LOUDONVILLE — Joshua Buzzard is the new Fire Chief in Loudonville after Village Council confirmed his appointment earlier this week.
Two firefighter/EMTs, Joshua Fogleman and Starla Phillips, were also confirmed during Monday night’s meeting.
Buzzard served as interim fire chief after Brad Dilgard stepped down. Dilgard temporarily served as fire chief after former Chief Dan Robinson resigned. Dilgard planned to serve until a replacement was found.
Buzzard has worked as a firefighter/paramedic since 2000. He also operates Buzzard’s Roost Event Rentals LLC in Loudonville, a party rental business.
Mayor Cathy Lance said the she hopes to do a formal swearing-in ceremony for Buzzard and the firefighters at the fire station.
“We were going to do a swearing-in ceremony, for not only our newest fire chief, Josh, but for the firefighter/EMTs also at the fire station,” Lance said. “Something new they would like to start doing.”
Buzzard said the two new firefighter/EMTs will begin full-time duties next week.
Loudonville Police Chief Sean Gorrell said the village’s new police officer candidate is expected to be sworn in at the next council meeting.
Spring Street project financial assistance approved
Village Administrator Garret DeWitt said the Ohio Public Works Commission officially approved financial assistance for the Spring Street Project.
The $1.1 million project will include water, storm, sewer and paving work. The village received a $500,000 grant and plans to begin construction in August.
DeWitt said Loudonville will receive $300,000 through Ohio’s Capital Budget Bill for the Riverside Park Connector Project.
Council member Bill Huffman said State Rep. Melanie Miller showed interest in attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony when the project is complete.
The Water and Sewer Department will be flushing hydrants around town next week. The process is expected to take several days to complete.
Maintenance crews recently repainted the Central Park Fountain, installed an aerator at the swimming pool pond and completed tree trimming.
Old business
Council discussed resident complaints about Rumpke’s service quality. Members question whether additional driver training could address the concerns.
“I do think we’ve had enough complaints that maybe, when the time comes we should possibly look, not saying switch off of Rumpke, but definitely open up the discussion to other companies and see what the other options are,” DeWitt said.
