WALBRIDGE — A long-time village police sergeant has resigned to be the police chief in Bradner.
Jeremy Salaz is leaving, said Councilwoman Vickie Canales, who is chairwoman of the safety committee, at Wednesday’s council meeting.
Salaz has worked for Walbridge for more than 10 years. He lives in Bradner and this was a good fit for him, Canales said after the meeting.
His last day was Feb. 25.
Salaz had quit the Walbridge Police Department this summer, to take a position with Lake Township police. However, he changed his mind in July and decided to stay with the village.
“I wish him the best in his new role,” said Mayor Ed Kolanko in a text message. He was absent from Wednesday’s meeting.
In other police business at the meeting, Council President Karen Baron, who was the acting mayor, said the administration was looking into purchasing five speed bumps for $1,000.
“They’re portable so you can move them throughout the village,” Baron said.
Martendale Place may be a good place to use them, she said, to check speeding vehicles.
“They’re just whipping around that corner,” Baron said. “That would be a prime spot.”
Breckman Street may also be a good candidate, said Councilwoman Sue Hart-Douglas.
Baron said the bumps could lighten the work load for police officer.
Councilwoman LaDenna Johnston asked for the measurements, saying she was concerned about height and damage to vehicles. Canales said she also had concerns.
This will be discussed further at a streets committee meeting.
Stephen Shaner, a Lake Township firefighter and Walbridge resident, said the fire department volunteers will be seen more in the community.
“We are trying to get the fire department more proactive in community events,” he said. “If anyone has any suggestions and ways we can help out,”
A car fitting event for children and parents is planned and the department may host a movie night at the fire station, he said.
“There’s just a lot we want to do this summer,” Shaner said.
Baron said she recently attended a CPR event put on by the fire department.
Also at the meeting, council:
• Had the first reading on an ordinance authorizing the village administrator to enter into a contract with PerryProTech for the lease and service of a RI-Richol color copier. The proposal is for 60 payments of $182.
• Had the first reading on an ordinance authorizing the village administrator to enter into a cooperative agreement with the Wood County Commissioners for the Dry Creek Ecological Design and Riparian Project.
The project will be done in summer 2024 and federal funding of $580,000 will be used.
It involves 34 acres owned by the village and abutting Dry Creek.
According to the document provided by the county, due to the ongoing urbanization of the headwaters of Dre Creek, ecological conditions will deteriorate, worsening the already moderately impaired invertebrates and fish habitat.
Dray Creek is located in the Maumee Area of Concern in Northwest Ohio, which is 787 square miles. It includes several watersheds that drain into Lake Erie.
• Excused Kolanko and Councilman Ron Liwo, who were absent.
