Jefferson Village Council Tackles K9 Replacement, Summer Programs and More at June 1 Meeting

Mayor Steven Sekanina called the June 1 Jefferson Village Council meeting to order with all members present: Belden, Bradek, Damon, Febel, Roderick and Skinner. K9 Vehicle Declared Total Loss A Jefferson Village Police Department K9 patrol car that caught fire on April 23 has been declared a total loss by the insurance company. The cause of the fire was never determined, and the insurer declined to repair the vehicle given the unknown origin. The department has adapted in the interim. The K9 unit has been moved into a department Charger, with the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department donating a K9 cage for that vehicle. An overheat protection fan will also be installed to ensure the dog’s safety. Officials noted the donated cage does not allow transport of individuals, but confirmed there has been no reduction in service. The insurance payout is not expected to cover the full cost of a replacement vehicle. Council will need to meet with the finance committee to discuss funding options. Officials expect the dog will need to transition to a proper transport vehicle within the next year or two. Summer Programs and Park Improvements Jefferson Village is heading into a full summer season. Safety Town began this week with 34 children registered, and room remains for six more participants. Classes run Tuesday through Thursday, with graduation held at the elementary school. T-ball launched May 27, and soccer registration remains open. Crews have been making improvements to the Giddings Park area, leveling a significant drop-off between the sidewalk and parking lot after complaints from garden club members. New security cameras are also being installed around the picnic area before the Fourth of July festival, as the current setup does not cover that section of the park. The rec center recently completed new flooring and a fresh paint project. Council unanimously approved a motion recognizing Recreation Department Director Kaden Sweeney’s successful completion of her six-month probationary period with the village. Street Work and Infrastructure The street department has completed maintenance on all snowplows and placed them into storage for the season. Guardrail replacement is scheduled for Poppler Street on Wednesday starting at 9 a.m. and Chestnut Street on Thursday at the same time. Both guardrails were damaged in accidents six to seven months ago, and insurance payments have been received to cover the work. A new flagpole is being installed at the police department before the Fourth of July festival. A microphone issue that affected the Memorial Day parade is being addressed with additional antenna equipment for future outdoor events. Council members also received copies of proposed festival areas, a village parking plan and a shuttle route for the upcoming Fourth of July celebration. May Department Reports The Jefferson Village Police Department responded to 263 calls in May. Officers made 76 traffic stops, issuing citations in 19 of those. The department also responded to 55 medical calls during the month. The Jefferson Fire Department logged 25 runs: 10 within the village, six in Jefferson Township, six in Lennox and three mutual aid responses. Members completed 62.5 hours of training and provided coverage for all Memorial Day events and the parade. The firefighter association donated flowers and lights at the fire station for the holiday. Officials encouraged residents to drive by if they have not seen the display. Two Resolutions Pass Council passed Resolution 26-R-3429, formally recognizing and supporting America 250 Ashtabula County and declaring the village’s participation in the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration. Resolution 26-R-3430 formally adopts the Village of Jefferson Employee Handbook and Personnel Policy Manual dated February 1, 2025. Legal counsel explained that while council had previously amended the former personnel rules ordinance, no resolution had ever officially adopted the new handbook. Council suspended its rules and passed the resolution on its first reading under an emergency declaration. April Financials Show Mixed Picture Clerk/Treasurer Fisher presented the April month-end report. The village ended April with a total balance of $5,382,026.32, up 5.8%. Year-to-date revenue reached $2,554,397.85 against expenses of $2,061,904.80. Not all revenue lines are trending upward. Income tax revenue year to date came in at $886,666.60, down 15.2%. Senior revenue year to date totaled $6,332.69, down 42%. Recreation revenue was $54,265.78, down 2.9%. Sewer fee collections were a bright spot at $9,448.95, up 2.8%. Council also approved sending the clerk/treasurer assistant to the Municipal Income Tax Seminar July 8 through 10, at a cost to the village of $400 plus mileage, hotel and meals. The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 15.