By Rachel Lloyd
UNION CITY, Ohio — Union City Council members decided it was time for the village to take control of blood-sucking pests during Monday’s regular meeting.
Building on discussion at previous meetings, Fiscal Officer Karen Stubbs noted that Bug-A-Boo has been the only commercial option available for mosquito spraying in the village the past few years, but the consensus held that the spraying — which costs the village $500 per application and must be done at least twice during the season — has been largely ineffective.
Stubbs said another option would be for the village to purchase its own commercial fogging unit, which council voted to approve
The council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance to place a 1/2-percent income tax levy on the ballot for police department operations, as well as the final reading of a resolution specifying the date of the election (November ballot) and sending it to the county Board of Elections to conduct the election.
Council also approved payment for half the costs of body cameras for the police department to Digital Ally. The county is paying the remainder of the cost.
In other police-related council business, members approved the application of of Joel Protzman for an auxiliary position.
Mayor Scott Stahl reported that Neil’s A&W Rootbeer would again be named Business of the Month because the sign was damaged and could not be displayed through June.
Council approved renewal of the village employees’ medical plan with an increase of 8.84 percent in premiums for the year. Stubbs reiterated to council that there is no consortium available to try to lower costs, and because the village’s rate is “grandfathered in” with the current plan, going out to the open market to shop for coverage would cost more.
Stahl put out a call to residents asking them to volunteer for the Community Improvement Corporation committee or the Park Advisory Board, having accepted resignations from Marcia Kiser and Tina Deaton.
“We need our community to step forward to assist their community,” Stahl said.
Upcoming meetings are: Park Advisory Board, July 22, 5:30 p.m.; CIC, July 27, 9 a.m.; and Zoning Committee, July 28, 5:30 p.m.
