(Posted Feb. 9, 2017)
By Sandi Latimer, Staff Writer
West Jefferson’s police cruisers will soon be equipped with dash cams. Chief Terry Ward requested the purchase in his budget wishes for 2017.
On Feb. 6, village council approved the purchase of four cameras from Watch Guard Video of Allen, Texas, for $19,280.
Council also approved another large purchase—a new Ford F-150 pickup truck for the Public Service Department.
Public Service Director John Mitchell requested the truck in his budget for 2017. He purchased it for $26,681 from Middle-town Ford through the state cooperative program.
Sprucing up council chambers
Council chambers on the second floor of the West Jefferson administration building are getting a fresh look.
“It’s long overdue” said council Presi-dent Steve Johnston.
Improvements include installation of carpet and vinyl wall base molding, plus the purchase of 28 stackable chairs for the audience. The chairs will be armless with upholstered seats and backs.
The upgrades will cost $11,293, according to a quote from Library Design Associates of Powell.
Handrails leading up to the second floor and the railing leading into council chambers and a conference room have been cleaned and painted. The walls of council chambers have been painted a tan color. Johnston noted that the lights and blinds have been cleaned, as well.
Pay scale for assistant finance director
The village has been advertising for an assistant finance director. Current guidelines call for the position to be hourly.
“I believe it should be a salaried position,” said Finance Director Debbie DiLeo.
DiLeo met with council’s finance committee, which agreed with her and recommended the change to council. Council approved an amendment to the pay scale, setting the salaried pay range for an assistant finance director at $45,000 and $50,000.
Property changes
Council members approved vacating an unnamed north-south alley between Center and Chester streets, south of Franklin Avenue.
Thomas Tinkler of Columbus, who owns property at one end of the alley, had said at a public hearing at council’s previous meeting that the alley was narrow and vehicles often hit the side of the building on his property.
Council also approved a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation for changes in the plat of Jefferson Industries for the company’s planned expansion on State Route 29.
This issue concerned a clarification that the 30-foot access drive be maintained around the perimeter of the facility.
Council also gave the go-ahead for BlueScope Properties Group to obtain a stream impact permit for development at State Route 29 and Commerce Parkway.
Mitchell said the developer wants to widen a driveway and would have to make improvements around the creek.
Parks and Recreation
Parks and Recreation Director Marci Darlington announced the acquisition of a $7,000 grant from Battelle for the village’s summer Lunch and Learn program for children.
Reporting on results of a recent online survey, Darlington said 228 people answered questions and provided com-ments about the village’s parks and recreation services. Maintenance of the parks and the removal of graffiti were often mentioned in the comments, she said.
Council member Mike Conway suggested that Family Movie Night be changed to Community Movie Night to make people without children feel welcome.
Darlington said another area of concern was keeping the village’s website and Facebook pages more up-to-date.
