PER SHERIFF WASYLYSHYN THE LEVEL 1 SNOW EMERGENCY HAS BEEN LIFTED AS OF 1150 HRS.
THANK YOU
Level I Lifted
From the Sheriff’s office……
Category: For The Record
WC Park Board Meeting Agenda
Monday, January 30th….
Here is the agenda for next Monday’s Wood County Park Board of Commissioners Meeting:
Motorcycle Ohio Training Course Registration
Opens January 21
Motorcycle Ohio’s training course registration opens Tuesday, January 21, 2020. The motorcycle training courses are conducted from April until early November. Approximately 12,000 students register each year in Ohio for a motorcycle training course.
Basic Rider Skills (BRS)
The BRS is a 16-hour course recommended for novice riders. BRS students must have a valid Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card (TIPIC) to participate in the course. Motorcycles and helmets are provided. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will earn the BMV skill-test waiver for a motorcycle license or endorsement.
Basic Rider Skills for Returning Riders (BRS-RR)
The BRS-RR is an 8-hour course designed for riders 18 years of age or older who have been riding with a temporary permit for longer than one year (over 1,00 miles of experience), or an experienced rider returning after an extended time away from riding. BRS-RR students must have a valid motorcycle TIPIC, license or endorsement to participate in the course. Motorcycles and helmets are provided. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will earn the BMV skill-test waiver for a motorcycle license or endorsement.
Basic Rider Skills 2 (BRS-2)
This 7-hour, one-day, range-only course (no formal classroom session) requires a motorcycle TIPIC, license or endorsement. This class is also suitable for newly endorsed/licensed riders. Students will use their own street legal two-wheeled motorcycle and helmet. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will earn the BMV skill-test waiver for a motorcycle license or endorsement. Passengers are permitted in the BRS-2 course with a licensed or endorsed motorcycle rider.
Please visit www.motorcycle.ohio.gov for more information about Motorcycle Ohio’s training courses and locations.
Council Update – Jan. 7, ’20
NB village council met Tues. Jan. 7th for the first meeting of 2020.
By JP Miklovic, reporting
North Baltimore village council met Tuesday January 7th in council chambers for the first meeting of 2020.
The first order of business was giving the oath of office to elected incumbent Mayor Janet Goldner. Re-elected City Council member Lisa Zeigler and newly elected council member Mike Julian (former Mayor) were give the oath of office by Mayor Goldner. Elected incumbent Kathy Bucher was sworn in as clerk. Mike Julian was elected President of Council for 2020.
The mayor made the chairperson assignments of various village council committees:
Economic and community development is Lisa Ziegler
Public safety is Mike Soltis
Personnel policy and ordinance review is Mike Julian
Public works Matt Beagle
Public Utilities Aaron Patterson
Finance and technology chair is Tim Engard.
Next was the drawing of seating assignments for council members. The mayor brought up appointments to commissions and other committees saying that there are still many additions and vacancies that need to be filled. Mayor Goldner said the list would be complete in the near future.
During the public participation portion of the meeting former councilmember Ty Carles wished the new council good luck and offered to volunteer to serve on any committees or commissions that have openings.
During the letters and communications portion Aaron Patterson said that he had been approached by a resident with concerns about cats running loose in the community. Mayor Goldner told Patterson that there appear to be a feral cat problem And that she will be looking to form a Commission to address the issue. Patterson seem to be surprised that there was a cat problem in NB. Several of the council members nodded in agreement that there is a problem with feral cats.
During the administrative reports Tony Swartz reported that with the year end and Holidays that the report will be submitted at the January 21st meeting.Swartz also reported that the water bill online paying system should be operational in February, they have had successful testing and are having a soft opening. Look for details on the village website at www.north baltimore.org.
Council reviewed the EMS report noting that there were 707 runs for the year 2019. Council also reviewed the fire report which showed 7 calls for December and 141 total calls for 2019. The police report show that NBPD responded to 239 calls for service in December with a total of 2,787 calls for the year.
