The Toledo City Council approved a water rate increase, hired a police officer, hired a new superintendent of public works and had two reminders for residents at two meetings last week.
On July 23, the council met in its regular meeting. The city council held its second public hearing on the water rate increase, but for the second time, no one addressed the council on the issue. A third hearing was unanimously voted down and the rate increase was voted into effect.
The new service charge will be $11.90. The rate for the first 12,000 gallons will be $3.68 for the first year and $5.15 the second year. Over use of 12,000 gallons will have a rate of $2.98 the first year and $4.48 the second year. Next year's increases will go into effect July 20, 2013.
Later in the meeting, the council discussed its salary offer to Mark Zmolek, who was offered the job as superintendent of public works to replace Duane Upah. Zmolek expressed concern that the offer was too low as it was approximately the same as he's making now for the City of Toledo.
Zmolek would like to be earning $45,000 a year after he receives his Grade 3 Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification, which he will be testing for later this month.
"It's a difference of about $1,500," City Clerk Julie Wilkerson said. "He thought maybe you could split it by giving him an extra $750 now and the extra $750 when he gets his grade three certification. That would put him up to $45,000."
The city council rescinded the motion from the previous meeting that offered him the previous salary. Then the new salary of $43,500 with a raise of $1,500 if he passes the certification test was unanimously approved.
"Congratulations Mark. You now have a job," Mayor Dave Svoboda joked.
On July 25, the city council held a quick special meeting to hire a police officer. Jeff Filloon, Elmer "Skip" Wilson talked with Police Chief Bob Kendall on the day before about the squad's opening. At the city council meeting, Filloon proposed the city hire Andrea Young for the vacant position. She was approved by a 3-0 vote from Council members Filloon, Brian Sokol and Terry Goodhart.
Young is currently a police officer in Belmond. She has her MMPI up to date and is certified. She also has sexual abuse training.
In other city council news, the council wanted to remind Toledo residents that city ordinance requires all swimming pools to be fenced in. Council members said many pools aren't fenced right now, but they are required to be by law. They also wanted to remind residents that ATVs are still not allowed on city streets. The new ordinance only allows ATVs for snow removal purposes.