The final meeting of the year for Holland village council proved a busy one with the swearing in of two new officers and a flurry of other activity.
At the request of police Lieutenant Jim Piotrowski, council approved the appointment of two new officers to the force.
Following that approval, Raul Cuellar and Joshua Cluley were sworn into office. Both men will be paid a starting rate of $27.92 per hour.
Council also approved the purchase of uniforms at a cost of $2,700 per officer.
Officer Cuellar joins the village after retiring as an Ohio Highway Patrol trooper. He has 30 years experience in law enforcement, said the lieutenant.
Officer Cluley has six years experience in law enforcement and is a U.S. Army veteran.
“They came to us at a great time,” Lt. Piotrowski said, adding that both are well qualified.
In other police department matters, council approved renewal of the Guardian Tracking system at an annual cost of $1,016 and a change in the contract for the Flock cameras from a two-year to a five-year contract.
Changing the contract will result in a savings of about $2,000 per year.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Awarded a two-year contract for engineering services to OHM Advisors. The company was the highest scoring group, using our village scoring sheet,” said Mayor Lee Irons.
He noted that former engineer Tim Bock, who had retired from Kleinfelder earlier this year, is now with OHM.
“We are pleased you applied and were the highest scoring,” the mayor said, adding, council is looking forward to working with him again.
Prior to his employment at OHM, Mr. Bock worked with the village on projects for 22 years.
•Heard from the mayor that the tree lighting ceremony went well and was celebrated on the 100th anniversary of the first National Christmas tree lighting in Washington D.C.
Mayor Irons expressed appreciation to Councilman Justin Hoen for providing the new Christmas tree at Strawberry Acres Park and to all the volunteers and staff who helped with the tree lighting.
•Approved a change in supplemental appropriations for 2023.
•Paid bills totaling $88,753.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 2 in council chambers at the municipal building, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
~Jane Maiolo
