At the first meeting of 2024, retired Holland Mayor Lee Irons provided council with his final annual report on activities that took place in 2023.
New Mayor Ryan Spangler expressed appreciation to his predecessor for compiling the information.
“In preparing this report of the Village of Holland for 2023, the most obvious theme would seem to be change. After further consideration, I prefer to offer a better description–stability,” he said.
The year has seen the announced retirement of longserving Chief of Police Bob Reed. Two elected officials, Councilman Roger Burditt and Mayor Irons, also retired from office. Village employees George Gibson, Lori Schroeder and police officer Robert Coates left in 2023.
Stability is ensured with the continuation of service by Councilmen Mike Bettinger, Nate Gaubert, Scott Brown and Justin Hoen who will join newly-elected Mayor Ryan Spangler–current council president–in ongoing leadership roles.
Newly-elected Councilmember Sandy Hensley will start her first term in January following the November election.
“I continue to be impressed by the due diligence practiced by all council members as they work through their village responsibility,” he said.
Village Personnel Changes After a year-long review of village operation, council See REPORT re-established the administrator position. Robert Bethel, with long service as a Springfield Township Trustee, was chosen to fill this position.
Saydee Perry was appointed to work in the police office reception and record keeping. Village resident James Huddleston joins as full-time maintenance and village services.
Two new police officers, Raul Cuellar and Joshua Cluley, begin their duties in January. Council also will select a new council member in early 2024 to fill the vacancy created by Mayor Spangler starting his first term in office. Police Department Chief Reed concludes his service early in February 2024 with the department being presently led by Lieutenant James Piotrowski and Sergeants Ed Marckel and Joe Bodnar.
Renovations to the police building are presently in progress necessitated by a broken waterline incident, and insurance work is being completed. Other work including painting, insulation, heating and general upkeep are underway.
Much of the work will be paid by insurance claims while additional improvements are budgeted items.
Technology upgrades remain a department priority as well as training and evaluation processes of Lexipol. Recruitment for new officers continues as does the vehicle replacement schedule which is moving toward total SUVtype cruisers.
Fire And Emergency Service
Fire and emergency rescue services are provided through contract with the Springfield Township Fire Department.
At council’s December 2023 meeting, Fire Chief Barry Cousino gave his annual report to council and outlined the staffing of the highly-rated, full-time department.
He described the training level of all personnel and the upgrades in equipment. The village is well served by the $158,350 annual investment in services the department provides. The service is provided without a specific village fire levy for residential property owners.
Related to the department service is the village’s cost for the 911 dispatching system which, up to this date, has been phased in. Our proportional share for combined fire, rescue and police dispatch will now be recalculated each year based on demand.
Refuse and Recycling
The total budgeted cost for refuse and recycling service now exceeds $100,000 and was $105,530 in 2023. The village is contracted through Republic Services for weekly refuse collection. The level of service was monitored and complaints or concerns were addressed by Republic at various times.
The new contract was negotiated with the help of Lucas County Solid Waste District. Republic will continue to offer large-item pickup service for a small additional tag fee and will be scheduling the annual unlimited curbside pick-up in the spring. Dates for dumpster drop-off in the village services yard can be found on Holland’s website.
Maintenance Services The maintenance staff continues to offer high quality municipal services. Snow removal, ice treatment and road upkeep remain a priority.
Equipment purchased in 2023 included a new pick-up truck, a large snow plow truck and a replacement commercial lawn mower for parks and village property. Overhead heaters also were upgraded in the shop area.
Parks and Recreation
Strawberry Acres continues as the center for leisure activities. Seasonally decorated with a brilliant lights display and the carefully maintained grounds are a welcoming impression for residents and visitors alike.
Summer movies in the park continue as a popular monthly event. The pickleball courts enjoy near constant usage, and the parks trail provides health walkers a comfortable, safe environment.
New swing sets have been installed in the north playground and tree service was ordered as needed. Rental halls remain popular as does Railroad Park and Rail Ballfield. Infrastructure This was the first year no major road reconstruction work was scheduled.
In 2024, major work will be done on McCord Road from Angola Road to the underpass and includes a repaving of Spectrum adjacent to it.
Final plans are being developed for the planning and paving in the Whisperwood neighborhoods.
Budget and Conclusion The Village of Holland remains in a strong, healthy financial position thanks to a stable resource base and careful monitoring of all accounts.
The state regularly scheduled audit was completed this year with a favorable report by examiners. Investment accounts showed considerable increase, and all accounts operated within budgeted outlines.
General fund expenditures totaled $3,797.435 which represented a $189.950 increase year to year.
For 2024, employees were granted an increase of 3 percent with no change in benefits or employee contributions.
“On a personal note, as I conclude my time in village service, I am proud to have served and am appreciative of the efforts of Holland staff and officials for their dedication to a common cause,” concluded retired Mayor Irons.