Council also approved the hiring of two new volunteer firefighters Mitchell Gerdeman and Clinton Ebright. In addition council approved part-time patrol officer Matthew Gent being hired by Chief Lafferty.
During the village administrator report Michael Brillhart reported that site design survey work for the 200 block of North Main Street project has been completed. Village representatives and representatives from the North Baltimore Public Library will meet to discuss the project on their portion of North Main Street.
Brillhart also reported on the 100 block of North Main project saying that an on site assessment of repairs and finish work will be completed. The new traffic signal poles and mast arms are in fabrication with an anticipated install date before the end of March 2020.
The village administrator also reported that the neighborhood revitalization grant that includes 6 projects are now in the design phase. There will be a report that the January 14 committee of the whole .
Some outstanding CSX issues were addressed with CSX concerning the Main Street crossing, brilhart set said that a CSX Roadmaster II has requested the real estate division to conduct a boundary survey at the North Main Street crossing to determine land ownership for maintenance and repair projects. In addition Poe Rd and the Tarr Street crossings have been inspected by CSX and identified for minor repairs.
Additional administrative activities shared include hearing that Wood County Park District has approved the villages grant request for pickleball court equipment. Discussions with ODOT regarding the Ohio Bridge Partnership Program in regards to the repairs of the East Water St bridge over the Rocky Ford Creek. Also being considered is a housing market assessment with Reville consultants, getting a cost estimate.
Mayor Goldner said that she would be presenting her State of the Village address at the January 21 village council meeting.
In legislative action council gave the second reading to amend the penalty provisions for the codified ordinances pertaining to penalties for parking violations in North Baltimore.
3rd readings and approval were given to 2 ordinances regarding establishment of banking agreements with the Huntington bank.
There was a motion to convene an executive session to consider appointment employment dismissal discipline promotion demotion or compensation of a public employee they did not anticipate any further action, other than paying the bills.
Record of Legislation Passed by Village Council
Council meeting on January 7, 2020….
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION PASSED
BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE
AT THE January 7, 2020 MEETING
This is a summary of legislation passed by the Council of the Village of North Baltimore on the 7 day of January, 2020, as the full text of the legislation may be viewed at the office of the Clerk of the Village of North Baltimore. Copies of the full text of said legislation may be purchased at the Office of the Clerk at $ .25 per page.
ORDINANCE 2019 – 43 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INVESTMENT ACCOUNT WITH STAROHIO FOR SHORT TERM/OVERNIGHT INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE VILLAGE
ORDINANCE 2019 – 44 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE RENEWAL OF THE DEPOSITORY AGREEMENT WITH HUNTINGTON BANK FOR THE PERIOD 1-1-2020 THROUGH 12-31-2024
I, Kathi R. Bucher, Clerk of the Village of North Baltimore, Ohio hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Ordinances/Resolution passed by Council on January 7, 2020 approved by the Mayor on January 7, 2020, and which was duly published according to the law on the NBXpress on the following dates: January, 2020
SUMMARY OF VILLAGE LEGISLATION PASSED
December 2019……
SUMMARY OF LEGISLATION PASSED
BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE
AT THE December 23, 2019 MEETING
This is a summary of legislation passed by the Council of the Village of North Baltimore on the _23__ day of December 2019, as the full text of the legislation may be viewed at the office of the Clerk of the Village of North Baltimore. Copies of the full text of said legislation may be purchased at the Office of the Clerk at $ .25 per page.
ORDINANCE 2019 – 46 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY
RESOLUTION 09 – 2019 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A FIVE-YEAR IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (CIP) INCLUDING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN PLANNING FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR FISCAL YEARS 2020 – 2024
ORDINANCE 2019 – 38 AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH BALTIMORE, STATE OF OHIO, DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020
ORDINANCE 2019 – 41 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE BY SEALED BID OF REAL ESTATE BELONGING TO THE VILLAGE IDENTIFIED AS PARCEL NO. F23-310-350213056000 NO LONGER NEEDED FOR PUBLIC USE
ORDINANCE 2019 – 42 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2019
I, Kathi R. Bucher, Clerk of the Village of North Baltimore, Ohio hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Ordinances/Resolution passed by Council on December, 23 2019 approved by the Mayor on November 19, 2019, and which was duly published according to the law on the NBXpress on the following dates: December, 2019
All is Calm, All is Bright– Village Council Special Meeting 12.23.2019
Village Council leading us in the right direction…..
