By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
As the old saying goes it takes two to tango and right now there is only one side willing to go on the dance floor in New Washington to discuss tropical birds.
“You can’t compromise with one person.”
Joe Blum’s statement from Monday’s New Washington Village Council meeting goes a long way toward explaining the tropical bird situation in the village. Blum, as Council President, gave the official recap of the meeting that was held at 4 p.m., March 10.
The problem, as has been the case throughout this situation, was that the owner of the birds – Terry Stacklin – has once again chosen not to provide input. Repeated attempts have been made to provide her a platform for voicing her side of the story, attempts which have been ignored nearly every time. The village made repeated attempts to notify her of this meeting as well, including sending two letters: one by registered mail and one by regular mail. The letter sent by registered mail was not signed for.
During Blum’s presentation to council, he presented three options for action going forward. In no particular order they are: doing nothing, enacting a noise ordinance, or enacting a nuisance ordinance. Members of the party who have registered the concerns over the birds were at the regular council meeting as well.
Darrell LaVenia acted as the spokesperson for the concerned party, and he asked some questions after Blum gave his presentation, chiefly asking what action council was going to take. He expressed gratitude that the meeting took place, but also requested, “If you choose to do nothing, please let us know.” LaVenia further explained, while adding that this was not a threat to the Village, that “I will not spend another summer,” with this nuisance. He intends to seek action on his own should the village take no action, which is something that is provided for in the Ohio Revised Code, according to Solicitor John Berger.
Berger had, as an example, a nuisance ordinance from a neighboring community which is on the books there. This ordinance covers a wide range of “nuisances”, from noise, to derelict properties, to trash, fumes, etc. The police would have to cite an offender, at which point it would go to Berger, who would recommend whether the citation should proceed to the courts. There it would go before a judge who would decide the case.
Berger recommended that, if council should take action, it should be the nuisance ordinance they pursue. Noise ordinances require decibel readers and are even more difficult to enforce than nuisance ordinances, or, as Berger called it, “less of a nightmare.” Council’s reactions were in line with Berger’s.
No official action has as yet been taken, but Mayor Ben Lash assured, “We are not going to brush this under the table.”
Council also heard a presentation from the Central Joint Ambulance District about New Washington coming into the fold. Citing declining volunteer participation, Steve Aichholz of the squad and Fire Chief Dick Ackerman have reached out to CJAD to discuss the matter.
With trustees from Cranberry and Auburn townships listening as well, Ron Miller did most of the presenting. He explained how the district formed 12 years ago and has helped provide 13 townships and the City of Bucyrus with 24/7 EMT coverage. The district negotiates contracts on a three-year basis with the current contract expiring Nov. 30, 2014. Miller mentioned that this period between now and November could be used as a sort of trial period to test the system.
They would come into the group as a “tier 3” response time, which would mean 17:59 (mins/seconds) or less. This is, obviously, substantially higher than the eight minute response time that New Washington boasts. However, Miller assured them that if there were to join them in time for the new contract, the District would be reworked to have them in a “tier 2” response time, which is 11:59. Miller added that New Washington joining the fold would benefit the entire district, as the reorganization would allow much of the county to be in this tier two response time. He also added that it is very likely they could be elevated to a tier two response time well before November, likely a month or two after joining. The district would also provide 24/7 access to a full EMT squad, as opposed to the current first responder coverage that is ensured.
No official action was taken, but Miller invited everyone to attend the district meeting at 6:30 pm, March 19, at the Plymouth Street Lifestar Station in Bucyrus.
Council approved purchase of new computer for tax purposes, as well as a scanner and Microsoft Office Suite. Going on Council Member Scott Hiler’s recommendation, council authorized an outlay of $1800-$2200 to upgrade software and hardware for the police and tax departments.
On a lighter note, the gazebo has been fully repaired. Administrator Norm Lucius reported that it, “Should withstand a hurricane now.” The Crawford County Park District will also be the recipient of some of the soon to be replaced benches at the gazebo as well. The park district is taking six for the trails, New Washington will use some at the pool, and the rest will be disposed of in some other fashion.