Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020
New Bremen cops to get $100K donation
By Jeff Elking
NEW BREMEN - The police department will receive a $100,000 donation from the estate of Dianne Komminsk.
Council members at Monday's meeting gave first reading of an ordinance to accept the funds, which will be given to the department through the New Bremen Community Fund Agreement.
The gift did not specify how the money should be spent, and police officials have no immediate plans on how to spend it, village officials said.
Komminsk, who died last fall, had long been a frequent benefactor to the community. Komminsk donated money that helped fund the police department's K-9 unit and the Komminsk Legacy Park. Most recently a $1 million donation funded the Dianne Komminsk Center for Innovative Thinking at the new school building set to open this fall.
In other action, councilors approved after third reading an ordinance to remove the traffic signal and the no-turn-on-red signs at the intersection of Plum and Walnut streets. Traffic is expected to dwindle at the intersection with the school district vacating the building there and moving to a one-campus location at the high school this fall. The intersection will become a four-way stop.
Members also approved renewing of the property, vehicle and equipment insurance policy through the Ohio Plan. The bill was for $66,618, which was nearly a 10% increase from last year, due in part to the construction of the new substation on North Herman street.
First reading was heard on a resolution concerning possible funds from House Bill 481, which is part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. Fiscal officer Amy Speelman said as much as $89,000 could be available to the village to help offset any expenditures incurred due to the public health emergency. She will attend a webinar this week to learn more about the specifics of how the funds can be used.
Mayor Robert Parker extended condolences to the family of Charles Garman who died on June 3. Garman, who had retired after a 27-year career with the village, including time as the electrical department superintendent, also served the fire department for 25 years, 10 as the assistant chief.
