GALION—Galion City Law Director Thomas Palmer explained his proposal for the future Law Director’s duties to the council at last night’s regular Council meeting.

Palmer clarified to the council about suggested changes in the duties of future law directors.

Currently, Palmer is salaried at $45,000 per year plus benefits. He only handles contract work for the city, drafting legislation for the council, and other legal issues related to city business.

The city of Galion pays the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office an annual contractual fee of $35,000 to prosecute criminal cases.

Palmer suggests that future Law Directors be paid an annual salary of $80,000 plus benefits to handle contractual business and criminal prosecutions.

Palmer noted that while the city has a very good relationship with the Prosecutor’s Office, they would understand the move to combine the position. This move would also attract good candidates for the position.

Palmer noted that the move would actually cost $20,000 less than Galion paid in 2015 when the Assistant Law Director handled prosecutions.

Palmer compared Galion’s Law Director duties to that of Bucyrus’ Brian Gernert.

Palmer told Council that Gernert handles all facets of the job on a part-time basis for $100,000 per year plus benefits. Gernert also maintains his own legal practice.

In other council business, Councilwoman Paula Durbin said she got complaints from residents about dangerous conditions at the Mosier property. Durbin said the metal was stacked higher than the fencing, and the smells were atrocious. Durbin said the place has turned into a junkyard.

Durbin asked Mayor Tom O’Leary if there were ordinances against junkyards within the city limits.

O’Leary told Council that Mosiers are working on a plan to become compliant with the EPA. He noted the number one concern is fire. The Fire Department has been out there for inspections.

Because the property is located in a general industrial area, they are not in violation of any city ordinances.

O’Leary told the council that nuisance mowing has begun and that the actual number of properties that need mowing is down from in the past.

Citizens can report nuisance addresses and upload property pictures on the city website. These reports can be made anonymously.

Councilwoman Durbin again called on O’Leary to resign as Mayor of Galion.