Bellville Village Council elected and swore in their newest member Tuesday evening before discussing beautification and passing a new ordinance.
The council announced in August that it would seek to fill a seat left vacant by the passing of long time council member William “Bill” Sheriff on August 2. Sheriff held the position for more than 28 years, many of those as council president.
Council member hopefuls Aaron Dearth and Victor “Vic” Swisher addressed council at the beginning of the meeting, each expressing their desire for the position as well as explaining what they have to offer the community if appointed.
After a brief executive session, the council held a vote, unanimously electing Swisher to the position. Swisher may hold the position until Dec. 31, 2015. The next election for council seats will be held in November of 2015, at which time Swisher must be elected by the voting public to maintain the position.
Swisher, a U. S. Air Force veteran, is employed as an engineer for Gorman-Rupp Industries in Bellville. He said his favorite thing about Bellville is the people and that he was glad to be a part of the council.
“It’ll be exciting and new, and I’ll have a lot to learn. It’s exciting for me to be part of decision making, instead of sitting back and waiting for answers to be told to me. I’ll at least know why decisions are made and be a part of trying to make good ones,” said Swisher.
“It’s going to be a big step,” he added. “There are going to be big issues I’ll have a voice in and the town obviously will be interested in. I feel most people can come talk to me pretty easily.”
Swisher will also fulfill Sheriff’s other positions on village committees. Swisher will hold a seat on the Community Development Committee, the Finance Committee, and serve as chairman of the Public Utilities Committee.
Swisher was sworn in and took part in the evening’s meeting.
Tom Wade of the Bellville Revitalization Committee addressed the council concerning new landscaping at the bandstand. Wade said the committee would like to begin immediately after the fair.
Wade said the committee plans to replace the type of boxwood hedge currently at the bandstand with a heartier variety more suited to survive the cold temperatures of Ohio winters.
“We’re looking at a very low maintenance plan,” he said, noting that the plan includes “Mystical Flame” hydrangeas, “Jellybean” dwarf blueberries, peach “Drift” roses, and “Caramel” coral bells, as well as reusing some of the current hostas and “White Nancy” lamium.
The beautification plan may also include new lighting using LED lights. An estimate was requested and will be presented at the next meeting.
An ordinance to authorize the village chief of police to use a village automobile during the winter months of December, January, February and March was passed after the rule for three readings was suspended.
Regular business items were discussed. The next council meeting will be held Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., at the Bellville Police Department.
