Cridersvile FPD is busy

When the pandemic first over 1.5 years ago, one of the most noticeable changes was the drop in

emergency calls. That’s no longer the case, and the Village of Cridersville fire department has been busy. Fire Chief Rick Miller reported 73

calls for service in September, 63 of them being EMS calls. For the year, the department has responded to 581 calls.

“[That’s] way over average from last year or the year before,” Miller said.

The department is also preparing for a benefit bingo event for band

boosters. During the benefit hot dogs and chicken sandwiches will be served. Doors will open for the event on Oct. 23 at 4:30 p.m.

The fire department was awarded a $750 grant from the Lima Elks Club. The money will go towards replacing the tires on Miller’s fire truck.

“We will not be sliding on the road this year when we’re chasing the ambulance,” he said.

The department is planning a renovation project to power wash

and then paint the engine room. They will also be installing a diesel-exhaust system and replacing station lights with LED lighting.

Paul Robbins, police chief for the village, said Nevan Stolly was

sworn in as a new part-time officer prior to the council meeting. Stolly graduated from Rhodes State College police academy in 2020-21.

Village council members approved a $.50 pay raise for both the department’s clerk and detective.

Robbins said there were 127 calls for service last month, and the

department collected $640 from the Mayor’s court.

A 2017 Ford Interceptor SUV had to be taken into a shop for repairs,

and it was diagnosed the front pump in the transmission was out. New transmission installed was $4,595.87.

Joe Bailey of the utilities and surface water committee said village

crews made repairs to a recirculation pump at the waste water plant.

Starting this Friday night, crews will begin their bi-annual flushing

of fire hydrants.

Rick Allen of the planning committee said crews working on the Crossroads project installed water and sewer lines for the initial infrastructure phase of the project.

Mayor Rick Walls reported the village was up 6.4 percent in income tax receipts for the year compared to the same time last year.

Stacey Cook of the parks committee said limestone and other parts needed for the base of the ram statue have been ordered. There is currently no time frame for when the parts will arrive.

Dorance Thompson of the streets committee said no date has been established for the start of the paving project on the 100 block of North Gay Street.

And in properties, Dylan Lauck announced leaf pickup will begin Monday, Nov. 1 and end Tuesday, Nov. 30. Leaves should be bagged and

on the edge or the roadway, but not on the road. Bags too heavy to be picked up will not be picked up, and only leaves are accepted.

In new business, Resolution 2420 was approved. The resolution approved the transfer of funds for the village and declared an emergency for 2021.

Ordinance 1701 was read for the first time. The ordinance is regards pay rates.