2021 was a year in which many area residents were trying to establish a “new normal,” optimistically persevering through difficult circumstances.
“I think we had a good year, although some of our efforts were stymied,” Holland Mayor Lee Irons said.
He gave a report on the state of the village during 2021 to Holland Village Council at the January 4 meeting.
He noted that village council meetings continued to be held in compliance with current COVID protocols allowing video and phone access with the public.
At the January 2021 meeting, council accepted the resignation of Councilman Tony Kruczkowski who moved from the village after serving many years in a variety of committee and council roles. Chad Smith was appointed to the vacated position and served throughout 2021.
Mayor Irons said Holland’s financial position remains strong.
“Through the last year, our stable resource base from residents, employers and businesses has been reviewed and carefully budgeted to make sure our expenditures never exceed our income,” he explained.
The recently completed state audit reported compliance in all village operations.
For 2021, he said, employees were granted a 1 percent wage increase and this year will receive a 3 percent increase.
“We have budgeted increases in other specific accounts and expect all will ensure the progress we are making in the technology facets of our police and general administration areas,” the mayor continued.
Village officials have completed requirements for participation in federal American Rescue Act funding, but at this time, “have not completed an evaluation of how funds we have received will best be used to benefit the village.”
Village Services
Village services and maintenance staff worked hard throughout the challenging year to deliver all resident-mandated services.
“Our staff experienced some health and injury problems throughout the year, but was able to deliver all essential and expected service,” the mayor noted.
Leaf pick-up was delayed by an unexpected breakdown of a main piece of equipment but is now repaired.
“We have prepared for the snow and ice season with major repair to vehicles and upgrade of plow attachments. And a new utility vehicle for park and walking path work has finally been delivered after almost a year’s wait.”
Mayor Irons said council contracted with a new yard waste operator due to the uncertainty of Clean Wood Recycling on Bancroft Avenue continuing operations at that location.
The service with Ohio Compost, on U.S. Route 20A south of the airport, will be offered at no fee to Holland residents.
Republic weekly garbage and recycling service continues unchanged. Another unlimited curbside pick-up, like the one completed May 22 last year, will be scheduled as a warm weather weekend event, he added.
Road Work
With completion of the Hamilton Drive project, all roadways within the village limits have been completely upgraded or replaced as part of council’s long term plan.
Last summer’s Holloway Road project and the 2022 Hall Street work begin the second time around for the 20 year cycle.
“This systematic plan for road improvement ensures acceptable conditions for all roads,” he said.
Engineering designs for upcoming work in Whisperwood and Spectrum Drive in the business center are under way now, as well as an evaluation of McCord Road.
Police And Public Safety
During the past 18 months, the police department has been involved in an extensive examination and update of police policies and procedures using the Lexipol model.
Chief Robert Reed, Councilman Scott Brown and the public safety committee have targeted early 2022 for completion of this important task, the mayor noted.
“Of no less importance is the accomplishment of the department being recognized and certified by the Ohio Collaborative for Law Enforcement,” he said.
2021 saw major changes in police personnel and command structure. Two new command officer positions were added.
The new lieutenant positon is now held by Jim Piotrowski, and there are now two sergeants instead of one, Sergeant Troy Major and Sergeant Ed Marckel.
Through the year, two officers, Todd Shelton and John Growden resigned to go to neighboring departments. Added as new fulltime patrolmen were Mark Cerda and Morgan Schumann.
Council’s wage and hiring committee budgeted funds for two additional patrol officers to be hired in 2022.
Major goals for the department this year will revolve around training, performance evaluations and recruitment.
New equipment and investment in 2021 included a Dodge Durango patrol vehicle, office copy machine, crowd control individual gear and upgrade in communication and technology needs.
The 2022 budget sets funds aside for officer weapon replacement.
Parks and Recreation
The public use of village facilities was limited and adjusted throughout last year. All were closed to public use early in the year because of COVID-19 restrictions, but beginning in late summer, rental facilities at the Lodge at Strawberry Acres and the Community Building were again accepting reservations.
All new reservations came under new protocols for health and safety.
Mayor Irons recalled how the summer movies in the park were reinstated for July and August “and proved successful as a totally outdoor event with the help of volunteers from the Dwelling Place and Pastor Roger Trowbridge.”
Although the preschool trick or treat event was cancelled in October, village leaders were confident enough by December to host the “Happy Holland Days” holiday celebration.
Organized by the community development committee, he said, the celebration “proved a hit with the beautifully lighted and decorated park featuring a brand new live community tree, a gift to the community from Keith Walker.”
The oldest of the Pickleball courts at Strawberry Acres were resurfaced and the courts started by late summer to be open for play at 6 a.m.
Other improvements included new banquet tables at the lodge, replacing the originals from construction.
“And the Rail Park field continues as a popular site for young ball players and the train enthusiasts continue to enjoy Railroad Park on Front Street.”
The Holland Springfield Spencer Historical Society Museum, which had new windows and siding installed last year, was upgraded with a new heating system boiler and hot water tank.
“The historical society enjoyed renewed interest from visitors to our community,” Mayor Irons said. “We appreciate president Karla Miller’s and other society members’ dedication to our local history.”
Regional Cooperation
Holland’s involvement with issues outside its boundaries continues in Springfield Township, Lucas County and statewide cooperative efforts.
The evolving 911 consolidated dispatch for emergency services is in its beginning operational year and benefits from a multijurisdictional board, the mayor said, adding that Holland is a voting member of the 911 council of government.
The village also is represented with a seat on the board of the Airport Highway JEDZ and the new Dorr Street JEDD.
Beginning in 2022, Holland will be served by TARTA for public transportation and plans are now being developed.
Mayor Irons said his administrative staff also works with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments and regional stormwater management.
“All of these activities are an effort on the village's part, to make sure that the interests and concerns of local residents are represented.”
Conclusion
“A report of our village’s year would be incomplete without my personal thanks to all staff, elected officials and residents for support and perseverance through a difficult period,” the mayor said.
He recognized the passing of long-time public servant Dale Prentice, former Holland councilman who also served as mayor from 1968 to 1973.
“Many of the things we are so proud of are fruits of his effort and foresight,” Mayor Irons said. “He is remembered and his impact on his hometown are valued.”
