By Leigh Ann Rutledge
FPS Reporter
December 1, 2009
Appeal denied.
No explanation.
That was the scene witnessed by a full house at the Nov. 23 Carrollton Council meeting. Personnel Committee member Bob Dunlap made a recommendation council accept the hearing officer’s report regarding the termination of Street Superintendent Bill Grimes and not grant an appeal hearing. Council unanimously approved the recommendation.
Matter closed.
Prior to the action, council heard from resident Scott Velain who said he picked up the paper and found the Street Superintendent of 27 years had been fired.
“There are a lot of questions left unanswered and we would like answers,” Velain stated. “Bill Grimes has worked for 27-years plowing snow in the cold, patching streets, working in the heat, doing his job and because of a handicap sign, supposed jobs not completed and asking to have his attorney look at a paper before he signed it, he is being fired.” Velain explained he felt these are what most would consider giving a verbal warning for, not termination. He continued stating after 27-years of service, he felt Grimes should be afforded the opportunity to be heard.
“We want to know why this issue was kept behind closed doors? Why bring in someone from out of town that no one knows?” Velain continued. “So I ask not if, but when will you grant him an appeal? It’s not like he was caught doing drugs.”
After the motion and council’s vote, an audience member asked if anyone was going to address any of these questions. Mayor Dave Flanary simply stated, “No,” and hurriedly moved the agenda along.
Reports were heard from the Finance and Legislative Committees and Clerk-Treasurer Judi Noble. The crowd of 40-plus was still flabbergasted and Velain asked, “why won’t council let Bill talk? “This could be anyone of you,” stated Velain.
Grimes spoke, saying, “These men aren’t being honest about what’s going on, and I am looking at the two of them.” Grimes was referring to Flanary and Village Administrator Robert Fowler (who sit beside each other at council meetings.)
Council member-elect Luke Grimes said, “Over 40 people showed up and you don’t care.”
The audience asked each council member to explain why they would not hear Grimes.
At that time, Flanary told the crowd if they were not quiet, he would have Police Chief Ron Yeager clear the room.
During the question and comment session at the end of the meeting, council was asked about their accountability, why none of them would address the issue about giving Grimes a public hearing. No one would comment.
Regarding the release of the report from the hearing officer, Village Solicitor Clark E. Battista said he will be speaking with Mr. Grimes’ attorney Tuesday morning and they will discuss whether the papers will be released to the public.
Battista also told council and those in attendance he and Grime’s attorney will be discussing pay options for the time period of Sept. 15 to Grimes termination.
A newspaper correspondent told council a handicapped marking that had been backwards for over 20 years, catch basins not cleaned and painting that Mr. Fowler would sign purchase orders to buy did not sound worthy of firing offenses after 27 years.
After the meeting was adjourned, Grimes stood up and began to speak to the crowd. The gathering was quickly moved outside. Grimes answered questions and took comments from the crowd for nearly half an hour. As he was leaving, Grimes thanked all those in attendance and said, “I really, truly enjoyed working for the village.”
In an unrelated matter, representatives from Prepaid Legal Services explained their business to council. Art Bell said the company has been a trading company for 30 years and is considered an HMO for city and county employees. Prepaid Legal Services is a network of lawyers who handle everyday issues such as teenage driver issues or when a mechanic gives you an estimate and charges you something different.
Cost would be $15.95 per month for employees and you cannot be canceled unless you choose. However, he did point out employees could not use the services to sue the city and the $15.95 fee per month does not apply to instances where the law was broken such as being charged with driving under the influence. Information can be found on their website www.prepaidlegal.com.
The Finance Committee met Nov. 11 and discussed the purchase of a used fire rescue truck for the Carrollton Village Fire Department at a cost of $120,000. The original asking price was $137,000. An ordinance to purchase the truck was presented and accepted by council. John Yeager voted no.
Chairperson Mary Ann Miller made a motion for council to contract with Walter H. Drane Company of Beachwood. The company provides ordinance codification to municipalities in Ohio and West Virginia. They would put all the village’s ordinances on line for viewing. Miller told council the village spent over $3,000 to purchase 47 sets of codified ordinances. Drane would charge a $30 monthly fee and $1,795 to put everything online. Miller did say, Drane agreed to give the village the first six-months free and the $1,795 bill would not be due until 30 days after the site was completed. A motion was made and approved.
In other business, council:
-GRANTED a request from Noble to allow parking in the Landmark parking lot during the Christmas parade Nov. 28.
-LEARNED the Legislative Committee is considering giving village employees two personal days per year and are looking into the sick leave policy.
-HEARD the Carroll County Youth League baseball league is rebuilding the dug-outs at Ann Green Park at no charge to the village.
-APPROVED a contract with Engineering Associates for design of sewer line replacement in various areas within the village not to exceed $43,000.
-HEARD first reading of an ordinance for monthly sewer and water billing. Councilwoman Sharon Ott questioned this, she was told the water and sewer committee asked for it to be brought before council for a vote.
-GRANTED permission to enter into a contract with Engineering Associates to design a waterline replacement for Ray Ave. not to exceed $11,000.
-GAVE permission for the Carrollton High School Speech & Drama Club to place a sign on the square announcing their “Christmas Cabaret” being held Dec. 5.
-NEGOTIATED a five-year contract for the village fire department to provide fire protection to a portion of Harrison Twp.
-SCHEDULED finance/legislative committee meetings for Dec. 2 beginning at 7:30 p.m. and water and sewer committee meeting Dec. 14 at 6 p.m.
-WAS told approximately 600 water meters have been installed and around 120 still to be installed. Fowler reiterated those people need to schedule their appointments or their water service will be disconnected.
-LEARNED the last leaf pick up will be Dec. 4.
-GRANTED permission to bid the North Lisbon water line Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 with bids due Dec. 22 at 10:30 a.m.
-SET a Trail Head meeting for Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. at council chambers.
-HEARD Wheeling & Lake Erie would like a one-time payment for use of their property. They have not given an actual figure and the village is trying to negotiate with them.
-SET the next council meeting for Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. |
