By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
The New Washington Village Council began proceedings Monday for a village nuisance ordinance in response to failed negotiations in the tropical bird situation.
The proposal, made by Councilman Scott Hiler, was reluctantly agreed to by other members of council. An initial draft, based on a similar ordinance on the books in Crestline, was passed on a first reading. By starting proceedings now council can ensure that such a law is in effect by the end of May, when the weather will see the birds outside more regularly.
By proceeding with a first reading, it also gives council the chance to fine tune the ordinance over the second and third readings to meet the specific needs of New Washington. Hiler also put forth the idea that, while proceeding with the ordinance, one more attempt should be made to bring the owner of the birds to the negotiating table. Council is still holding out hopes this might be resolved without legislation, but they are also resolved to passing legislation if need be.
“They (those who have raised the complaints about the birds) brought a valid argument that they attempted to negotiate,” Mayor Ben Lash said. “We promised we would do something.”
Darrell LaVenia, one of those who have raised concerns about the birds, was in attendance. He said he would welcome another meeting if it could be established, but wants the issue resolved in one way or another.
Ordinance 964 passed on a first reading, and at the current schedule would receive its third and final reading on April 28. It would then take effect 30 days after that final vote.
With Resolution 1241, New Washington voted to join the Crawford County Central Joint Ambulance District, as per the presentation from this group at the last meeting. They will be officially accepted at the next meeting of this group on April 14.
New Washington will continue to run its EMS service through the end of November, when the district’s current contract is set to expire. This is because, until that time, CJAD can only guarantee a “Tier-3” response time, which is approximately 18 minutes. Upon the assumption of the new contract, CJAD has assured New Washington they will be elevated to a Tier-2 response time, which is approximately 12 minutes.
New Washington will cease transport duties upon joining this group while still dispatching EMT’s. When the new contract takes effect in December, New Washington will look to downgrade its crew to first responders only.
Cranberry and Auburn townships are set to join this group as well and all three entities are citing the same reasons of lack of man power on their individual crews and that Lifestar, or the service provider contracted with CJAD, is better equipped to handle this service.
Council wanted citizens to be made aware that there will be a charge for this service of $600 if transport happens. This can be rolled into any hospital bills that may be accrued, but this will be a charge for transport that has not existed before.
Several expenditures were approved. The fire department garage doors will receive “eye-sensors” to prevent them lowering with any obstructions still in the way. The fire trucks are long enough that they are in the street and still in the door frame. Four eye sensors will be purchased at $320 each.
The bed of the dump truck is getting a repair at $575. This repair should allow the village to eke one more year of service out of the truck. Council is also investigating metal steps for the recycle truck. Councilman Brian Agin reported that steps would cost between $125-$450. He is conferring with Lucius to finalize the details on what steps would be of most use to the village.