SIDNEY — Three new Sidney police officers were sworn-in, Monday night, during the City Council meeting.
The swearing-in ceremony of Rachel Croskrey, William “Brad” Anderson and Brandon Heindl brings the department’s authorized number of officers to 38.
Police Chief Will Balling said they are very excited for the new officers to join the police department family and become part of the community.
“When you are looking at a 30-year career here with the city, this is one of the most important things I can do as the chief of police: hiring the right people that fit with the department; fit with the community. This is what makes the Sidney Police Department great,” Balling said. “It is an exciting time … having four new officers (including last month’s swearing-in of Officer John Curtis) here is very unique. It brings an extra level of energy and activity to our department.”
When introducing Croskrey, Balling explained she lived in many different parts of the world growing up, as her father was in the U.S. Navy. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Cedarville University. Balling said Croskrey’s communication skills, desire to help others and be a good role model for the community made her standout during the interview process. He said Croskrey’s references described her as a leader, hard worker, loyal, customer service oriented and of high character.
Anderson grew up in Piqua, Ohio, and has a bachelor’s degree from Urbana University. Balling said he scored the highest “raw score” of eligible candidates on the police’s eligibility test. In 2015, Anderson was an intern with the police department and then went on the become an officer for the city of Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2016. He said Anderson’s desire to return and work for the Sidney Police Department caught their attention, and any time someone wants to come work for you, you know they are going to be a good employee. Balling said Anderson’s references described him as professional, compassionate and a team player.
Heindl graduated from Troy High School and afterward joined and served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Heindl’s references described him as honest, hard working, a great leader, and that he is calm under stress. He and his wife, Holly, are expecting a child in September.
Balling said the three new officers will be attending the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy for the next six months to learn how to be a police officer.
Council agreed to set the 2018 Trick or Treat date for Halloween evening from 6 to 8 p.m. The event was set so the 2018 community calender can be established.
City Manger Mark Cundiff said in the past the Shelby County Mayor’s Association chose one day for the entire county to observe Trick or Treat to avoid families going community to community collecting treats on various days. However, previously, Sidney City Council felt Trick or Treat should be observed on Halloween, and for the last two years in Sidney it has been on Halloween. Also, other communities, he said, had began observing the event on other various days.
Next year, Oct. 31 is on a Wednesday and Council member Janet Born questioned if council thought parents and/or teachers would have an issue with that night. Cundiff responded that area churches may be the main group to object since church events are often held on Wednesdays. After a brief discussion, council’s consensus was for Sidney’s Trick of Treat to be on Halloween evening going forward, unless it falls on a Friday or Sunday. Observation on those days could interfere with football games or church, council decided. On those particular years, council will discuss the rescheduled date at future meetings.
Council had no objections to the request of Raise the Roof for the Arts for a special event permit which will close part of Poplar Street, and abutting sidewalk, and permit alcohol consumption on public property during the dedication of the new Historic Sidney Theatre marquee, next month. The Relight the Marquee Street Party will be an outdoor cocktail party on the evening of Sept. 21. The event will be an invitation only donor appreciation party for approximately 250 guest in honor of the soon to be placed marquee and other theatre renovations. Arts Executive Director Sarah Barr said the event will not interfere with traffic flow because only the sidewalk and no parking zone in front of the theatre will be blocked off. Council will officially vote will on the resolution at the next regular meeting.
In other business, council adopted two ordinances for making supplemental appropriations for 2017 and assessing the cost of repairs of dangerous buildings.
Assistant Finance Officer Renee Dulaney said in response to a reduction of income tax revenue, the supplemental appropriations of various funds would decrease 2017 appropriations by $2,695,287.
Barbara Dulworth, community services director, brought forth assessments of costs for action taken by the city to make two dangerous buildings safer for the public.
In March, she said, the city demolished an unsupported wall and installed fencing along the Wilkinson Street side of the Wagner Ware building, located at 440 Fair Road, at the cost of $25,995. Two invoices were sent but no payment has been received from the owner.
And after a complaint in April about window glass falling from the upper stories of 116 W. Poplar St., Dulworth said an inspector found one sash on the third floor had lost part of the glass and remaining glass hanging. She said the building’s owner said he couldn’t take immediate action so the fire department removed the hanging glass and checked for other loose glass. The owner was told to board up the window and billed $369.24 for labor/equipment hours. He has been invoiced twice, but no payment has been received.
Cundiff reminded the public this Friday evening “The Little Mermaid Jr.” will be performed at the The Historic Sidney Theatre and The Amazing Downtown Race will be held downtown.
He also announced a grant approval through the Ohio Department of Transportation that will cover 95 percent of costs for the restoration and installation of a historic metal truss bow string bridge system in Tawawa Park. In April, a preliminary estimate was expected to cost $758,700. Federal funds should cover $720,765. The city’s portion will cost about $37,935.
Council member Steve Wagner announced the next trap-neuter-return clinic, that is run by the Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF), is planned for this weekend and asked for volunteers.
In final business, council held an executive session to prepare for negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees. No action was taken after council emerged from the session.
