Rutland Village Council Approves Various Business Items

RUTLAND - The Rutland Village Council approved various business items during its regular meeting held September 7, 2021.

The Council unanimously authorized the Village proceeding forward with a lease agreement with the Rutland Church of the Nazarene subject to legal stipulations.

The Council unanimously approved bills submitted by the Village Fiscal Officer for payment. A concern with an electric bill was discussed.

The Council unanimously approved the appointment of Larry B. Freed as Village Marshal. Freed had been appointed as Acting Village Marshal by Mayor Eblin following the resignation of Marshal Chris Jones.

The Council discussed complaints of harassment and trespassing in the area of Depot and Martin streets. Mayor Eblin explained that residents need to call 911 if they see suspicious persons and activity. The Mayor also indicated that those personally affected by trespassing should visit the Village Hall and file a statement, which would be followed up by Rutland Police.

The Council unanimously approved a contractual agreement with Washington County as a secondary facility to house prisoners apprehended by Rutland Police Department.

Appropriation of funding for renovations at Jim Vennari Park was tabled to the next meeting. Mayor Eblin hopes to utilize ARPA funding to finance the renovation project.

Mayor Eblin created and assigned members to the Fundraising Committee. Members appointed include President Pro Tempore Duane Weber, Councilman Stephen Tomek II and Councilwoman Madalyn Wood. The Committee will be tasked with identifying, planning and implementing fundraisers in an effort to procure supplemental revenue for Village operations, programs and services.

The Council unanimously approved a motion authorizing Cross and Sons to evaluate a decommissioned Village tractor as to its sale value.

The Council discussed a possible donation for the Rutland Civic Center. Members believe it would be best to utilize the donation in a manner that facilitates a good return on investment.

The Council referred reopening the gymnasium of the Rutland Civic Center for Court rentals, and the revised fees thereof, to the Finance Committee.

The Council authorized a one time rental of the Rutland Civic Center by the Rutland Volunteer Fire Department for the purpose of conducting a basket bingo at the current rental rate.

The Council authorized a one time rental of the Rutland Civic Center by the United Mine Workers for the purpose of conducting a reunion at the current rental rate.

The Council unanimously approved a motion authorizing and directing the Mayor to erect “Slow, Children at Play” signs on Brick Street.

President Pro Tempore Duane Weber questioned if the speed limit on Brick Street could be lowered to 15 miles per hour. Mayor Eblin indicated that Ohio law sets the speed limits of Village streets at 25 miles per hour, with some exceptions. The Mayor noted that if Brick Street was declared to be an “alley”, its posted speed limit could be reduced to 15 miles per hour. Mayor Eblin agreed to research this matter and present a recommendation to the Council during its next meeting.

The next regular meeting of Rutland Village Council will be held October 4, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the Mayor and Council Chamber at Rutland Civic Center.

The conference table of the Rutland Village Council located in the Mayor and Council Chamber at Rutland Civic Center.