Walbridge discusses business at recent village council meeting

The Village of Walbridge held its latest council meeting on Feb. 5.
 
In the safety and criminal justice council committee report, Caryl Stone spoke of meeting with the Red Cross and other local officials to brainstorm several topics for the next six months in an effort to host monthly safety or educational events. She stated the goal was to do at least one thing per month, whether it’s an event, a discussion or – if nothing else - they’ll put a recording up on the website.
 
In new business, council passed a motion to move the Step 2 Sergeant rate of pay to $27 per hour. After doing so, they also passed a motion to move patrolman Robert Miller up to a Step 2 Sergeant, effective immediately.
 
In other police department business, council passed a recommendation to bring officer Scott Somogye up to a part-time officer position with the village. Somogye has an associate’s degree in criminal justice with a military background and prior law enforcement experience.
 
In the village administrator’s report, Todd Robson reported the purchase of a new bucket truck for $5,000, which will raise 29 feet in the air and assist the village in various things such as tree trimming, placing Christmas decorations, etc.
 
Robson called the decision to purchase the truck a “no-brainer,” especially at the affordable cost. Plus, village officials feel that the truck will pay for itself quickly while allowing for a lot of opportunities and cost savings.
 
For example, Christmas decorations alone cost $500 to put up and another $500 to take down, while renting a lift the past couple of years for various projects has cost between $1,500 to $2,500 annually. Plus, they can use this new truck 24/7.
 
The last item of business included Mayor Ed Kolanko requesting the authorization to purchase 20 garbage receptacles throughout the village for a total cost of $8,941, which was approved.
 
The next council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Village of Walbridge Administration Office.