Gates Mills Village Council conducted several swearing-in ceremonies during its May 20 meeting, promoting Dylan Hustosky to police sergeant and appointing Charles Spear as assistant treasurer and tax administrator.
The council also administered oaths to new firefighters Bryce Day and Jarrod Fritz. Both completed training at the Ohio Fire Academy, with Fritz bringing previous experience as a firefighter and paramedic.
Hustosky’s promotion followed an interview process that included three candidates, with evaluation by two staff members and an FBI-experienced agent. Mayor Steve Siemborski praised the competitive process and the willingness of multiple officers to pursue advancement.
Spear, who moved to Gates Mills from California five years ago, previously co-chaired the village’s comprehensive plan committee. He indicated plans to run for treasurer if current Treasurer Dixon Morgan chooses not to seek reelection.
Dam Removal Project Approved
Council unanimously approved entering a subcontractor agreement with Chagrin River Watershed Partners to remove remnants of a dam that collapsed in 2011. The $250,000 project will be funded through an Ohio Department of Natural Resources grant.
The dam debris scattered throughout the Chagrin River has caused water diversion and bank erosion. Council Member Sandra Turner, who represents the village on the watershed partners board, explained the village will provide engineering oversight while the watershed organization manages the grant administration.
Technology Upgrades Authorized
Council approved $61,000 in additional appropriations, including $30,000 for technology infrastructure upgrades needed to support the village’s planned fiber optic internet service. The upgrades will increase network capacity from 100 megabits to 2,000 megabits.
Council Member John Onysko reviewed the technical specifications, noting the importance of redundant firewall systems to prevent service disruptions to police, fire and administrative operations.
Major Initiatives Update
Mayor Siemborski presented a comprehensive update on 2025 priorities, including progress on environmental stewardship, safety initiatives and community engagement projects. The mayor noted completion of a $10,000 water fountain project at the racket courts, funded primarily through community donations.
Council also advanced ordinances on virtual meeting participation and water fund management while placing a 3.5-mill operating levy renewal on first reading for the November ballot.
Police Activity Highlights
Police reported a significant arrest in April when officers apprehended a suspect wanted on a double homicide warrant from Puerto Rico. The traffic stop on River Road led to the arrest of an individual who had been on Puerto Rico’s 10 most wanted list for five years with a $2.5 million bond.
Traffic Enforcement Updates
Council discussed expanding speed camera enforcement to the school zone at St. Francis following a study that showed 50-100 vehicles daily exceeding 30 mph in the 20 mph school zone. The analysis covered school hours and school days only.
Mayor Siemborski noted Hunting Valley’s extensive speed enforcement program with six camera locations, suggesting Gates Mills may consider broader traffic enforcement beyond the current Mayfield Road cameras.
Community Events
The Gates Mills Garden Club announced two June events: a celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Gates Mills Arboretum on June 4, and a historic garden tour on June 6. Both events require RSVP due to space limitations.
Council also approved a contract with Solon for jail services, providing backup capacity when county facilities are full.
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