By Sue Miklovic, www.TheNBXpress.com
Village Council Special Meeting 12.23.2019
All was calm…….All was bright……. at the special meeting of the North Baltimore Village Council, held just 2 days before Christmas. Last week’s regularly scheduled meeting (December 17th) was not able to be fruitful, as illness, work schedules, and family emergencies prevented any type of formal action to be taken. But this week, our elected officials worked together to quickly take care of the business at hand, finishing several pieces of legislation and approving supplemental appropriations for the December 31 Year end.
Finance Officer Tony Swartz provided very detailed information and explanations of practically every account that exists in the village, carefully and completely answering every question that came up. His vast experience and expertise made it easy for all to comprehend, including members of the public in attendance, myself included.
Councilman Aaron Patterson asked if Mr. Swartz thought our department heads needed any additional training with budget preparation. “No,” Mr. Swartz responded. “They are all conservative and very good at setting up long-term savings plans for big expenses. They are all ‘Under budget.’” Mr. Swartz said they have changed their budget meetings to weekly and it seems to be working well . “Our overall end of the year balance looks good. We are actually up, despite having to fix a lot of things this year. Income tax collection was also up too,” he said.
Other items voted on included:
-Amending the penalty provisions of the ordinance pertaining to parking violations
-Approving the establishment of an investment account with StarOhio for short term/overnight investments of public/village funds
-Approving renewal of depository agreement with Huntington Bank
-Adopting a five year Capital Improvement Program (CIP)for 2020-2024.
The progress on the 100 block of North Main streetlights was also discussed. “Things are coming along”. East side lights are installed. West side bases are in. No power has been provided to the poles yet.(Update: They are now illuminated-12.27.19)
The Mayor thanked Councilman R. Ty Carles, who completed his term of office with this meeting. ”I am still willing to serve on a committee if you need me” he said.
As a village resident and someone who regularly attends most council meetings, I have to say I left the Council Chambers on Monday evening feeling proud of our Council and Administrators and the job they are doing. I truly believe they all have the best of intentions for the betterment of this community and its residents. THANK YOU ALL FOR SERVING!
Department Chiefs Reports for November 2019
Presented to Mayor and Village Council….
At the beginning of each month, our EMS, Police, and Fire Chiefs present a written report of the activity in their department from the previous month to the Mayor and Village Council. Here are the reports from November 2019:
State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari Files Petitions
Before joining the Ohio House, Representative Ghanbari worked in higher education and has served in the military for over 18 years….
BOWLING GREEN – State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari announced his petitions have been filed and verified to run to retain the position of Ohio State Representative for the 3rd District.
“I strongly encourage the election of Representative Ghanbari,” Speaker of the House Larry Householder said. “I proudly endorse him to continue serving the people of the 3rd District.”
The 3rd House District encompasses all of Wood County. Representative Ghanbari is currently in his first term.
While in the legislature, Representative Ghanbari has been a champion for the people of Northwest Ohio. He voted in favor of saving our region’s Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant, which, alongside the Perry Plant, saves over 4,000 jobs and $500 million in Ohio’s gross domestic product.
Additionally, Representative Ghanbari voted in favor of funding critical infrastructure projects, investing $8.5 billion in roads, bridges, and highways. He sponsored legislation to fight for our region’s water protection and maintenance. Representative Ghanbari’s H2Ohio will establish a fund for Ohio’s water quality programs.
“Ensuring clean water for generations of Ohioans and protecting farmlands for those same generations to come is my focus,” Representative Ghanbari said.
Representative Ghanbari voted to support health and human service projects in Ohio, including doubling proposed foster care funding. He also voted to provide funding for kinship care programs, which help kinship caregivers locate support services available to them.
