On Tuesday evening, January 10, Tim Howard opened his first regular village council meeting as mayor, by requesting a moment of silence to remember council member Steve Bowers, who passed away on January 5.  

Following the silence, Rick Hanna spent a few moments paying homage to Mr. Bowers, remembering fondly the times they spent together serving on council and being friends and neighbors.  Other council members echoed his sentiments.
Once the meeting got down to business, the new mayor and council began working on making a variety of necessary changes.
The first order of business was the upgrading of Kristy Thome from “acting” to  “permanent”  Village Administrator. The council approved the action unanimously, then went into executive session, where they also approved a $4,500 bonus for Mrs. Thome.
As Mr. Howard has resigned as zoning inspector, Mrs. Thome asked to be able to advertise for his replacement.  She also introduced Mr. Steven Duralle, who will be the new part-time water clerk and part-time water superintendent for the village.  He shared with those present the credentials and experience he brings and his plans to mentor current employees and to work harmoniously with the EPA.
Other changes discussed included giving the Speedway business an additional 25,000 gallons of water per month, pursuant to their request.  Mr. Trout brought up the subject of getting some nicer Christmas decorations for the village, and Mrs. Thome agreed to look into it.  It was also mentioned that the village police department needs to acquire a full-time officer, perhaps to be chosen from the part-time ranks currently employed.
Personnel changes that were announced throughout the evening are as follows:  Mr. Trout will take Mr. Bowers’ place on the public safety committee.  Mr. Trout proposed Resolution 1201 to authorize Mr. Howard as replacement of former mayor Vernon as representative for the Transportation Coordinating Committee, with Mrs. Thome as alternate.  Mr. Beard will be elected official representative, with Mr. Hanna as alternate.  Mrs. McCubbin will become Clerk-treasurer in April, so there is a need to fill her council seat, as well as Mr. Bowers’ council seat.  Mrs. Thome was asked to begin advertising for those positions.  As the council has 30 days to fill vacant council seats, it was decided that letters of interest with regard to Mr. Bowers’ seat be accepted until Jan. 20.
Two emergency ordinances were passed at the meeting.  The first, #2012-01 was, according to Mayor Howard “to pay some bills.”  The second, #2012-02, was to amend ordinance #2008-09, which automatically raises water rates 2 ½% every year on Jan. 10.  Under the new ordinance, there will be an annual review each year prior to Jan. 10 to assess whether or not there is need for a rate hike.
Business from the floor included a request by Jeff Wells, president of the Enon Girls Softball League, for a donation from the village for $3,054 to repair damage to the concession stand, due to vandalism.  It was determined that further checking into the situation needs to be done before a proposal can be brought before the finance committee.
Finally, Pleasant St. resident Thomas Penrose, apprised the council  of his recent theft.  He  said he wished to raise awareness of a problem of daytime theft in the village.