Village of Windham
Minutes of Safety Meetings
October 4, 2005

Those present were; Jim Moore Council Safety Committee Chairman, Committee Members Scott Garrett and Robert Donham, Mayor Jess Starkey, Police Chief Jack DeSalvo, Fire Chief Clair Simpson, Village Solicitor Mark Manlove and Village Adm. Kevin Knight and Council member Francis Ballard was present.

The minutes of the Sept. 2005 meeting were accepted since there were no objections or changes.

Chief DeSalvo provided an update on the sex offenders living in the Village and how close they live to the schools. A letter Jack sent to Portage County Prosecutor Victor Vigluicci was shown to the Committee. Some of the sex offenders live within 1,000 feet of the schools. Cliff McGuire was the surveyor to provide locations of the school and the residence at no cost to the Village. Jack would like to extend their residing limits to the East Side of Horn Rd. to assure that they are outside of the 1,000 ft. from the schools. There are cases appealed in the courts and after they are exhausted the Chief will know exactly what we can make law by Ordinance and enforce. Those sex offenders, who currently live within 1,000 feet of the schools, the Prosecutor will give them 30 days notice to move.

Chief DeSalvo raised the possibility of a local bar wanting to provide topless entertainment. After discussion, it was decided the solicitor Manlove would check into legal options that council might or may not have by Ordinance under the police and safety codes.

Jim Moore reported that portable generators are available at Portage County Sheriff Office for use by the Police Department in the event of power outage. Jack is to check the procedure needed to get a generator here when we need it.

There was more discussion about applying for a grant for a permanent generator. Fire Chief Simpson will contact Stacy Brown to assist in the possible application with FEMA for a grant for a new generator for the Village Police Department.

The Police Dept. laptop computer used in the cruisers to access the LEADS while on patrol was discussed. Chief DeSalvo said the yearly contract with the City of Warren, Ohio to provide the connection to Ohio LEADS is up for renewal and payment. The contract will be put on Council agenda for approval at the Oct. 11, 2005 meeting. The cost is $140.00 per month - $1,680.00 per year.

Fire Chief Simpson reported that he wanted to approach the township about replacing the “duce” (grass fighter) and the Chief’s vehicle (1991 chevy s-10 blazer) with one vehicle a new ford F-350 dully 4 door cab, 4 wheel drive at a cost of approximately $33,000.00

Robert Donham asked about the traffic light at Center St. and Maple Grove Rd. being on caution and that some residents asked about possibly leaving it on caution all the time. Kevin Knight said he is waiting for parts and Mark Manlove said the State might not allow it be remain on caution since 303 is a state route.

The new Village website was discussed relative to getting Police Dept. monthly reports and Safety minutes on the website.

Jim Moore reported that he had contacted the Board of Elections to have them come to the Village to demonstrate the new election voting machines for residents in the Village and Township and that on Thursday Oct. 13, 2005 they will come to Council chambers between the hours of 6:00pm and 8:00 p.m. with two election machines for voter to learn about.

C. James Moore
Council Safety Committee Chairman