By Jane Maiolo
A member of Holland village council has resigned. At a special meeting prior to council’s regular August 9 session, Mayor Lee Irons announced that he received a resignation letter from Councilman Terry Nachtrab, effective immediately.
Mr. Nachtrab, who has served on council since being elected to his first term in 2007, cited health issues as his reason for stepping down.
The mayor had called the special session to discuss the councilman’s unexcused absences, pointing out he had missed five consecutive council meetings.
According to the village charter, a council member can be removed from office for several reasons including “absence without a justifiable excuse from three consecutive regular meetings of council.”
The charter also states that “no such expulsion or removal shall take place except on concurrence of a majority of members of council, nor until the accused person has been notified in writing of the charge against said person at least 10 days in advance of any hearing.”
Council president Ryan Spangler said Mr. Nachtrab received a letter from the mayor more than a month ago and a follow-up letter advising him of the special meeting.
After accepting the resignation, Mayor Irons instructed Mr. Spangler, who heads the village wage and hiring committee, to spearhead an interview committee for the open council seat.
“Any resident interested in serving on council should submit a letter of interest and a resume,” the mayor said, adding that applications will be accepted through August 23. To serve on council, residency in the village is required.
Other Business In other business, council:
•Discussed an ongoing issue with the village’s phone, network and internet systems. A recent lightning strike caused the phone system to shut down.
Councilman Scott Brown said the network and internet has been restored to all but a few computer stations. “A temporary fix to the phone system will be in place by the end of the week with a new phone system to be installed in the coming weeks,” he explained.
Unify Systems will install the new equipment with 25 phones for $9,200. There also will be monthly service fees of $130.
•Received an update on activities in the police department. Lieutenant Jim Piotrowski said two officers have completed bike school and will begin working bike patrols.
The department has openings for two full-time police officers and has been interviewing potential candidates.
Lt. Piotrowski also noted a potential concern with ordering police vehicles in the future. “Ford has dropped out of the state purchasing program,” he said, and is uncertain whether Dodge will follow suit.
“Pricing for new vehicles may increase greatly without the manufacturers participating in the state purchasing program,” he added.
•Learned that the speed trailer is operating and has been placed in the Whisperwood subdivision.
•Reviewed a request from Debbie Heer who had rented the lodge and had her deposit withheld due to damages. Ms. Heer believes the situation did not warrant retaining the entire deposit.
Leslie Ferman, administrator, provided council with an itemized list of costs incurred due to the late departure of the party, contract violations regarding use of a fog machine and additional cleaning costs from the cleaning contractor.
Ms. Ferman said the fog machine set off the smoke alarm. “To silence the audible alarm, the DJ disconnected the system, resulting in the inability to reset the entire panel for a period of time.”
After considering the matter, council agreed to refund Ms. Heer $50 of the $400 deposit.
Council returns to its regular schedule next month and will meet at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 6, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue. Meetings are open to the public.
