Fulton County Ohio Media

Swanton Police Chief Adam Berg addressed the Public Safety Committee of the Village Council regarding the creation of a “storage” lot for vehicles impounded by the Swanton Police Department (SPD).  Currently, vehicles seized and towed by the SPD for reasons such as Driving Under the Influence (DUI), suspended license, drug trafficking or illegal parking, will be towed to the towing company’s lot.  In addition to the towing charge, the vehicle’s owner could also be liable for storage fees or, in cases of abandonment, lose title of the vehicle to the towing company.

In recommending the Village operate its own storage lot, Chief Berg said it would give the SPD better access to the vehicles if needed and be able to collect storage fees and auction off abandoned vehicles with the receipts to be used as a public revenue source.  The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Archbold and Fayette all have these types of lots as outlined by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 4513.60-621.

The proposed lot would be placed on Village property, possibly on the site of the Water Treatment Plant.  It would be fenced in, covered with gravel and be monitored with security cameras.  The next step is to obtain quotes for materials, including fencing and develop a policy regarding the management of the impounded vehicles.

A request of new property owners of 3810 Waterville-Swanton Road to build a driveway over the waterline easement that runs through the property was approved by the Council upon further review by the Village Solicitor regarding the easement documentation.  The waterline runs from Airport Highway to the Cannaley Treehouse Village. 

Representatives from Foertmeyer and Sons Greenhouse were present to discuss a submitted land survey on the amount of storm water run-off coming from their property into the Village’s storm water sewer system.  Foertmeyer was contesting the Village’s initial monthly charge of $589 per month based on a calculation using a satellite image of their property which found approximately 168,000 square feet of impervious area.  However, because the documentation was delivered to the Village offices that day, Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle did not have time to examine the findings and the representatives were asked to return for the next Council meeting.

Ms. Hoelzle reported that Aden Dzierzawski, a senior at St. John’s High School and a Swanton resident, had reached out regarding his Eagle Scout Service Project.  He wants to construct bat boxes and place them in Memorial and Pilliod Parks.  Bat boxes are used to house bats that help control the mosquito population.  Bats are known to be able to consume up to 1,000 mosquitos per hour in an evening.  Because the boxes must be placed very high, Village has agreed to use a bucket truck and install the boxes.

The next Council meeting will take place on September 13, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. in the Swanton Municipal Office building at 219 Chestnut Street.