For the first time since any member of council can remember, the state senator representing the village visited Holland.
At the January 17 meeting, State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson addressed village council.
Ms. Hicks-Hudson recognized the important role local government plays. “The best elected job I’ve ever had was as a Toledo council member,” she said, pointing out, “you are the pulse of the community.”
“For me to do my job, I believe it is important to meet with you and learn about your needs,” she added.
The state senator believes the issues communities in northwest Ohio are facing “are as important as things going on in Columbus. I’m there because they don’t understand what goes on here. I’m down there for you.”
She said northwest Ohioans contribute tax dollars to the state. “Our tax dollars are down there and are not coming back to us the way they should.”
She urged council to let her know their concerns.
Mayor Lee Irons said the village would like to see the legislature assist with funding the regional 9-1-1 system, the cost of which is impacting small jurisdictions that lack funding to support it.
“We really need help with it,” he added.
Council President Ryan Spangler agreed, “It’s extremely important to us.”
He pointed out legislation is pending in Columbus to help the region subsidize the program.
“I know the impact it is having,” replied Ms. Hicks-Hudson. She acknowledged hearing similar concerns from Sylvania Mayor Craig Stough.
“I want to change the fee structure and get our share of dollars to northwest Ohio,” she added.
The mayor thanked the state senator for visiting the village. “I can’t remember having a state senator visit the village,” he said and welcomed her to return when her schedule permits.
Ms. Hicks-Hudson said she is always willing to set aside time for her constituents. “I’m a lawyer by profession, and my philosophy has always been ‘know my clients.’” Plate Reader Cameras
Council approved the purchase of three permanent and one mobile license plate readers from Flock Safety for $11,550.
The three permanent cameras will be placed in specific areas of the village to capture license plates as the vehicles enter and exit the jurisdiction.
Flock cameras are used throughout the country to aid police in solving crimes, explained Councilman Spangler.
The cameras collect and store data, which can be detected by any law enforcement agency subscribing to Flock.
Information is stored by time, date and plate number, allowing officers to look up a specific suspect vehicle.
Police Lieutenant Jim Piotrowski, who used them on a trial basis, said, “You can type in Chevy or silver, four-door, and it will give me specific vehicles passing through at that time.”
He noted the Lucas County sheriff’s office is using them “heavily in Springfield Township,” adding the village cameras will be placed in areas bordering the village that Springfield does not have covered. Other Business In other business, council:
•Renewed the annual police radio maintenance contract with P&R Communications of Oregon for $3,576.
•Appointed Lyn Krasula clerk-treasurer for the 2023-24 term. Ms. Krasula has been with the village for 33 years, and “we appreciate your service,” Mayor Irons said.
•Paid bills totaling $597,820.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 7, in council chambers of the municipal building, 1245 Clarion Avenue, Holland, and is open to the public.
~Jane Maiolo
