

After call to order and opening ceremonies roll call was taken with all members present except Rosie Goss. Someone is the good seats said she hurt her leg. Hope you're doing better Rosie. The mayor got back to business after coming off medical leave. He appears to be fit and probably feeling better after his surgery.

While we're on the subject of medical things it was reported that Don Brown will be missing in action for awhile. He's going to have knee replacement surgery next week. He had the other one done last year. Good luck with the surgery Don and we hope you'll be back in action soon.

Under Public Speaking "Angel" Sharon Buswell of the Alley Cat Aid Brigade approached council for funding for their upcoming Trap-Neuter-Release program. She had an informational display of spots where they trapped cats last year. Last year the angels handled 76 cats. Out of that number 58 were neutered, five were put down and 13 were taken to the Cat Ladies Society in Youngstown for adoption. Ms Buswell asked that council consider budgeting $1,500 for this program for the next three years. She said three years is needed to make a noticeable difference in getting an upper hand with the feral cats in the village. In response Tony Cataldo advised that the budget is done on an annual basis and there is $1,000 in this years budget for the program. Sharon went on to advise they have several fun fund raisers planned to help with the cause. Stay tuned with their web site at http://www.alleycataidbrigade.com/ for more news on that. This is the group that conducts the increasingly popular monthly pet food give away.

The only administrator present to give a report was Jim Saracco. He reported the roof for the salt storage shed pictured above is now in place. The salt you see in there is probably it for the year. Hopefully we won't be needing it but now it won't be washed away with rain. With any luck we'll have it to start out next winter.

In the Mayor's Report Joe Surace thanked John McMahon for filling in for him doing his absence. Surace also advised us that the sign between the Rt. 45 exit ramp and Rt. 7 also pictured above has to be relocated in accordance of ODOT mandates. It is on ODOT land and they consider it to be a safety hazard. Joe said they pleaded our case but the ODOT people wouldn't bend. The sign has to go. That sign has been up there for years. Wonder what got them to get a wild hair after all this time? Randy Allmon said the Chamber-of-Commerce has already gotten folks lined up to relocate it down by the Industrial Park outside the ODOT fence.

I was a little taken aback by the headline on the article in the ER. It said in bold letters "No longer welcomed in Wellsville". To me that is cheap sensationalism that casts a negative light on the ville. That headline was very misgiving on the subject. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The same article appeared in the MJ and they got it right. They said "ODOT decision on sign not welcome in Wellsville". You're still welcome in the ville in spite of ODOT. We're just not excited about having to move the sign.

Under Committee Reports other than announcing a couple of Committee Meetings Chairman Joe Soldano of the Streets, Light & Parking reminded Saracco we had to get moving on this years chip & seal program. There's a deadline to get on the wish list over in Lisbon. That program is handled through the County Engineer's Office for the whole county. As a foot note both Surace & Saracco traveled to Lisbon on Thursday for just that purpose.

Under Legislation a vote was taken under suspension of rules for the village to participate once again with ODOT for salt for next winter. ODOT purchases salt for anyone participating for the whole state. Because of the volume being bought it is probably the best price available. I just hope ODOT doesn't pull another fast one like they did this year when they told many communities that their allotment was less than what was agreed on.

Under New Business Leslie Dean, our new Animal Control Officer, presented a report on her activities for the first month on the job. She handled 30 calls for that time period. Out of that 30, 12 dogs were brought to the village pound, 11 were transferred to the county pound and two were returned to their owners. She related that a big problem she faces is that reports for stray dogs that aren't around when she gets to the scene. She asks if possible if people that call in can confine the animal until she gets there it would help eliminate this problem.

Joe Surace reported that to date there has been $36,413 dollars collected in unpaid back fines. This amount covers 15 months of efforts by the clerk that was hired for this job. That is probably money we would never have seen if Jen Allen hadn't been on the job. Jen still has her work cut out for her. There is still $59,761 outstanding in back fines.

Joe Soldano reported that Wellsville School Board President Tom Brophey is to be honored with an Award of Achievement March 18 in Youngstown by the Ohio School Board Association for his 16 years of service. He is one of 74 recipients out of 3,400 nominated across the state for this honor. At the age of 29 Tom was the youngest member ever to elected to the School Board in the ville. In his spare time Brophey also serves as chairman of the Hammond's Park Committee.

Congratulations Tom...

Before adjoining Council retired to the Caucus room for back-to-back executive sessions to consider bids for health insurance and a "possible discipline" matter. According to newspaper reports they didn't have anything to say when they got back to Chambers. In that report it was noted that Tony Cataldo told the reporter that there is a possible chance for the village to save $8,400 yearly in health, vision & dental insurance. They received seven bids on proposals for insurance. This matter was referred to the Personnel Committee and although not mentioned I imagine they will have to negotiate with the union for whatever changes is being considered.

Here comes the 'Plus" part mentioned in the title. There were two committee meetings held this past Thursday. One was covered by the newspaper and I got to the later one. The first was for Property and had to deal mainly with the grant being filed for the play ground equipment with the Ohio Nature Works. It seems whatever is rewarded to the ville is now all going for the 18th play ground. Don Brown objected saying there are other areas in town that need to be considered but Tony Cataldo said 18th St. was the only one applied for. At the last meeting on this matter one councilman said money also would be going to the 11th Street play ground from this grant. What happened between then & now? Although 18th St. is heavily used I have to agree with Brown. Its was also decided to draw up an ordinance to change the hours at 18th St. to dawn to dusk instead of the current 9 A.M. - 9 P.M. In an unrelated matter Cataldo said he was waiting for a letter from the water district on what needs to be done with the dam at the old reservoir. That's in preparation to returning that property back over to the village.

The second meeting was with the Sewage Committee and was conducted with Randy Allmon flying solo. The purpose of this meeting was to go over contract language with United Water and our village solicitor. United Water is the new company that took over Earth Tech operating our sewage plant. Kevin Chandler, Director of Contract Services for the mid-west region, represented UW along with Greg Stewart, the plant operator in town. Except for one matter all items were resolved. It really boiled down to understanding the wording. The one exception was deemed a legal matter and Andy Beech is going to have a telephone conference with UW Legal Dept. to resolve that. That has to deal with liability insurance and who is responsible for what. The village still owns the plant which includes land and buildings. Right now the contract to operate the plant is on a month-to-month basis until they can get everything ironed out for the new five year contract. That contract will cost the village over $20,000 a month.

That brings you up to date on all the village government news I have. The next council meeting is March 17. It's also St. Patrick Day. Wear your green.

ole nib