Speaker Householder named Representative Ghanbari to serve on the Energy & Natural Resources, Finance, Higher Education, Insurance, and Armed Services & Veterans Affairs committees. He also serves on the Energy & Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy Generation and Finance Subcommittee on Primary & Secondary Education.
Before joining the Ohio House, Representative Ghanbari worked in higher education and has served in the military for over 18 years. He is a Navy veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Inherent Resolve, and an Army veteran of Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia. He currently serves a Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Reserve. He is a former staff photojournalist for the Associated Press, working as a member of the White House and Pentagon press corps.
Representative Ghanbari lives in Perrysburg with his wife and two children.
Social Security Expands Public Hours at Offices Nationwide
Wednesdays to Return to Full Public Service Hours; Agency to Hire 1,100 Direct Service Employees….
Starting on January 8, 2020, Social Security offices nationwide will be open to the public on Wednesday afternoons, Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, announced. This change restores Wednesday public service hours that were last in place in late 2012. “I don’t want someone to come to our office at 2:30 on a Wednesday only to find our doors closed,” Commissioner Saul said.
In another move to improve service to the public, Commissioner Saul announced in his Open Letter to the Public at www.ssa.gov/agency/coss-message.html that the agency is hiring 1,100 front line employees to provide service on the agency’s National 800 Number and in its processing centers. The agency is currently bringing onboard 100 new processing center employees and approximately 500 new teleservice representatives for the 800 Number. An additional 500 hires for the 800 Number will occur later in 2020.
“Improving service is my top priority. Increasing full public service hours at our nationwide network of more than 1,200 field offices is the right thing to do and will provide additional access,” Commissioner Saul said. “The hiring of a thousand new employees to provide service through our National 800 Number and an additional 100 hires to process people’s Social Security benefits at our processing centers around the country are steps in the right direction in our mission to greatly improve the service we provide.”
Currently, a field office is generally open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to Noon on Wednesdays. Beginning on January 8, 2020, offices will remain open until 4:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, with typical field office hours from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
While the agency continues to improve both the access to and the experience with its services, it is important to note that most Social Security services do not require the public to take time to visit an office. People may create a my Social Security account, a personalized online service, at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
Through their personal my Social Security account, people can check personal information and conduct business with Social Security. If they already receive Social Security benefits, they can start or change direct deposit online, and if they need proof of their benefits, they can print or download a current Benefit Verification Letter from their account.
People not yet receiving benefits can use their online account to get a personalized Social Security Statement, which provides earnings history information as well as estimates of future benefits. Currently, residents in 40 states and the District of Columbia may request a replacement Social Security card online if they meet certain requirements. The portal also includes a retirement calculator and links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability, and Medicare benefits.
Many Social Security services are also conveniently available by dialing toll-free, 1-800-772-1213. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call Social Security’s TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.
Village Council News from November 19th Meeting
Special meeting scheduled for November 26th to fill empty council seat….
The Village Council voted to hold a special meeting on November 26th at 5:30pm to fill the vacant seat on council that was created after the recent resignation of Councilman Art Patterson. They are required by law to have it filled by December 3rd.
North Baltimore Boy Scout Troop #315 member Aaron Boes requested permission to build a Memory Tree park with a pergola and water fountain on the Water Treatment Plant property as an Eagle Scout project. He gave a presentation of his plans, complete with diagrams, maps, cost estimates and estimated timeline to the Council. He met with the Village Tree Commission to help form the plans.
Councilman Aaron Patterson made the motion to approve the project and plans and suggested the Village Tree Commission earmark $500 from their budget to contribute to the project. Council approved. Aaron Boes is a student at Elmwood High School and a member of the North Baltimore Scout Troop.
Other conversation at the meeting included an update on the 100 block of Main Street project. Village Administrator Michael Brillhart shared that Geddis Paving is scheduled to return to the village for unfinished work on both the eat and west sides of Main Street. He also talked about the progress of the street lighting for that project. “There has to be a control box panel installed (and approved) near the fire station, before the lights can be installed,” he said.
