By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
After over 30 years of service to the City of Galion, City Safety/Service Director John Swain officially stepped down from his post Tuesday night.
In a letter addressed to Mayor Tom O’Leary, Swain announced his resignation citing health issues.
“Dear Tom, it is with regret that I resign as Safety/Service Director of the City of Galion, effective 8 a.m. Aug. 1, 2016. I appreciate the opportunity to have served as the first Safety/Service Director this city has had for approximately 30 years,” the letter read.
“I liked the work, the people I worked with, and the many people I came into contact with through these several years. Over half of my adult life has been spent in service to this city; over 29 years on the Galion Police Department and now three years as Safety/Service Director,” the letter continued.
“Unfortunately, my health will not permit me to continue in the position. Thank you for the appointment, and your support and understanding,” Swain finished in his letter.
“We need to look at what work needs to be done to move forward and naming a new safety service director,” O’Leary stated in response to the letter of resignation. “John mentioned being director as the capstone to his career. We want to thank him for his years of service and congratulate him for what he has done for the city.”
Nikki Ward has been serving as the interim safety/service director since May when Swain took his leave of absence.
Ann Heimlich had a few choice words with Galion City Council due to an issue with replacing the windows above her business, Grandma Ann’s Attic. In a letter to council, Heimlich noted that she needed to “follow the rules” when replacing her windows with historically accurate windows, which cost $2,300. Heimlich noted other businesses in the Uptowne area of Galion that haven’t followed rules including the hotel, which had replaced their windows years ago. Heimlich asked council if a motion could be made allowing her to use all vinyl windows at a cheaper cost than vinyl windows with a wooden core.
City Law Director Thomas Palmer noted that the City of Galion is more flexible on issues regarding businesses, and that he has offered to meet with Heimlich.
“We went over this with Mrs. Heimlich numerous times,” Palmer said. “She was told by the state that they had to be wood clad windows. We have tried to work with this.”
“We are worried that the city wouldn’t be able to get another grant if the rules aren’t followed,” council member Shirley Clark added.
Heimlich noted that she has tried to contact city officials three times, as well as the contractor. Heimlich then accused Linda Chambers of doctoring the minutes.
“I am disappointed in Galion,” Heimlich said as she left Council Chambers. “I have been here for 56 years, and have got nothing but vague answers. There is no wood to put into vinyl coating as they had rotted out. I have had enough of Galion; I am going to put the $2,000 into lawyers.”
After Heimlich left, Palmer noted that he tried meeting with Heimlich on two occasions. The first occasion Heimlich had cancelled, and the second occasion she had no-showed.
“I ask that she comes in and talks to me to see if we can’t get this settled,” Palmer added.
The ordinance that would have authorized a bid for a shelter at Amanns Reservoir was withdrawn from the agenda due to not having enough money in the expense report to approve the bid. The Galion Finance Committee will meet Wednesday to look at different options to move forward with the project.
During the public participation portion of the meeting former council member Roberta Wade argued against the construction of the Amanns Reservoir shelter, noting that the city should worry about installing bathrooms and handicap accessible drinking fountains in the city’s parks.
Wade continued her complaints into the recent power outage that left parts of the city without power for a few hours. Procuring a news article from January of 2011, Wade noted that the then City Manager Gene Toy mentioned in the article that the city has two different power supplies coming in from two different directions, insisting that the power outage could have been averted by using the alternate power feed into the city.
City Line Department Manager Tony Sloan was in attendance during the meeting and explained to Wade what had happened.
“We have two feeds into town. However, both are fed by the same line at Ohio Edison,” Sloan said. “It died, it was one of Ohio Edison’s lines. We were all frustrated. We helped them find it, and once it was found they immediately began work on it.”
Wade didn’t relent, asking if the city had kept a record of its power outages. At this point the mayor stepped in.
“Mrs. Wade knows the answer to these,” O’Leary began. “During her time on council they tried to, but didn’t.”
“This is what council is trying to get away from, these baseless claims,” O’Leary continued. “If the city officials have questions they should ask Mr. Sloan.”
Sloan added that the line department did everything within their power.
“We did the only thing we could do, we went out and found their lines, so they could work on it,” Sloan said.
After Sloan spoke, O’Leary continued his retort to Wade.
“You claimed that the water treatment plant required a second electrical feed, we met all EPA regulations on it,” O’Leary continued. “This is all just silly.”
“Do you think power outages are silly?” Wade asked the mayor.
“No, your approach is silly,” O’Leary responded.
Galion City Council President Carl Watt interjected, noting that Wade could have attended other meetings.
“We do have other meetings than just City Council meetings that are open to the public,” Watt said. “You could have attended a utility meeting.”
At the close of the meeting Watt echoed his sentiments from earlier, encouraging the public to attend committee meetings as well.