'A slap in the face'

Questions arose at the New London village council meeting Monday concerning Mayor Toby Thomas' appointment of a Greenwich resident, Tracy Chesnick, to the village Zoning & Planning Commission. According to Thomas, the Ohio Revised Code gives him the authority to choose a non-village resident to fill one of the five slots. He said he felt it would bring a new perspective to the commission and, "It is what I think is best for the village." Both council and audience members disagreed with his position and pointed out a resident in the audience had indicated interest but was passed over for someone from out of town. One audience member called his decision, "a slap in the face." More topics covered at the meeting • Questions also arose about an abandoned property on S. Main that is unsightly and a safety hazard. Administrator Shawn Pickworth said legal actions are being taken. • Pickworth reported the Army Corps of Engineers will be doing a study on the erosion problem affecting the area of the creek that supplies water for the reservoir. • A crew repaired a water leak on W. Washburn, the Water Plant fence is complete, the New London Avenue Project is well underway, a major broken main line at the Wastewater Treatment Plant will require hiring a contractor, and the N. Main to W. Washburn storm replacement continues. • Police Chief Joe Hicks said his department received a 2025 Ford Explorer Interceptor, which replaces a 2015 model that will be sold. Council approved his request to advertise for the School Resource Officer position at either $21 or $22.50 an hour, depending on training. The school pays 75 percent of this amount. • Council approved an ordinance for village employee pay ranges and rates and introduced a new resolution setting 2026 fees and rates forthe parks. The former resolution that raised a great deal of controversy concerning rates for seasonal campers was removed from the table. • The horse arena at the Recreation Park is a big success. Rockin' the Rez is Saturday and the Spill on the Hill is Sunday at the Reservoir Park.