Fulton County Ohio Media

Delta Village Administrator Brad Peebles informed the Village Council at their most recent meeting of a Toledo Edison program that would allow all streetlights in the Village to be replaced with LED (Light Emitting Diodes) fixtures.  In his report, Mr. Peebles said the program would allow the Village to pay for the replacements over a 60-month period. 

Currently, there are 208 fixtures within the town, 20 of which were replaced in 2019 at a cost of $4,200.  The 188 remaining lights would be replaced at a cost of $207 each or a total of $38,916.  Spread out over a 60-month period with no interest equates to $648.60 per month.  It is projected that the 208 LED units will each save $2.30 per month in electrical usage giving the Village a payback in approximately 6.8 years.  “I think it’s a very wise and prudent investment,” said Mr. Peebles.  “But more so I think it’s even a bigger issue for safety because these lights are so much brighter.”

Village officials met with representatives from the Fulton County Engineers Office to discuss concerns over the bank erosion of Bad Creek around Greenlawn Cemetery.  The banks of the creek continue to wash away, undermining trees and creating the concern that the erosion will expose burial sites if not addressed.  Bad Creek is under a maintenance program administered by the County and they indicate they will retain services to clear brush and trees that present possible problems as well as place bank protection in required areas to prevent further erosion.  The work is expected to be done this year.

Fulton County Sheriff Roy Miller met with Mr. Peebles to discuss a plan going forward to promote a regional training facility for law enforcement.  It was determined the best logical plan was to work toward finding a central location easily accessible to all agencies.  A meeting is being scheduled with the Fulton County Commissioners to review the idea and solicit the use of county-owned sites to be able to present to all jurisdictions.

The next Village Council meeting will take place on June 7, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.

Traffic safety concerns and possible resolutions involving two areas of Airport Highway within the Village limits were discussed at the May 24^th Swanton Village Council meeting.  The first area encompasses two west-bound lanes that start merging at the Main Street intersection and become one lane just past the former PNC Bank building, now Soaring Software Solutions.  The other area is about a mile west of the first at the intersection of Airport and Munson/CR2.

Approximately five years ago, the section of Airport Highway that stretched through the Village limits was repaved and the merge markings were repainted to the state standard, resulting in a loss of 163 feet of merging distance.  According to Swanton Police Chief Adam Berg, the shorter distance and time has been problematic for west-bound motorists and drivers attempting to pull out from five business-related access points.  “We haven’t had crashes.  We’ve had a lot of road rage and complaints.  The owner of Soaring Software called with concerns of how bad it’s getting with people cutting each other off,” said Chief Berg.  Another concern mentioned by the Chief was that there was no signage indicating the merger until well past the intersection.

In a meeting with Chief Berg, Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle and officials from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), one of the recommended solutions was to convert the right lane approaching Main Street into a “Turn Right Only” lane.  Ms. Hoelzle emphasized this was just a possible solution.  “I believe there is opportunity to evaluate.  We’re not saying this is going to happen.  I’ll make that very clear,” she said.  “There are a lot of steps to take before something like that could happen.  But what we’re saying is, from this conversation, it seems like it could be a ‘feasible’ option.  We think it’s a good idea but there has to be support behind it based on actual facts.  It’s going to take a little bit of time.”

Chief Berg said earlier warning signage placed before the intersection might also help alleviate the problem.   Other issues to consider would be vehicles coming from the Kroger parking lot, its gas station and the adjacent strip mall as well as the timing of the traffic lights, first at Hallet Avenue then at Main Street.

The second area of concern, at Airport and Munson/CR2, has experienced 12 accidents in the past three years, several from vehicles attempting to pass on the right side of other vehicles making a left turn.  A study, jointly commissioned by the Village and Swancreek Township five years ago, recommended putting in a turn lane for east-bound vehicles turning left onto Munson Road.  The turn lane would begin in the area of the entrance to the Willow Run subdivision.

The recommendation was rejected at the time after which the contractor suggested a round-a-bout.  That option would be the most expensive up front, requiring moving the intersection slightly to the east and purchasing some of the surrounding private property.  Ms. Hoelzle said round-a-bouts are difficult to get funding for.

The Maumee Valley Planning Organization lists this intersection as one that would qualify for state improvement funding.  If the Village applies for funding by the 30^th of September of 2021, funding would not become available until 2025. 

