It has been years since Holland village council conducted a committee of the whole meeting, but on July 11, they did just that, holding the session prior to council’s regular meeting.
With the exception of Councilman Roger Burditt who arrived late, all council members attended to discuss job requirements for an administrator.
The village has had only one administrator, Harry Barlos, a former Lucas County commissioner, who served as administrator from 2005 to 2008.
During his tenure, Mr. Barlos was instrumental in obtaining funding to build the Lodge at Strawberry Acres Park, a hub of activity in the village.
After his departure, council and then Mayor Mike Yunker did not believe there was a need for a full-time administrator, explained Mayor Lee Irons.
At the time, Mayor Yunker was able to assume the duties and Mayor Irons has continued to do the same, but he noted that both men had more time to devote to the job as retirees.
Council president Ryan Spangler said the meeting was called to address the future and potential of Mayor Irons stepping down after completing his current term.
Councilman Spangler said future mayors may not have the time to devote to the job that past ones have had, adding that growth in the village necessitates that council look into hiring an administrator.
“I agree,” said Councilman Mike Bettinger. “I see us going to part-time mayors in the near future, and a village administrator can handle all the day to day stuff.”
The group addressed pros and cons of hiring an administrator with all agreeing that it would be a good idea.
Councilman Scott Brown pointed out the village “has a very senior staff that will be exiting their positions in a few years.”
He believes now is the time to bring in an administrator who can be familiarized with village operations prior to any staff retiring.
Mayor Irons spoke with the zoning administrator and clerk/treasurer who worked with Mr. Barlos and “both said very positive things.”
Mr. Brown expressed some concern that the village could go through several administrators as some may use the village as a stepping stone to a position in a larger city.
Mr. Spangler suggested council look for someone who isn’t seeking to elevate status and would prefer the pace of work in a smaller village.
Council then turned its attention to a job description using the one that was created prior to Mr. Barlos.
Mayor Irons said the document has been revised a few times, noting that one revision was the removal of the fire department since the village contracts with the township for the service and no longer has its own fire department.
Mr. Spangler believes item seven on the job requirements regarding grant writing should be a focus. “There are plenty of grant opportunities out there that can save us money and offset the cost of the position.”
He also would like to see a potential candidate with technology experience to keep departments up to date. In addition, he would like the administrator to handle tasks that council members currently handle in committee such as healthcare and other insurance issues.
Mr. Brown pointed out that the administrator also should have a working knowledge of local government and its function.
Councilman Nate Gaubert noted that when it comes to a job title, he prefers administrator to manager, and council concurred.
After making several other job description changes, council agreed to implement the changes and have the document to council one week prior to the August meeting.
Mr. Spangler would like to move forward with the hiring of an administrator yet this year. “It would be ideal to have him or her here for the budget, but it’s already July.”
Nonetheless, he believes council could be looking at having someone in place by November 1. “The gas pedal is pushing forward,” he added.
Leslie Ferman, zoning administrator, questioned the salary.
Mr. Spangler said they completed a cost analysis and are looking at about $80,000 to $85,000, adding that “to me, $75,000 is the lowest point.”
Council also will look at cost of living increases annually for the position.
Mr. Brown noted that the position has been included in next year’s budget.
Mr. Spangler questioned whether council also wants to look at a job description of an administrative assistant.
Mr. Gaubert responded, “I think the village administrator should have a role in hiring for this post and would have a better idea of what is needed.” Council concurred.
Police Department
At the regular meeting following the committee of the whole session, council hired Hunter Dotson as a new police officer, and village Attorney Paul Skaff administered the oath of office to the patrolman.
In related matters, council approved the purchase of uniform and body armor for the officer from Superior Uniform Sales at a cost of $2,508.
Council also commended officers Collin O’Connor and Alex Tonjes for successfully completing the probationary period with the department.
“They are now designated as full time,” Mayor Irons said.
A number of purchases were approved by council including lighting and outfitting for the 2023 police vehicle from P and R Communications, $16,003; ammunition through Kiesler Police Supply, $2,217, and the purchase of a 2024 police vehicle from Charlie’s Dodge, Maumee, for up to $47,000.
Other Business
In other business, village council:
•Approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F-150 truck from Brondes Ford at a cost of $48,285.
The vehicle will be used by the maintenance department and is under warranty, explained Councilman Bettinger, adding that it has 2,000 miles on the odometer and was used as a loaner vehicle by the dealership.
He noted that to maintain the warranty, no plow will be put on the truck until the warranty expires.
•Paid bills totaling $868,434. The mayor explained that the high dollar amount is due in large part to a payment to Springfield Township for the joint economic development zone, for which the village serves as a conduit of funds collected.
“The JEDZ is doing very well,” he said, adding the township also receives a portion of those funds as part of an agreement with the township.
•Approved assessments for three lighting districts. They are Holland business center lighting district 1-A, $1,756; Holland business center phases two and three, $1,294, and Orchard Centre, $2,092.
•Supplemented appropriations for this fiscal year due additional funding that is needed for engineering services for the Spectrum Drive project.
•Approved a rehosting contract with Civica for the two new servers. “This is a one-time charge,” said Councilman Brown.
Council’s next meeting is at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 8, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
