Local leaders look to protect and serve

Purchases, staff news highlighted; new year may bring road plan

While 2020 was anything but status quo, Kirtland Hills Village leaders stuck to the basics of service to community residents.

There was also some notable news among personnel.

In the Police Department, Sgt. Edward Pecka earned the Trilogy Award as he graduated from the FBI-LEEDA program. FBILEEDA is a continuing education provider for law enforcement leaders.

The award goes to individuals who successfully complete the Supervisor Leadership Institute, Command Leadership Institute and Executive Leadership Institute training.

In addition, Officer Brandon Marshall was named to the Lake County Drone Team.

The force is losing a veteran member with the departure of Officer Ken Mescall, who will be retiring after 29 years of service to the village.

In ot her employee changes, Wade Novak was hired on to the Service Department as a full-timer.

Other 2020 highlights include the following vehicle purchases:

• A new Ford F-750 for plowing village roads

• An F-150 designated for Service Supervisor Aaron Brandt

• A new Ford Interceptor was added to the Police Department’s fleet.

The $107,407 snow plow truck was already in the budget for this year. The other vehicles were purchased using Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding. Total cost of the three vehicles was $171,166.

CARES money also was used for PPE purchases. Touchless equipment was installed throughout Village Hall as well as Halosil disinfectant system units to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the building and vehicles.

“Protecting our staff from COVID-19 and being able to serve the village with limited disruption has been our primary focus in 2020,” Mayor John F. “Jack” Turben said.

“We continue to have mandatory temperature checks prior to entering the Village Hall and mandatory face coverings for employees and visitors.”

Looking ahead

Village officials look to return the community picnic in August, if the pandemic subsides.

The event drew more than 200 people the first year it was held, in 2018.

In addition, there are plans for a long-term road resurfacing program. Two secondary roads may be repaved in 2021.

The staff has yet to finalize which roads will be addressed.

SUBMITTED Kirtland Hills invested in new vehicles in 2020. Pictured is Service Department worker Wade Novak.