Swancreek Township Trustee Rick Kazmierczak was in attendance and recommended the Township and the Village jointly fund another study before any firm decision is made.  The Council decided to pursue the issue further.

Pictured:  West-bound view of the merging lanes on Airport Highway just past the Main Street intersection.

Looking to replace the aging and deteriorating playground equipment at Memorial Park, the Swanton Village Council, as recommended by the Public Service Committee, voted under Emergency Resolution 2021-XX to apply for a grant from Nature Works of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to be used on the Village’s proposed 2022 Playground Equipment Project.   The grant would be a reimbursement for up to 75% but it will be for a fraction of the cost of the total project.

The Village is reviewing several cost proposals for equipment and installation and may be able to save money if it is able to install the equipment using Village labor.  Among other considerations are the types of surfaces the equipment will sit on (rubber matting vs mulch) and the possible consolidation of the equipment to maintain a close proximity for child safety purposes.  A public survey may be taken to solicit recommendations for the playground.  The Village may also reach out to community service organizations for financial and labor donations.

The Committee also discussed the property at 3810 Waterville-Swanton Road with the prospective buyers regarding an eight-inch Village waterline running through the property.  The potential buyers would like to build a house on the property which would include a driveway that would run over the top of the water line but would not make an offer on the property until the issue was resolved.  Placed in its current location in 1938, the water line runs from the Water Plant to what will be a fire hydrant servicing the Cannaley Treehouse Village.

Two options for a resolution were discussed.  One would be for the Council to allow the driveway to be built.  The other would be to relocate the line off the purchased property at the expense of the owner and by a Village-approved contractor.  Mayor Neil Toeppe cited a precedent of a similar nature in the Village that involved a water line being placed under a driveway to bring water to the Silver Buck Development that was approved by Council.  Councilman Craig Rose said the issue would need to be put to a vote and the vote would not be taken at that meeting.

General Updates – The Beard Pavilion Project is on schedule.  The roof has been completed and grading and seeding around the structure is next.  Everything is set for the Fireworks Fest on July 3, 2021.  The “gates” will open at 6:00 p.m. and the show will begin around 10:00 p.m.

After a discussion during an executive session, Council voted to approve the promotion of Swanton Firefighter Kate Cleland to Lieutenant.  Shylie Houston, also of the Swanton Fire Department, successfully completed her six-month probationary period was approved to be placed on non-probationary part-time status.

Picture:  Playground slide at Memorial Park

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Please forgive my paraphrasing of the very old and accurate African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”, but I firmly believe accepting this philosophy is essential for the people living in Small Town America.  Every smaller municipality in this country is made up of dynamic units that must effectively work together on some level to function for the benefit of its citizens.  These units include the local government, school districts, businesses and the citizens, especially voters, themselves.  Each unit or entity has a responsibility to effectively interact, in varying degrees, with the other three and work best when they are independently flexible and adaptable. 

In smaller communities, such as we have in Fulton County, this interaction is critical to the success and prosperity of the village or town.  These relationships cannot be dismissed, ignored or neglected without causing harm to each other and the community as a whole.  Actions by one will almost always affect the others in one way or another.  If those actions are internally and rigidly narrow in focus, the affect can be counter-productive. 

Many towns are fortunate to have peripheral organizations such as churches and community service groups that are typically made up of a cross section of the four main entities and can sometimes serve as an unofficial liaison for each other but their scope and effectiveness in those settings is limited.

Our hope, as members of the community, is that when an individual decides to run for public office or the local school board, they are motivated by wanting to work for what is best for the citizenry and improve our standing.  And, that their judgement is not directed or clouded by self-serving interests or personality conflicts or resistance to change and their decision-making process includes the consideration of the overall impact on the community.  Those sitting in seats of authority and power should be principled and guided by a moral imperative to do what is right for its citizens and not just what they are obligated to do.

Vetting candidates or encouraging people with the “right stuff” to get involved in public service is a responsibility the citizens need to take very seriously.  We also hope, that tax levies are only placed on the ballot as a last resort and, as tax-paying voters, we give them full consideration and not reject them out of hand.  As consumers, we can shop locally to support our businesses and, in turn, local employment as well as providing tax revenue for schools and village services.

