Fulton County Ohio Media

The Second Reading of Ordinance 21-09, authorizing the Village Administrator to make an application for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant/loan funds for the construction of a water tower to replace an existing structure determined to have a life expectancy of five years or less was unanimously approved by the Village Council.   The water tower in question is located south of Main Street, on Helvetia Street and has an estimated total project cost of $2,500,000.

Village Administrator Brad Peebles proposed scheduling a Rules and Ordinances Committee meeting to the Council to potentially amend an ordinance.  “This is to discuss proposed legislation for addressing animals, as we’ve discussed, whether they be chickens, pot-bellied pigs or whatever,” said Mr. Peebles.  “Mr. Heban (Law Director) has proposed a modification to our codified ordinances but, we need to review it before going to a full Council meeting.”  It was decided to hold the Committee meeting immediately following the next Council meeting on July 12, 2021.

Mr. Peebles also informed Council that approximately 8500 linear feet of already deteriorating curbs on Main Street were destroyed during the recent milling and repaving project.  Initially, the Village was hoping to make curb replacement as part of the project but were unable to secure a contractor to do the work.  The curb replacement project is expected to take place withing the next couple of years at an estimated cost of $200,000.

Council approved the Third and final Reading of Ordinance 21-08, establishing weight limits on any dedicated alley within the Village of Delta.  The ordinance will amend Section 339.02 of the Codified Ordinances to include Subsection (d), “No person shall, operate a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross weight of five (5) tons upon any alley within the Village except when such operation is required to facilitate business within the Village, which shall require a permit as identified within subsection (b) of this Section addressing streets.”  The goal of this ordinance is to control the access of heavy vehicles and avoid undue damage to alleys within the Village.

Also approved was the First Reading of Resolution 21-07 which will allow the Village Administrator to execute an agreement employing contractual services of Jones and Henry Engineers LTD, to complete the design and cost estimates for a sanitary sewer extension east from State Route 109 to Nova Steel & Tube, serving an additional area along County Road H and State Route 109 at a proposed cost of $67,600 plus incidental expenses.

Taylor Excavating has replaced approximately 100 feet of 8-inch sanitary line along Maplewood Ave at Wilson Street that collapsed.  Fulton County Engineers office has been onsite with a contractor to begin repairs and maintenance to the eroding banks of Bad Creek along the north boundary of the Greenlawn Cemetery.  This project is expected to take a couple of years to complete as work can only be performed with low flow levels in the stream.

Pictured:  Aging water tower on Helvetia Street

This coming Monday morning, on the 5^th of July, the Swanton community will be welcoming Twisted Nutrition, a business offering healthy and delicious drink choices for anyone looking to get their daily recommended servings of vitamins and minerals without sacrificing great taste.  Proprietor Rustina Gochenour, who has worked for the past four years at a nutrition club in Wauseon, decided to branch out on her own and chose Swanton to begin career as an entrepreneur.

“I really loved what I did, making health nutrition that tastes like dessert.  I’m a little bit of a chocoholic myself so, having something that tastes like dessert and is healthy is kind of a win-win for me.  We just loved creating a positive atmosphere in the community so we’re looking to do that in Swanton as well,” said Rustina explaining her motivation for opening her store and selling a wide variety of nutrition-packed teas and shakes.

Providing help and moral support will be will be Rustina’s husband Brian and her two children Cheyenne and Shawn.  Twisted Nutrition is located at 14249 Airport Highway in Swanton, in the strip mall with the Verizon Store and Subway.  Their hours will be 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday.  They will be closed on Sunday.

Pictured:  Rustina Gochenour, with family, friends and the Swanton Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ribbon to open Twisted Nutrition.

The Village of Swanton is conducting a survey aimed at selecting one of three playground packages for Memorial Park as part of their overall Master Plan for the Park.  A short video has been posted by Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle on the Village’s Facebook page explaining what the survey is looking for and presenting three different playground layout options.  The survey is set to run until the end of July or early August.

What option do you have when your concerns, brought to the attention to your local elected officials are ignored, your voice left to fall on deaf ears, your vested interests in the community dismissed without consideration?  You move forward and raise your cause to the next level by stepping up and becoming more involved.

Frustrated by the Swanton Village Council’s blatant lack of support for economic development, transparency in government and many other Swanton-enhancing initiatives, a large and growing group of Swanton residents and business owners are stepping up to bring positive changes to the growth-inhibiting decision making of the current Council members.  To enact these changes, they will be using the most powerful tools available in our democratic tool box.  The ballot and the vote.

