Mansfield City Council OKs more 9-1-1 dispatchers, bumps paygrade:
There’s no way around it: Ashland is getting a roundabout — at zero cost to the city, officials tout
Patrick M. McGinnis
Mansfield City Council has voted to add four new 9-1-1 dispatching positions. They’ll also be increasing pay for the dispatchers. After hearing impassioned remarks about working conditions in the 9-1-1 center Tuesday evening, the Mansfield City Council voted to add four new dispatching positions, and bump pay for employees, as well.
The unanimous vote came after Communications Center Operations Supervisor Mark Huckleberry and long-time dispatcher Lisa Abrams painted a dire picture of the department’s staffing situation. The change will allow the communications center to have 21 dispatchers, along with three supervisors and the operations manager. It was authorized for 17 dispatchers.
But lately, Huckleberry said the center has been working with just 11 dispatchers, a shortage compounded by the impact of COVID-19 illness in the 400-foot communications center.
He said there have been times when just two dispatchers were working, when the minimum staffing level at any given time is three. Abrams, a dispatcher for the last 28 1/2 years, told council members several stories to illustrate the all too real consequences of being short staffed as a 911 dispatcher.
Later, Huckleberry said the city has not done enough financially to support its safety forces, including police, fire and the 9-1-1 communications center.
He particularly focused on the police department which he said is badly understaffed. Some members of council became emotional after the presentation, which came with fire Chief Steve Strickling and police Chief Keith Porch both in attendance, along with a large contingent of police officers.
First Ward Councilwoman Laura Burns praised the work of the safety forces, including the public safety dispatchers.
First Ward Councilwoman Laura Burns praised the work of the safety forces, including the public safety dispatchers.
Famous sculptor Veryl Goodnight was born in Ashland
Now, some local history. Did you know that Veryl Goodnight is a famous sculptor who was born in Ashland?
She is known for her equine sculpture – in particular a realistic depiction of horses, often in an American West context. The sculptures are parts of many museum collections and she was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2016.
Goodnight is best known for her 1996 and 1998 statues The Day the Wall Came Down commemorating the fall of the Berlin Wall. One example sits at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas and the other was presented to Germany as a gift from the United States.
Each sculpture weighs approximately seven tons and measures 30 feet long by 18 feet wide by 12 feet high!
Now, we’d like to take a moment to highlight an event that you should know about. On Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. and at additional times over the weekend, the Mansfield Art Center is hosting a Glass Blowing workshop to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Bring romantic intentions and a partner and learn how to make a glass heart … together. You’ll have a keepsake to commemorate the occasion and a new skill to share.
Head over to mansfieldartcenter.org for more information.
Ashland to proceed with its first roundabout
Next, From Ashland Source. Ashland City Council gave its administration the green light to proceed with building the city’s first roundabout. Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said the $2.2 million project will likely go to bid by March 17th in order to break ground by June. Construction has been estimated, by ODOT, to last 120 days once started.
The roundabout, at the intersection of Cottage Street, U.S. Route 250 and Faultless Drive, received $1.8 million in funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation safety fund, a federal program that flows through ODOT. The city would have been responsible for about $281,000 of the cost. However, they received a grant from Ohio Public Works to cover that amount.
According to Mayor Miller: “we have zero dollars in it. It’s entirely paid for through grant money.” The mayor said the reason for the roundabout is rooted in increasing safety at the intersection. Ultimately they want to make it safer for traffic to move through that intersection, at the entrance into the industrial park. Right now it’s a very dangerous traffic situation.
Patrick McGinnis
Finally, we’d like to take a moment to remember the life of Patrick McGinnis, of Mansfield, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 27. He was a 2013 graduate of Mount Vernon High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Patrick will be remembered for his smile that would light up a room, his big heart, contagious laugh and funny stories. He was a devoted family man and he took great pride in being the best dad to his daughter.
The love and bond they shared will forever remain beautiful. Patrick loved every moment with his daughter, whether he was teaching her or just making her smile. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, riding his bike and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his parents, daughter, four sisters, brother, nieces and nephews.
Thank you for taking a moment with us today to remember and celebrate Patrick’s life.
