Council approves lateral hire for Ashtabula police and awards $13,810 radio contract

Ashtabula City Council approved a lateral hire and authorized a purchase of radios and related equipment for the police department to address staffing and equipment needs.

City Manager Timonier asked for a voice vote to approve the lateral hiring of Bridal Adams as a patrol officer at step 3 of the pay grade; Chief Stell described Adams as a lateral candidate in good standing with the Bedford Police Department after a background check. Council approved the lateral hire by voice vote, recorded as 6-0.

Timeliness: Chief Stell told Council the department is short‑staffed. “We're presently down 5 officers from our normal staffing levels. The end of this month, we'll be down another officer and the end of next month … we'll be down 7 officers,” Chief Stell said, explaining the city sought lateral hires to avoid overtime and speed the staffing process.

Separately, Council approved an ordinance authorizing the city manager to contract with Hudson Communications LLC of Pierpont, Ohio, to purchase radios and related equipment for the Ashtabula Police Department in an amount not to exceed $13,810. The manager said funding for the expense will come from account 4.12. The council voted 6-0 to add the ordinance to the agenda and then approved it on consent by a 6-0 vote.

Ending: The lateral hire will be onboarded as soon as paperwork and background steps are complete; the radios purchase will proceed under the approved contract and the specified city account.