On this November’s ballot, four Council seats will be up for election.   Craig Rose, Mike Rochelle, Kathy Kruez and Tony Stuart currently occupy those seats.  Four Swanton residents, Derek Kania, Mikey Disbrow, Patrick Messenger and Sam Disbrow have been soliciting for petition signatures and plan to run for those seats.

Additionally, there are two other petitions, being circulated by John Schmidt, to place two ordinances on the ballot for the consideration of Swanton voters.  One ordinance calls for the live-streaming of all Council meetings which will allow everyone access to the meetings in real time or whatever time is convenient for the viewer.  In other words, full transparency as allowed by law.

The other ordinance will allow for the creation of an all-volunteer Economic Development Commission which would work towards attracting new businesses and business growth to Swanton to increase the tax base and reduce the tax burden on the residents.  Voting on these ordinances will let the people decide on two issues the Village Council has voted against several times.

Many people live in the Swanton area or the Swanton Local School District but not within the Village limits and therefore, cannot vote on Village issues.  However, they can support the candidates and other ballot measures by working on campaigns, carrying the message or contributing financially to the cause.  Change will happen if we step up.

Pictured:  Swanton resident and registered voter Amy Spurgeon signs petitions for candidates and ordinances.

Earlier this year, owners of six downtown Swanton buildings, submitted applications to the Village of Swanton’s Downtown Façade Enhancement Program (DFEP), which would be, as explained on the Village’s website, “A 50% reimbursement of expenses directly related to qualifying building improvements, to front facades, of properties within the downtown target area up to a match of $10,000.”

All six applications were rejected with an explanation given by DFEP Committee member Kevin Young.  “After reviewing them, the consensus was that they were all maintenance related, not enhancement related.  And it didn’t really meet what we’re intending and wanting for the program to achieve,” said Mr. Young.

Since that time, the applicants and the DFEP Committee met in person to discuss the intent of the program and what requirements the Committee was looking for.  They also discussed how the words “enhancement”, “improvements” and “maintenance” were interpreted by the applicants and the Committee.   It was determined the wording on the application had some flaws and it would be modified for future applications.

Ultimately, all applications were reconsidered and accepted.  Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle sent a letter to the six applicants which stated “Congratulations on this selection; we believe this project will continue the momentum of downtown development.”

Pictured:  Parapet wall restoration project in progress at Benfield Wines on Main Street

Despite all the challenges that the Swanton Middle School (SMS) faced because of the COVID-19 pandemic, school administrators and faculty were still able to hold the Amazing Shake Competition with a condensed version delayed by a year, for the seventh-grade class (2025) as part of the Swanton Seven Initiative (SSI).  The Amazing Shake is a competition that focuses on building soft skills in students, placing strong emphasis on manners, discipline, respect, and professional behavior.

The event was inspired by the National Amazing Shake Competition that is held every year at the acclaimed Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. To demonstrate these skills, students worked their way through “The Gauntlet.” There were seven stations in “The Gauntlet” and each put students’ abilities to the test. Each student had to show great poise and confidence in personal interactions as well as exhibit effective management skills.

The student that came out on top after all the intense competition was, now incoming high school freshman, Riah McAllister who received a Commendation from the Swanton Board of Education for her achievement during the Board’s June meeting.  “I was scared because our first round, when we were in seventh-grade, I went up against the entire class, all my peers.  It’s a lot of pressure,” said Riah.  “But they don’t pick you because they think you’re cool.  They pick you because they think you’re ready.”

The lessons learned in the SSI and put into practice during the Amazing Shake Competition tend to quickly raise the maturity level of the students as well as instilling a strong sense of confidence.  Riah was a prime example of this.  “She came from being super shy to now being open and outgoing.  It’s really great.  I’m very proud,” said her mother.

Riah will soon begin a new adventure when she enters Swanton High School this Fall.  “I’m nervous but I’m also excited because it’s the start of a new chapter for me.  It’s pushing me more towards my future and who knows what the future is going to bring,” she said. 

Pictured:  Swanton Middle School Assistant Principal Leigh Pancoast presents Riah McAllister with a Board Commendation

This is a reprint of a Village Reporter article from May 4, 2020,  The firetruck is now in place at Sauder Village’s 1920s Main Street Exhibit.

