By Kimberly Gasuras
NEW WASHINGTON – John W. Berger received an unexpected thank you for his many years of service as the solicitor of New Washington during the village council meeting Monday evening.
“John was the solicitor for the village from 1966 to 2015 and we want to honor him with this award,” Mayor Ben Lash said as he presented Berger with a Thank You award plaque.
Berger said he appreciated the recognition.
“I had a lot of fun during those years,” Berger said.
The council passed one piece of legislation to approve village employee payroll for 2018.
Council also had a first reading for a proposed ordinance regarding the cultivation, sale, and distribution of medical marijuana. Treasurer Julie Cronau said the issue was brought to council by Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent.
“It is legislation that all councils and townships are passing across the state,” Cronau said.
New Washington Police Chief Jeffrey Shook inquired about the process of selling an older police cruiser.
“I want to sell the old, white cruiser and put the money toward a new one,” Shook said.
Council advised that the vehicle must be put up for bid.
Council member Brian Agin said the village should begin discussions on what to do with a vacant lot next to the library that the village now owns. One idea was to have plans drawn up to create a green space with trees and landscaping for possible future use for the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Fire Chief Mark Heefner said a coat drive took place over the weekend.
“We had a great turnout and 200 coats were collected,” Heefner said.
The coats currently are being sorted and prepared for distribution to those in the area who are in need of winter coats.
Council’s next meeting is Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m.