By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

A familiar face from New Washington will be returning to the Central Joint Ambulance District (CJAD) as the New Washington Village Council appointed Steve Aichholtz as New Washington’s voting representative to the CJAD Board.

Aichholtz was originally apprehensive about the position citing limited financial knowledge. Aichholtz agreed to the post under the condition that a member of the council or administration attend meetings with him in order to correspond the financial side of the meetings back to council.

Council unanimously approved the appointment.

Hattie Krebs gave a quarterly update on New Washington’s finances. According to Krebs, as of October 31 the village has collected $290,800.34, a $750 increase from last fiscal year. Krebs noted that the increase may be due to the village tracking collections monthly instead of quarterly.

Krebs noted that in business returns the village is up $9,000 from a year ago.

Police Chief Jeff Shook reported that the police department had a busy three weeks responding to calls, three officers attending forensic computer class, and one becoming Taser qualified.

Shook also reported the Dodge being in and out of the shop the past three weeks due to a console fire that damaged wires, having issues with the wiring harness to the alternator, and the water pump going out. Shook added that the vehicle still needs new brakes and tires.

Aichholtz gave an update on the swimming pool noting that Brenda Kehres will not return as manager of the pool next season and that Buckeye Recreational Committee should begin advertising for the position.

Aichholtz also spoke about the possibility of shortening the pool season by two weeks due to lack of lifeguards in August due to school activities.

Mayor Ben Lash didn’t like the idea as August is usually a busy time for the swimming pool.

“I would rather see us get more lifeguards than close early when people want to swim the most,” Lash said.

Fire Chief Mark Heefner reported that the fire department made three runs since the last meeting, that trick-or-treat went well, and that Wednesday the New Washington Fire Department will be having a joint training session with the Tiro-Auburn Volunteer Fire Department.

Norm Lucius reported that the lights at the library and fire station had been installed. Lucius also reported that he spoke with ODOT about signage being obstructed in the village. ODOT agreed and trimmed the flora back in order for the signs to be visible again.

The New Washington Council approved passing rates for the budget commission.

Julie Cronau reported that she received a few recommendations from the risk control field representative to the village.

The first recommendation would require all drivers in each of the departments have a motor vehicle record. The second recommendation is that soft surface padding be installed at the swimming pool behind the diving board in case of an accident. The second recommendation was requested to be enacted when personnel and funds would be available to the village.

New Washington Village Council approved moving their scheduled Dec. 26 meeting to Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.