Antique Swanton Fire Truck Being Donated to Sauder Village

By:  Bill O’Connell

A 1923 Model T Fire Truck, once owned and operated by the Swanton Volunteer Fire Department, is in the process of being donated to Sauder Village in Archbold with the expressed intent to be displayed as part of Sauder’s 1920’s Streetscape Exhibit.  Currently, the Swanton Fire Department (SFD) houses the Model T Fire Truck and has for many years.

Representing the Taylor family, owners of the vehicle, Terrance L. Taylor, now of Fort Wayne, Indiana, wrote a letter to SFD Chief Anthony Schaffer giving the Village of Swanton permission to donate the historical fire equipment.

The letter read, in part, “On behalf of the late Swanton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Floyd L. Taylor (1949-1961) and Chief Lewis W. Taylor (1961-1999) families, we hereby authorize and permit the Swanton Fire Department and Village of Swanton, Ohio to donate to Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio the 1923 Model T Fire Truck of the Swanton Volunteer Fire Department in their 1920’s Streetscape so that the public can view Fulton County and Swanton history.  It is our understanding, from speaking with Mary Smith, that Sauder Village is very interested in the 1923 Model T and will transport, restore, maintain and display it as appropriate.”

“I have fond memories of riding in the 1923 Model T when I was on the Department as a Cadet in 1968-1972.  It made many trips on a trailer to be in the Annual Northwest Ohio Volunteer Firemen’s Association Convention Parade,” wrote Mr. Taylor.

Chief Schaffer said his department supports the effort for several reasons.  “We just don’t have the resources to get this vehicle back to what is was and Sauder Village does,” he explained.  “We’re going to know where its at, a part of Fulton County.  We’re cautiously excited for what this donation, not only for what it does for Swanton but for Fulton County and Sauder itself.”

Legal documents will still need to be prepared including the reissuing of long lost the title.  Additionally, if sometime in the future, Sauder Village no longer has a use for the Fire Truck, the Village of Swanton will contractually be given the first right of refusal to get it back.

Swanton Village Photo:  Swanton Fire Chief Tony Schaffer and Swanton Mayor Neil Toeppe

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t1S1QMKWiuUbWiSFA

Early in last night’s (6/14/21) Swanton Village Council meeting, in front of family, friends and colleagues, Swanton Firefighter Kate Cleland, was formerly recognized for her promotion to the rank of Lieutenant in the Swanton Fire and Rescue Department (SFRD).  Lieutenant Cleland, a six-year veteran of the SFRD, was sworn in by Mayor Neil Toeppe. Her brother, Army Staff Sergeant Ben Cleland, made the almost 800 mile trip from Fort Benning, Georgia and had the honor of pinning the Lieutenant Insignia on her uniform.

Chief Tony Schaffer read a statement regarding Lieutenant Cleland’s promotion.  “On May 12, a fire-based assessment center was conducted to determine the knowledge, skills and abilities of a candidate being considered for promotion from Firefighter to Lieutenant.  Firefighter/EMT Kate Cleland has learned the promotion based on her passing scores and favorable performance as Shift Lead for 10 months.  In addition to leading her shift and preparing for the assessment center, she also successfully completed Fire Officer I and Fire Officer II course work.”

In offering his personal congratulations, Chief Schaffer said, “She has earned this and I believe she will do a really good job as an officer for our department and the citizens of the Swanton community.”

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ryygpG2b6ZAmjC5WA

Of the millions of boys and young men who begin a journey with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), only a small percentage, a number hovering in the mid-single digits on average from year to year, will attain the BSA’s highest rank of Eagle Scout.  It takes years of hard work, dedication, perseverance and discipline to meet the rigorous requirements to become a member of this very exclusive and highly respected class of American citizens.

Just several weeks after receiving his diploma from Evergreen High School, Sam Napierala was officially recognized as an Eagle Scout in a ceremony held in the banquet hall of the Swanton Sports Center.  “When I first started I kind of just went because all my friends were there and I got to hang out with people,” said Sam, explaining his initial motivation to be involved with scouting.  “But once I passed my first class (swimming) I realized that Eagle Scout was something I wanted and I really pushed myself to do it.  And I’m glad that I did.”

Following the ceremony, a combined Graduation/Eagle Scout Achievement celebration was held for family, friends and fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 167 of Metamora.  “Sam has worked very hard to earn this rank.  I’m very proud of him,” said Jason Napierala, Sam’s father and Scoutmaster.

“He was a bit shy.  He’s grown quite a bit,” said Joe Blanchard, Sam’s Cub Scout leader, commenting on his maturation in the program.  “I only had him for a year and a half before he crossed over to the Boy Scouts.  It’s awesome to watch the boys go from little to big and turn into young men.”

