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WELLSVILLE -- Wellsville Village Council Monday selected Aaron Smith to fill the seat vacated by Michael Lombardozzi.
Smith was chosen from three possible candidates after council adjourned to an executive session during Monday's meeting to discuss the candidates. When council returned to an open session, members unanimously voted for Smith.
Mayor Bob Boley will officially swear Smith in later in the week.
Boley also noted that there will be two vacant council seats at the end of the year when terms are up. Smith was seated only to fill the end of Lombardozzi's term and Christy Thirtyacre is not seeking re-election, so both seats will need to be filled. Boley said it is too late to be put on the ballot as a candidate, but he encouraged anyone interested to run as a write-in.
In his report to council Boley asked if members would approve the installation of a streetlight on Rosalyn Street and at the 10th Street extension across from the cemetery. There would be no cost to install the lights, but they would have a monthly cost of $12. Council approved.
In his report, Fire Chief Barry Podwel said that the insurance company has reimbursed the department $80,489.59 for the seven sets of turnout gear and equipment that were ordered to replace the ones used at the East Palestine train derailment and $10,704 for the radios they had to replace. The fire department will use those funds to replace hoses and other equipment lost at the derailment and then submit for reimbursement on that. Podwel estimated that the total expenses for replacing lost equipment is somewhere around $180,000.
The village has purchased three cruisers for the police department. Two were purchased from State Surplus Auto for a total of $47,000, which was paid for with insurance money. The third was purchased from Liverpool Township for $3,500.
Fiscal Officer Hoi Wah told council that a meeting would be held at the end of the month with representatives from Omega, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Port Authority, possibly a congressman and the commissioner of the Buckeye Water District to discuss redevelopment of the marina and economic development within the district.
She also noted that Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has approved a grant called the Firefighters Exposure to the Elements grant, that if the village applies for could possibly receive $15,000 every three years. The fire department is looking into purchase an exhaust system, so they are in the process of getting quotes and finalizing the grant submission.
Wah also noted the village has received funding from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for a grant for the marina and for the Veterans Park for a combined total of $15,000.
Council members approved the payment of bills totaling $143,749.18, which includes the purchase of the cruisers, turnout gear and supplies for repairs and updates to Hammond Park.
Council member Keith Thorn has scheduled a meeting for Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. to discuss the codification of the village's ordinances. He noted they need to discuss the need to draft ordinances that pertain to the framing of the village.
Council Member Karen Dash said that the work on the gazebo is progressing and should be completed by Sept. 3.
During the public portion Jamie Nentwick of River Valley Organizing said there will be another meeting held to discuss environmental stressors in Wellsville Sept. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers.
The Wellsville Village Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Wellsville Village Hall located at 1200 Main St. The next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 15.