By Lindsey Rowland
lrowland@wbcowqel.com

There’s no new sheriff in town in Crestline, but there is a new firefighter.

The first among many pieces of legislation discussed at Monday’s meeting of the Crestline Village Council was confirmation of the appointment of Aaron Hoptry as full-time probationary fireman for a term of one year. The matter was passed as an emergency piece of legislation. Hoptry fills a vacancy created by a recent resignation in the Fire Department.

Council wholeheartedly consented, with the only vocalized regrets being that Hoptry wasn’t in attendance to welcome personally.

Along the same lines of public safety, a new item was discussed that would create a soft donor charge of $50 for refusals of both rescue and emergency ambulance and non-emergency ambulance services. According to the Police Department records, these services were turned away 200 times last year alone, and the effort falls from concern for the taxpayers. The concern voiced by council, however, was that there wasn’t enough data examined to make the decision and, although the motion was passed, it was suggested that there be research put into the last five years of refusals. It was agreed, though, that safety workers are worth as much as the fee and more for the services they provide.

Prior to the meeting, the rules of the Village Council were updated and, after the legislation for said updates was passed, some changes were made among the council itself. Clayton Herold, who has served as the chair of the Finance Committee for a myriad of years, made the move to switch places with Gene Toy, assuming the position of the chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee. The decision was made due to conflicts with Herold’s job.

Lastly, Mayor David Sharrock reminded everyone of the Lion’s Club Barbecue taking place on June 28th in Hamilton Park. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased through the 25th. Sharrock also reminded the crowd of Mayor’s Night Out on July 24 from 7 to 10 in the evening, and that Vicki Lash, of Victoria’s Hair Design, is being honored for 30 years of service in the Crestline community. Finally, Sharrock announced that fireworks will be held on July 3rd at dusk and wished everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July.