JACKSON CENTER — Jackson Center Council recognized Kevin Sailor for his 42 plus years of service as village water/wastewater superintendent during Monday’s council meeting.
Sailor was presented a clock from the village of Jackson Center to commemorate his many years of dedicated service and to acknowledge Council’s appreciation for all he had accomplished during those years.
Mayor Scott Klopfenstein spoke at length sharing many kind words of thanksgiving and praise for the way Sailor performed his job.
“Kevin saw a lot of changes and challenges over the years while on the job and he was always conscientious, dedicated, and reliable about how he handled the needs of a growing community; and he always had a heart of concern for the welfare of the people living here,” said Klopfenstein.
Village administrator Bruce Metz who had a long history of working with Sailor also chimed in. “When it comes to Kevin and his service I can honestly say ‘it was all good’, he was always looking out for our town and did his best to fulfill his obligations.”
Metz noted Sailor was also a good and faithful friend who helped him personally in many ways;
“Kevin helped me get my first job working for the village many, many years ago. A part-time position pouring sidewalks opened up one summer and Kevin told me about the opening and suggested I give it a shot. Later, in another capacity, I ended up working under his supervision; that part-time summer job led to the position I serve today as Village Administrator. During all that time Kevin was always a great person to work for and with and I really appreciate all he has done for all of us.”
When accepting the clock Sailor thanked council noting they were always supportive and helped make his job more enjoyable and productive. Klopfenstein noted those taking Sailor’s place “have some pretty big shoes to fill and are a little nervous about covering all the bases” but Sailor said he believes that the village will have a good future with the people who replaced him and acknowledged his willingness to help out if need.
“I’ve already had a few phone calls but I don’t mind, there is a lot to learn and it will take a while to sort things out,” said Sailor
In other business council passed a resolution to enter into a lease agreement with DG AMP Solar LLC to construct and operate a solar energy facility for a term of 30 years on 8 acres of village-owned property located on Jerry Drive.
”We had to work out a few bugs, there were some details that needed to be clarified and addressed before presenting the agreement to council for approval; with approval, construction should start in a couple of weeks,” said Metz.
In other business, a resolution passed authorizing the donation of right of way to the State of Ohio for a street improvement project that will allow the installations of cross-walks and new lighting at intersection of Main and Pike Streets in the middle of town.
Council also passed a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor. The Shelby county auditor estimated that in 2018 the village will receive $44, 472.00 for the inside 10 mill limitation levy at the rate of 2 mills. Also for 2018, the village will receive an estimated $43, 559.00 for the outside 10 mill limitation levy at a rate of 2 mills that was passed by voters in November, 2013.
In the village administrators report Bruce Metz said that the paving and under drain was finished at the park. Metz also reported on plans to install a six inch water main for the purpose of irrigation.
“The new soccer field will be regulation size so the varsity teem can practice on it instead of tearing up the field at the school,” said Metz. “I wanted to run this by council before implementation. We have received a quote for $21,500 to install the irrigation system now but will wait until spring to sow the grass so as to allow for the ground to settle.”
Councilman Larry Wahrer said it seems like soccer is growing in popularity and going well in Jackson Center and he was in favor of the move to install the irrigation system; Councilwoman Leisha Elchert agreed saying, “Now is the time to put the system in while things are under construction.”
Metz also reported on the following:
• Updates concerning the lighting on Davis, Linden and South streets.
• The Electric Department’s participation in the annual AMP Lineman Rodeo where Dave Overman took second place overall in Journeyman and two first places in other events while Nathan Hensley finished second in a written test for apprentice. Metz noted the competition is great and he was proud of their performance.
• Start up of traffic light at Airstream Drive.
• Street maintenance.
• Pool shutdown: Metz said he is working on a grant to repair a leak in the pool. Metz also commented on the pool service provided by Dayton Pool Management.
“They were terrible and we are extremely disappointed with their performance,” said Metz. Treasurer Bev Wren agreed saying, “They didn’t do anything they said they would, they did not maintain the pool properly and never showed up when there were problems; pool employees were not paid on time and at times we had to shut down parts of the pool while we waited on them to apply treatment for the water.”
Metz closed the conversation saying they will never use their services again and would not recommend them to anyone.
Metz also noted the electrical rate for peak demand was down saving village residents over $127.000 and thanked the people of Jackson Center for their efforts in helping to conserve electricity during peak usages.
During the citizen comment portion of the meeting new Anna Rescue Chief Jessica Lemly introduced herself and acknowledged the appointment of Assistant Chief Holly Shoffner. Lemly said the department currently as 29 members and that she was looking into the possibility of creating an auxiliary with the Jackson Center squad. Klopfenstein thanked Anna Rescue for their efforts and service to the local community.
Before going into executive session for the purpose of discussing the purchase or sale of real estate and to consider the employment of a public employee, Councilwoman Karen Woodruff asked if council could do a spotlight on employees in the newsletter each month, Elchert said it would be done.
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