Another Scout leader, John Schwab, affirmed Sam’s growth from when he first joined the Boy Scouts.  “I saw him from probably a Tenderfoot all the way up to Eagle today and I saw his progression on how he changed from a kid to an awesome reliable young man,” he said.  “He is a true leader.”

With his education from Evergreen Schools and the life skills he has acquired in the Boy Scouts, Sam is well-prepared and ready to begin the next chapter of his life.  He will be attending Owens Community College later this year and will be studying for a job in the electrical industry.

Pictured:  Eagle Scout Sam Napierala

At the end of the May 25^th Swanton Village Council meeting, following an executive session when most of the public had left, Council President Craig Rose asked to bring something up that was not on the agenda.  He proposed to his fellow Council members to have Village Administrator Rosanna Hoelzle look into purchasing video recording equipment to record Council meetings and place the recordings on the Village’s website to “give the public access to what we do here.”  Mr. Rose added it would involve one camera and “some” audio. No comment was made about possible editing.

As a group, the Council had a positive reaction to the recommendation. “I think it’s a great idea and it will help us move further, especially from the discussions that have created a lot of animosity throughout the community,” said Councilman Tony Stuart.

Unsurprisingly, this proposal into increased transparency came with several stipulations.  “What I’m proposing is we have a video.  It’s going to be not a live feed at all.  We kind of looked into possibly doing it on the website.  We’re not going to be sharable.  Somebody can go to the website to view this video.  It won’t be anything where people can sit there and do live comments or anything of that nature,” said Mr. Rose explaining the restrictions of his proposal.

To be clear, this suggestion would be a major step down from live-streaming which was made necessary when state-mandated COVID-19 procedures prevented in-person Council meetings and left live-streaming as the only option to keep the meeting available to the public as required by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC).  Because it was then realized that live-streaming made the Council proceedings available to so many more people regardless of where they may be located or when they were able to watch, it was recommended by Mayor Neil Toeppe and supported by many citizens to continue with this method once in-person meetings were allowed again.

From then on, every time the issue of making live-streaming standard operating procedure for all Village meetings was placed on the meeting agenda, it was summarily rejected by Mr. Rose and not allowed to be brought to a vote.  Initially, he said there was not enough interest by the public.  When that was disproved, he said it was too costly.  Later, when Council was informed the cost would be covered by a private citizen or COVID Relief funds, Mr. Rose cited liability issues and a concern the Village could be sued for defamation, even if the alleged “defaming” remarks were spoken by someone in the audience.  When Village Solicitor Alan Lehenbauer found no concrete examples of that ever happening in the State of Ohio, Mr. Rose garnered enough votes from Council to remove the mayor’s report as a standard item on the agenda, thereby eliminating Mayor Toeppe’s ability to bring up live-streaming in the future.

This really begs the question “Why the near reversal in Mr. Rose’s stand on an issue he so vehemently opposed in the past?”  Does he now see the light or does he feel the heat?  With Mr. Rose’s council seat up for election this November and the growing clamor for more accountability from our elected officials, my money is on the heat.  I cannot believe he has suddenly experienced an epiphany and finally realizes the importance of transparency in local government.  It is more likely he was made aware of a petition being circulated to put the issue of live-streaming on the ballot this next election, letting the Swanton voters decide and not the Village Council.  A voter approved ordinance would remove that authority from the Council.  Mr. Rose may have also heard that the group behind the petition is also soliciting for qualified candidates to run for the four open Council seats this Fall.  More specifically, his and Councilman Mike Rochelle’s.

Regardless of his motivation, what the citizens of Swanton would do well to keep in mind is what Mr. Rose and the Council will allow in one meeting can just as easily be taken away in the next.  As we witnessed this past January when Mayor Toeppe had his report removed from the agenda and his advisory position on several committees eliminated, the Rules of Council can be conveniently manipulated to serve only the Council rather than the people of Swanton.

Are we to believe Mr. Rose is sincere in bringing transparency, although limited, to the Swanton Village Council or is this just a smokescreen that he hopes will help him retain his seat and his control of the Council for the next four years?  For the Swanton constituency, it will come down to a matter of trust.  Will you trust Mr. Rose enough to follow through on the transparency issue as well as any other promises he may make between now and November?  Then ask yourself this.  How has he been working for you so far?

Pictured:  Swanton Village Council President Craig Rose