As important as it is, having a voice in the way your town is governed and the kind of town you live in does not begin and end at the ballot box.  In fact, many people’s lives are affected by the actions and legislation of the governing bodies without having a vote or, in effect, without being represented.  With or without a vote, people can be involved in campaigns, initiatives, improvement projects and movements at any time and enact the change they want.

Let me be up front.  The power truly does lie with the people but the effective level of that power is a direct function of the effort the people put into making that happen. It does take work.  It takes a village.

Delta senior Jenna Hallett has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her track and cross-country career as well as her education at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.  Choosing to compete at the next level was actually a recent decision she made this past fall.  “It was really just this past season of cross-country that I decided I wanted to do it in college.  I didn’t just want to study,” explained Jenna.  “I didn’t want it to be over yet.”

While being involved with the Lady Tigers running programs, Jenna will be taking on the very challenging major of Biochemistry.  However, she feels Wittenberg, about a two-hour drive from her home in Delta, is the place to achieve her lofty goals.  “I actually have a lot of friends that go there and people there were really nice when I went there to visit.  It was great,” she said.  “It’s a small school, a Lutheran school, a Christian school.  It was a good fit.”

Pictured:  Jenna signs with father Walter and mother Mary.  Brother Walter (left) and family friend Brodie Roth behind.

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Amy Walter, who resides at 604 Linwood Street in Delta, spoke before the Delta Village Council at their May 17^th meeting to relate her concerns about the condition and appearance of the property at 611 Linwood Street, labeling that residence “quite an eyesore” and listing some of the issues.

“Junked cars, debris in the yard, garbage on the porch, chickens and a rooster and now, a 300-pound pig.  The value of our property on Linwood and throughout the Village of Delta are directly affected by this.  It angers me that residents who owe more than $4,000 in unpaid property taxes are allowed to influence the value of our homes.  Through a mutual contact, I have been made aware that they are delinquent in (land contract) payments to the property owner as well.  They have no vested interest in maintaining the property as they don’t pay taxes and they don’t pay rent,” she said.

“In addition to this, they have shown complete lack of respect for Delta’s elected officials, Delta police, Delta school system and neighbors.” Ms. Walter went on to say the resident had posted online social media comments that were “vulgar, inappropriate and demeaning to Delta and its residents”.  “Recently, I was told that matters were being reviewed by legal counsel.  As an escalation of my growing concern, I appear in front of you tonight for an update and to know what course of action will be taken to resolve these issues,” she said in conclusion.

Brad Peebles, Delta Village Administrator, was the first to respond to Ms. Walter.  “As Ms. Walter indicated, we have had conversations.  There have been reports filed with the Police Department.  I know the Chief (Nathan Hartsock) has been actively working on the situation,” said Mr. Peebles.  “This office has been in communication with Mr. Heban (Law Director).  One of the challenges we have is our zoning code does not prohibit swine.  Unfortunately, pot-bellied pigs are considered, by Ohio Statute, a domesticated animal and our zoning code allows domesticated animals.  We are looking at options to address this.”

Mr. Peebles said he has had conversations with the home owner about the pig and she claims to have documentation to indicate it is officially a 4H project.  However, the local Extension Office said it had no record of the animal being registered as a 4H project. 

“It’s ongoing although it’s not happening as quickly as Ms. Walter would like it.  We are trying to do our due diligence to make sure it’s addressed,” explained Mr. Peebles.  “We agree.  It is not attractive nor is it conducive to any neighbor who would live in that area.  We agree whole heartedly.”

Chief Hartsock said his department had taken enforcement action on the “junk” vehicle and did verify with the Extension Office that the pig was not a 4H project.  However, Mr. Peebles said the pig would still be allowed to remain on the property regardless of its status as a 4H project, “Unless we take action, which would take a zoning change or some type of ordinance to prohibit it completely within the Village limits.”

Several Council members recalled dealing with domesticated animal issues in the past but could remember exactly what came out of those discussions.   Mr. Peebles reminded the Council that those discussions never led to a vote being taken on the issue.  “It’s something we need to be working on,” he said.  He also said the home owner is looking to relocate outside the Village limits which would be an acceptable resolution.

