By SYDNEY KENT
The Ossian Parks Department approved a new member at the December Ossian Town Council meeting. Michael Dodge, who was present at the meeting Monday, said he wanted to help make decisions that make parks accessible for the community to enjoy.
“I am a newer transplant to the community,” Dodge told the council. “I’m looking for ways to get involved and contribute. I have younger kids who are constantly using the parks and I want to be a part of that.”
“You’re here and you eloquently presented your case,” Council member Glen Werling commented before motioning to approve the decision. Dodge will be sworn in at a later date.
The council also approved over $18,000 in funds to the Ossian Police Department at the meeting. Police Commissioner Caleb Chichester requested funds to purchase a back-up gun for each officer as well as additional ammunition necessary for restocking and training. Chichester also requested funds to replace outdated radars, purchase two new laptops, pay for two new officers to attend police academy in the Spring, and pay them a sign-on bonus. The sign-on bonus, in the amount of $1,086 per officer, was approved to repay lost wages during a week-long unpaid training.
Council member Stephanie Tucker suggested that the monthly reports from the commissioners be presented instead by the chief of police. Tucker explained that in the past, the reason the chief did not give reports was for concern of paying overtime for attending council meetings.
“Starting the first of the year, we should get back to these budgets being presented by Kurt,” Tucker said. “I think it would be best if we just have Kurt present that to the council directly. I think it should go back to hiring and firing and discipline for the state statue.”
Chichester offered that oversight was also a part of the required duties, however, Tucker advised it was not included in the statute.
“You can’t hire and fire or discipline without any oversight,” Commissioner Jay Esparza interjected. “It’s not really possible.”
The commissioners discussed the topic briefly with Tucker before agreeing to approach the discussion at a different meeting.
Josh Barkley, council president, commended soon-to-be former member Jason House on his service.
“I have appreciated Jason’s time on council,” Barkley said. “He is a lifelong public servant in one capacity or another. I am sure he will continue to do so.”
The council also:
• Approved an ordinance to correctly appropriate funds for the dog park.
• Approved an ordinance to amend the handbook, which added Good Friday and Veterans Day as official holidays.
• Approved the fourth and final pay installment to API Construction in the amount of $53,723.27 for work completed in the town.
• Appointed a back-up for the Area Planning Commission.
• Approved a utility adjustment in the amount of $71.18.
• Signed for annual nepotism certification.
• Approved timecards.
sydney@news-banner.com
