By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
The Crestline Police Department wasn’t on the agenda for Monday’s Village Council meeting, but that didn’t prevent the public spotlight from being pointed in that direction.
Former Crestline police officer and one-time chief Joe Dowell approached Crestline Village Council Monday night with questions about Crestline’s recent audit.
“I am interested in funds collected for the K-9 unit,” Dowell said. “Am I correct that the $17,000 for gifts to the city were for the K-9 unit? I want to know where it is at.”
Police Chief Joseph Butler said that the funds were in a bank account for the Crestline Police Department.
“If that money is collected and put in charge of the police department it is not secure,” Dowell alleged. “It should be in city control. “
Dowell said that he was tired of seeing the town trampled by people who don’t know or don’t care and that he intended to run for mayor.
Former Crestline police officer Lana Rowland came before council questioning why she wasn’t given an exit interview after leaving the force in October. Rowland also questioned why officers had followed her to her residence after she left the force.
Village Administrator Marc Milliron requested that Rowland meet with him after the meeting, or set up a meeting time later.
Crestline resident Dave Duncan addressed council saying that he had received information alleging police misconduct as well as harassment by police officers.
Butler denied any knowledge of misconduct by law enforcement.
“I have never given orders of selective law enforcement,” Butler said. “I am unsure of what problems there are; if you want to discuss it call my office.”
Council member Kevin Taylor requested that Duncan as well as others not pleased with the police meet on a separate day with council members and Butler.
ODOT will begin taking care of state highways within the city limits of Crestline after council approved an ordinance Monday night.
With a 5-1 vote Village Council passed Ordinance 3101 which grants the ODOT the authority to plow snow on state routes 61 and 181, with the exclusion of the stretch of 181 from Seltzer Road to County Road 330, and passed it as an emergency.
Council Member Gene Toy voted against the measure.
“If ODOT is required to maintain the roadways in the villages why are we voting on it,” Toy questioned. “Why are we doing any of it?”
Crestline Village Administrator Marc Milliron said that the measure was for ODOT mainly, and that the stretch of 181 between Seltzer and County Road 330 would be used as a turnaround point for village snow plows.
Council also approved 6-0 to replace all references to BOCA Basic Fire Prevention Code 1984 with the 2011 Ohio Fire Code with emergency.
Copies of the codes will be available for public viewing at the Crestline Public Library as well as on file with the council clerk for inspection. The clerk will be able to print copies for the public at cost.