By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com
Crestline Village Council was shaken up once again with the resignation of another council member at Monday evening’s meeting.
Council member Aaron Buckner announced his resignation effective today due to moving out of state with his family.
“I would like to thank the citizens, and wish the city and Council the best of luck,” Buckner told Council.
Council members questioned Police Chief Joseph Butler on numerous items Monday night.
Council member Gene Toy asked Butler if the issue with Tonya Keeler, in which she was referred to in a disparaging manner, was rectified. Butler explained that he had the police captain look into it, and that he took it as far as he could, and that Keeler had said that she would go elsewhere to take care of the issue.
Butler was also asked about if there were any updates on the BCI investigation of the police officer alleged to have solicited sexual favors in return for not writing traffic tickets. Butler explained that BCI was wrapping up the investigation and that they are waiting on the results which will be given to the village prosecutor.
New council member Tina Swartz asked Butler if the officer was placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. Butler answered by saying that the officer was not on leave because BCI hasn’t provided enough information; Butler also said the only way he would put one of his officers on leave is if there was proof.
Toy added that the claim was through social media in nature, with the information taking too long to come forward, as well as the person alleging it happened never coming forward but through a third party.
During new business Toy asked about the policy dealing with news media in which an employee of the village should refer to the mayor or council. Toy noted a newspaper article on the high turnover rate in which Butler was quoted quite extensively.
Mayor David Sharrock explained that he had not been contacted for the article. Toy asked why the chief didn’t refer the media person to the mayor or a council member. Toy noted that officers had been disciplined in the past due to criticism of the village. Toy noted that there were quotes on low pay, as well as lack of competitive benefits.
“Is that not criticism?” Toy asked.
Sharrock explained that the chief was stating facts.
Toy countered by saying Sharrock missing the point which was employees have been disciplined for criticism in the past.
Swartz added that the village needs to set a policy and follow it to a point. “We need to stick to the chain of command,” Swartz said.
Crestline Council approved tabling ordinance 3113 which would have established General Fund allocations of Police K-9 Funds, Police Auxiliary Funds, and Fireman Funds. Crestline Council member Allen Lafferty made the motion to table the ordinance due to the village being in process of having money allocated.
Crestline Council approved the appointment of Aaron A. Gibson as a full-time probationary police officer. The move was approved in order to set the shift hours from 12 to 8 for Crestline police officers.
Council approved authorizing Village Administrator Marc Milliron to go into agreement with Advanced Rehabilitation Technology to perform Phase II of the Sewer Separation Project. Milliron explained that the village had received two bids both of which were $30,000 under the estimate of the project of $302,000.
Council approved a contract to Statewide Ford Lincoln of Van Wert for the purchase of a Ford Explorer for the sum of $38,403 to replace a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria which had over 160,000 miles and a blown transmission.
Council approved the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Administration Agreement with the Ohio Development Services Agency. Milliron explained that the ordinance needed passed due to the state wanting to claim any unused funds that villages and municipalities receive from community development block grants.