NEW KNOXVILLE – The New Knoxville Council greeted its newest member at its meeting Wednesday night, Feb. 12.

That newest council member is Brooks Mason, who was appointed to fill a seat left empty with the retirement of Mark Howe. No one ran for the seat in the last general election.

Mason recently retired from the Way International, where he served as technology coordinator for 40 years. He also has served as a volunteer fireman/EMT for the village for almost 20 years. Since retirement, he took on a role as a part-time Shelby County deputy sheriff.

As a member of council, he will serve as chair of the water committee.

Mason will be sworn in as the newest council member at their next meeting on March 11.

Council learned the village has been successful in getting an Ohio Public Works Loan for $203,000 to replace and improve capacity of the storm sewers on West Bremen Street. Work is anticipated to begin in late fall. The current sewer system is estimated to be 75 to 100 years old and in need of repair.

In other news, village administrator Rex Katterheinrich said village employees are almost done with installing 24 new street lights along Main Street. They are waiting for better weather to complete the project.

Council approved an ordinance to approve, adopt and enact American Legal Publishing’s Ohio Basic Code, 2020 Edition, as the code of ordinances for the municipality of New Knoxville, Ohio, and declare it an emergency.