Pictured:  Delta resident Amy Walter addresses Village Council

At their May 10^th meeting. the Swanton Village Council voted 6-0 to lease property located on Chestnut Street to the Swanton Historical Society (SHS) to be used for a Railroad Park project which, when fully completed, will include railroad depot and a two-tiered railroad observation platform.  The length of the lease will be 15 years and the charge to the SHS will be $1.00 per year. 

Currently, the Village and the SHS is waiting for the results of a survey and the Phase I EPA-mandated environmental study which both entities are splitting the cost on.  If it is determined a Phase II study or possible site cleanup is required the project may be delayed and grant funding may be necessary.

In other news, Council discussed the Annual Liquor Permit Review.  No objections were raised to the renewal of all liquor licenses located within the Village and the review was waived.

Bid opening for the 8 & 9 Sewer Separation Project was May 18^th.  A public meeting will be scheduled once the contract is awarded.  The work required is expected to be a major inconvenience to anyone living in or traveling through the affected area.

General updates.  Phase 2 Meter Project is underway.  More than 500 appointments have been scheduled to have the new water meters installed.  There were eight water shut-offs on May 3^rd.  Brush will now be collected on the second Mondays of the month until October.  Per the Memorial Park Master Plan, drainage, seal coating and striping are still scheduled for this year.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber Room at the Village Office Building.

A large contingent of the Swanton Local School District’s Band Program supporters, including faculty, parents and boosters, attended the May meeting of the Swanton Board of Education (BOE) to express their concerns over the possibility of having to share or even lose the opportunity to earn funds the program receives from running the concession stands at home football games.

The concerns arose following the April meeting of the BOE where Swanton head football coach, Denton Saunders, addressed the BOE members, asking that they consider allowing the football team to be involved in the running of the concessions and sharing in the proceeds.  The back story that created the issue began during the pandemic-affected 2020 football season when the band boosters chose not to run the concession stands, citing worries about the health and safety of students and parents, and the football team supporters took it over for the four-game home schedule.

Coach Saunders recommended three options to the Board.  One – have the football program assume full control over the concessions and keep all proceeds.  Two – have two separate concession stands run by the respective programs, each keeping the funds they generate.  Three – have the two programs work together and divide the proceeds accordingly.  Mr. Saunders did tell the Board he favored the third option.

Early in the May meeting, the BOE allowed the public to make comments and Pam Kazmierczak, retired Band Director at Swanton, spoke first.  Ms. Kazmierczak handed each Board member a four-page document which contained over 20 questions, along with explanations, regarding the challenges and considerations any volunteer group would need to work out before taking over including logistics, scheduling, record keeping, maintenance and, most importantly, the impact the change would have on the District’s entire band program which extends down to the fifth grade.

In closing, Ms. Kazmierczak, who had a son play on the Bulldog football team and in the Bulldog Marching Band, said, “I think both band and football have a lot to offer the students of Swanton and I would like both programs to continue to flourish.  However, one should not flourish at the expense of the other.”

Later in the meeting, the current Swanton High School and Middle School Band Director, Samantha Preisner, addressed the Board.  She listed some of the many programs, services and scholarships offered to the students through the Band Program and Music Department, much of which is funded by the Band Boosters including contracting with other sectional-specific instructors. 

Ms. Preisner also reminded everyone, that being involved in the band is virtually a year-round commitment which includes band concerts, marching band adjudicated competitions, basketball pep band, seasonal parades, summer band camp and graduation as well as the football halftime performances.  She pointed out, by way of Swanton Local Schools supplemental contracts, that estimated per pupil spending for band is $104 and for football is $376.

Others speaking in favor of maintaining the current arrangement were former Swanton student and band member Haylee Pelland and band parent and long-time Band Booster member Dawn Santchi.  Ms. Pelland related how important the band activities were to her during her high school career and how they should continue to be adequately funded.  Ms. Santchi, who has had two sons in the program, took exception to Coach Saunders’ request to tap into the band’s fund-raising program to benefit his football team.  “If the football team is over their budget, they need to be creative and hold more fund raisers.  Not take money away from our band,” commented Ms. Santchi.

At the end of the evening the Swanton School Board ruled in favor of the Band Program and denied the request by Coach Saunders.  Additionally, the BOE allocated more funds to pay for sectional coaches.

Pictured:  Swanton Band Director Samantha Preisner addresses the Board of Education