By Leigh Ann Rutledge
FPS reporter
October 14, 2008
Carrollton Mayor Dave Flanary opened Monday night’s village council meeting with his stand on the issue of disbanding the village police department.
“It is not the conjuncture of the mayor or the majority of council members. I thought the incident was handled improperly,” quoted Flanary.
At first Councilman Bob Dunlap stated he had no comment regarding the subject. Councilman Lynn Poplin explained, “This wasn’t an official act of council. We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we didn’t investigate ways to save the village money.” According to Poplin, the idea was brought up at a conference he attended. “It was something to look into only, just a discussion,” continued Poplin.
Dunlap then told those in attendance, “There are times when I try to think about problems, ‘what if..’ and I was thinking about the sheriff’s bond issue, if it doesn’t pass, maybe he could take over the police department. It would save the village money and help the sheriff’s budget. I was having a discussion with him. Nothing more, a discussion.” Dunlap said Sheriff Dale Williams asked for figures for manpower, fuel and the annual budget and that was where the issue was left.
In a previous interview with the FPS, Williams explained his department could only enforce state ordinances and when asked about that issue, Dunlap replied, “This was a conversation to investigate possibilities. I would not be doing my job if I did not think ahead. Maybe I will stop asking questions and trying to think ahead for the betterment of Carrollton and just sit up here and collect my $300.”
Both Dunlap and Poplin reiterated they were not saying they were in favor of disbanding the police department but doing their job, looking for ways to save the village money. Poplin stated, “We are always open to suggestions.”
Flanary stated, “The Sheriff informed me he is not interested. He can’t do it.”
Currently there are seven full time and four part time police officers on the department which has a $476,000 budget for the current year.
In another matter, paving of downtown streets is completed. A date for paving Meadowbrook Lane has not been scheduled yet. Poplin stated, “I want to commend the street and water departments for the smooth transition during the paving, especially 2nd St. They did a commendable job working with the school to coordinate everything.” When asked how he thought the paving was going, Street Superintendent Bill Grimes said, “I am very pleased with the paving.” Council heard from Grimes, the catch basin at the intersection of Main and High Streets is on the list to be redone and will be raised slightly.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, Council:
-GRANTED permission to the Carrollton Band Boosters to place a sign on the square announcing their craft show Nov. 1.
-ACCEPTED a bid from the Village of Dellroy for $3,000 for the used police cruiser.
-WAS awarded a salt bid of $54.38 per ton.
-SCHEDULED a zoning board of appeals meeting for Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. for a variance for a front yard fence. The building and zoning inspector has refused to write a permit.
-HEARD Clerk Judi Noble thank Pam Berardinelli for installing the new computer and transferring the information thus saving the village money.
-GRANTED approval for the American Cancer Society to decorate the gazebo for the remainder of the month for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
-LEARNED Carrollton Village Fire Department will receive a new set of Jaws of Life from a federal fund. No matching funds are required.
-HEARD from Mayor Flanary that owner’s need to clean up after their dogs, especially on the sidewalks downtown. He noted there is a village ordinance requiring owners to clean up after their dogs.
-APPROVED a request to close the alley next to Long’s Equipment store Nov. 28 from 9-12 a.m. for the Coley’s Stag Reunion. Dunlap and Poplin abstained.
-LEARNED Time Warner rates are going up effective Nov. 2.
-HEARD third readings of ordinances and approved: job description for the zoning inspector, contract for salt bin roof, pay for water certifications, meal reimbursements, and to amend the employee discipline section in the policy and procedures manual.
-HIRED Kevin Keyser as a firefighter with the Carrollton Village Fire Department.
-HEARD first readings of ordinances for applications for grants for municipal building improvements, skate park/park improvements, recreational trails and walking/biking trails.
-APPROVED payment of bills totaling $48,672.12 for vendors and $28,530.60 for payroll. |
