The Village of Holland police department is mopping up, but not because of a crime scene.
At council’s October 17 meeting, Lieutenant Jim Piotrowski explained that a pipe on the second floor of the building broke a few weeks ago sending water cascading down throughout the first floor where the main office is located.
To keep operations running smoothly while repairs are affected, the department is looking at relocating to the second floor and moving the records assistant to the village office building.
Clerk/treasurer Lyn Krasula said no cost estimate is available since insurance investigators are still going through the building to determine the extent of the damage.
Zoning Report
Council President Ryan Spangler updated council on several zoning matters.
The issue of junk vehicles at 7055 Kipling Drive is ongoing and now in Sylvania Municipal Court, he said, adding that the resident has failed to appear and a bench warrant has been issued.
At 1218 Clark Street, the auto repair service is not to be storing vehicles outside of the building, but was doing so. The matter went before the court and the owners have reduced the number of vehicles outside from 12 to three. The case has been dismissed as long as the remaining vehicles are removed, Mr. Spangler explained.
The zoning department continues to work with the property owner at 1010 Clark Street. The site contains an abandoned farm with a house, barn and dilapidated sheep barn, all vacant.
The property owner has been ordered to remove the remaining portion of the sheep barn by October 27.
Although a portion of the building has been removed, construction debris remains, he said.
Mr. Spangler also spoke on the Jiffy Lube building at 1411 South McCord Road.
The company opted not to open the business and the building has been vacant.
Mr. Spangler said Traditional Brands Development is working to lease the structure to another tenant.
“In the meantime, they were to have maintained the property and paint the plywood overhead door coverings, and this has not been done,” he pointed out.
The council president also noted that Tireman, off Holloway Road, is now under the ownership of Belle Tire and changes are being made accordingly.
Plans by Taco Bell on Centre Drive to construct a double drive thru have been abandoned due to site constraint issues.
He concluded his report with an update on TARTA. They are looking to construct physical enclosures for their stops in the village and the plans will be reviewed by the zoning commission in a few weeks.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Hired Todd Shelton as a new police officer replacing Officer Robert Coates, who resigned after 23 years with the department to pursue new endeavors.
Lt. Shelton previously worked as a village officer for more than 20 years. “He will be able to hit the ground running,” said Lt. Piotrowski.
His hourly salary will be $30.67, and council plans to administer the oath of office to him at the first meeting in November.
•Discussed a problem with Republic Services that occurred with a recent pickup of recycling.
Mayor Lee Irons said they “did not do a good job.” He said the driver was clearly moving quickly and with little care through the village. Items were left lying around in yards and broken glass was in the mayor’s driveway.
“We are going to speak with Republic. This is not the type of service we should be getting.”
Councilman Spangler agreed, noting that only half of his recyclables were taken and the half left behind was “in my yard.”
•Discussed striping the white lines at the McCord Road underpass. The mayor acknowledged the road will be redone next year, but believes for safety reasons this winter, the lines should be repainted.
“It needs it badly,” he said, adding, “the white lines are very faded.”
Heard from the mayor that he and Councilman Spangler are reviewing applications for the administrator position.
•Paid bills totaling $935,761, which includes the quarterly joint economic development zone payment to Springfield Township.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, November 7, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