Brillhart also shared he continues to struggle with communicating with CSX concerning an on-going drainage issue in the village, as well as the need for improvements at various crossings within the village. He has made multiple attempts to contact CSX in Jacksonville, Florida, Columbus, Ohio, and Willard, Ohio with little to no response.
A discussion was held concerning the continuing standing water issue on State Route 18 in front of Reservoir 2. It is believed the issue involves the north side of Route 18 as well, directly across from the area on the south side. There are still some old fashioned brick catch basins on the south side area involved.
The Finance Officer Tony Swartz has completed the 2020 Appropriation ordinance for it’s first reading.
Woessner Seeking Re-Election in 2020
Filed his formal petitions to seek re-election last Friday….
Wood County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Dave Woessner has announced his intent to seek re-election in the year 2020. Judge Woessner filed his formal petitions to seek re-election on November 22, 2019.
Regarding his decision to seek re-election, Judge Woessner noted: “It has been an honor and privilege to serve as Wood County’s Probate and Juvenile Court Judge for nearly 21 years. As I promised on the day I took office, I will continue to work hard to insure the courts and its facilities are operated fairly and efficiently. The citizens of Wood County can be assured I will work tirelessly as their Probate and Juvenile Court Judge.”
Judge Woessner has been Wood County’s Probate and Juvenile Court Judge for nearly 21 years – taking office on December 28, 1998. He is currently again serving as the Presiding Judge of the Wood County Common Pleas Court. As part of his position, Judge Woessner administers the Wood County Juvenile Detention Center and the Juvenile Residential Center of Northwest Ohio. A member of the Ohio Association of Probate Judges and the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges, Judge Woessner has served for many years on the Ohio Juvenile Law and Procedure Committee. Over the years, Judge Woessner has instructed Judges and Magistrates from throughout Ohio for the Ohio Judicial Conference and in every year since taking office, has presented a free continuing legal education program for local attorneys and staff on probate and juvenile law and procedures.
During his time in office, Judge Woessner has initiated or administered a wide variety of services, projects and programming benefitting the public and court users. The Probate and Juvenile Court websites initiated by Judge Woessner early in his tenure now provide a wide variety of forms and information and each now contain an online docket. Electronic filing was introduced for the public dockets of the Juvenile Court in 2019. The Probate Court’s Volunteer Guardian Program operating since 2011 provides assistance to individuals and families in need throughout Wood County. The Juvenile Court’s Court Appointed Special Advocate Program has achieved national accreditation and the Juvenile Detention Center and the Juvenile Residential Center have consistently received outstanding reviews. Juvenile Court programming such as an Intervention and Diversion Program (began in 2018); a Safe and Healthy Sexuality Program (began in 2018); county wide community service work; the court’s theft offender’s program; gun safety awareness classes; and a wide range of other programs or services have been made available for the public and families involved with the Juvenile Court.
Judge Woessner’s service in office has further been marked by conservative and efficient use of taxpayer resources. The expansion of the Wood County Juvenile Court Center completed in 2002 was finished nearly $400,000.00 under budget. In addition, consistently over the years, the Probate and Juvenile Courts have returned significant sums of appropriated monies to the general fund of Wood County.
Prior to taking office, Judge Woessner served as a Magistrate in the Wood County Court of Common Pleas, General Division. Judge Woessner also served as both a Chief Assistant and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Wood County Prosecutor’s Office handling cases ranging from capital murder to misdemeanor level offenses. Judge Woessner was also a partner in the private law firm of Middleton, Roebke and Woessner and served as an acting judge in the Bowling Green Municipal Court. He is a past president of the Wood County Bar Association and past chairman of the Wood County Bar Association Ethics, Grievance, and Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee.
Judge Woessner also has a long history of recognized community involvement. He has been actively involved in a wide variety of organizations and activities. His longtime support of countywide DARE programs earned him the 2009 Ohio Honorary DARE Officer Award. Judge Woessner has also been recognized for his collaborative leadership and efforts by the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, the Ohio Educational Service Association, and the Wood County Gang Task Force.
Judge Woessner and his wife Joan have been married for 33 years. They have two adult children, both graduates of Bowling Green High School.