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Hiram confirms patrol hire, discusses Fire/EMS staffing and infrastructure needs
Summary
Council confirmed the hiring of a new patrolman and received reports on Fire/EMS staffing, grant-funded equipment purchases, slightly increased response times and water system work; public commenters raised concerns about leadership, feral-cat ordinances and interest in a volunteer fire model.
Council on Sept. 16 confirmed the hire of Jim Brown as a Hiram Police Department patrolman and thanked staff who covered personnel gaps during a recent shortfall.
Fire/EMS Chief Byers reported recent staffing changes and said the department used a grant to purchase new equipment and spare parts; he noted a small month-to-month increase in response time but said the multi-month trend remains downward. Mayor Anne Haynam and Council President Chris Szell met with Fire and EMS staff to discuss retention and compensation concerns.
Fiscal Officer McKenna Miller and Administrator S. Schuller briefed council on administrative items: Administrator Schuller said the village is seeking a single contract for both garbage and recycling services and reported there were expressions of interest in the former light plant property with no formal bids; staff will bring a price recommendation in the $53,000 range at the next meeting. Hydrant flushing began in the village and may cause temporary discolored water.
Public comment included Brenda Smith, who expressed dissatisfaction with village leadership, disapproval of the feral-cat provisions in the nuisance-animal ordinance, concerns about maintenance and communication, and opposition to a replacement levy. Non-resident Elijah Gilman asked whether a volunteer fire department model was being considered; council discussed advantages of regular staffing for response time, safety and availability.
What happens next: the council will move routine hiring and procurement items forward; staff will return with a recommended price for the light plant property and the solicitor will draft ordinance revisions on nuisance animals for the next meeting.
