Collin O’Connor, a 2017 Springfield High School graduate, was sworn in as a new village police officer at a recent council meeting. Officer O’Connor is a 2021 graduate of the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and completed the police academy at Owens Community College simultaneously. He has worked part time for the past year as a Clay Township police officer in Genoa. Above, Chief Bob Reed, left, presents the officer with his new badge. He was joined by his parents, Tim and Pamela O’Connor. Mayor Lee Irons welcomed the new officer and noted that, as a retired Springfield teacher, “we are thrilled to have an SHS graduate.” The mayor also pointed out that Officer O’Connor’s father, Tim, was one of his students.
At a May 17 meeting, Holland Village Council approved a $185,172 contract for the road improvement project on Hall Street this summer.
Mayor Lee Irons told council the bid from Helms and Sons Excavating of Findlay was not the lowest bid received–that was $181,462 from Henry W. Bergman Inc. of Genoa.
However, Tim Bock, engineer from Poggemeyer Design Group, recommended the second lowest bid instead because of past problems with Bergman meeting project deadlines, the mayor said.
“We felt the time schedule is so important in this project, working around the school schedule,” Mayor Irons added.
Council has asked that the work on Hall be completed before school begins in August.
Mr. Bock will schedule a meeting with Hall Street neighbors soon to explain the project.
Hall Street will close to through traffic during the project, but residents will have access to their homes, the mayor said.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Approved a contract with Principal Financial providing dental and vision insurance for village employees.
Councilman Nate Gaubert said the village will save $906 for the year by switching to the new company from Always Care, the past insurer.
•Learned from Councilman Scott Brown that Sergeant Troy Major will retire from the police department, as of June 4.
“We congratulate him and appreciate his service to the village,” Mr. Brown said.
•Approved the mayor’s recommendations for Sandy Alman to serve on the village budget committee and Brian Harbert to serve on the joint economic development zone (JEDZ) board.
•Authorized the payment of $112,300 in bills.
Council also gave Lyn Krasula, village clerk/treasurer, permission to pay bills over the summer when needed, with the mayor’s approval.
The summer schedule for council meetings will be June 14, July 12 and August 9. Meetings take place at 7:30 p.m., in the village hall, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and are open to the public.
