Coldwater accepts resignation

COLDWATER - Village council members at this week's regular meeting accepted police chief Jason Miller's resignation.

Councilors went into an executive session for 23 minutes to discuss land and personnel. Afterwards, they moved to accept Miller's resignation as head of the Coldwater Police Department, a position he's held for 11 years.

Miller has a total of 18 years with village and will remain with the police department. He was not present at the meeting.

Village administrator/ engineer Eric Thomas said Miller is stepping down due to family obligations but wants to remain on the force.

"He'll be working a lot of the hospital shifts," Thomas added.     

Miller's resignation as chief is effective Feb. 26.

Thomas said the job will be posted internally, noting one officer has expressed interest in the position.

Councilors also gave first reading of an ordinance modifying the personnel policy manual.

Changes include eliminating Good Friday and adding Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth as holidays for village employees, to coincide with federal holidays.

The amendment would also eliminate the maximum number of sick days an employee will be reimbursed at a 25% rate at the time of separation.

Included is a provision for eligible employees to opt out of the medical insurance policy and be reimbursed at the rate of pay equal to a health savings account single payment.

The amendment also adds that employees who are reimbursed for educational expenses and leave village employment within three years of completing the training may be required to pay back the cost of said training.

In other action, councilors approved a motion to enter into a service agreement with Priority Power Management of Chicago for electric and gas municipal aggregation services.

Thomas said Affordable Gas and Electric (AGE) was purchased by Priority Power so a new agreement is necessary. He added that the representative who has worked with village will continue with the new company.

"So our point of contact hasn't changed," Thomas said.

The agreement grants Priority Power Management power of attorney to negotiate prices on behalf of the village.

Kevin Wynk with the Coldwater Police Department said thefts were reported at the Young Farmer's Auction last week. Anyone who saw anything suspicious should contact the police department. He also reminded people to keep their vehicles locked.

Additionally, Thomas said election signs may not be placed in the right-of-way or on public property.

"Make sure they have the owner's permission to put signs up," he added.

In his report to council, Thomas said work has begun with underground installation for the RK subdivision on the west end of Vine Street and Burkettsville-St. Henry Road.

The total solar eclipse on April 8 was discussed, and councilors learned that all campgrounds and hotels in the surrounding area are booked. Students will have the day off at schools in the county.

Thomas said restrooms at Memorial Park will be open. Parking will be available at the park, village offices, the soccer fields and Cavalier Stadium.

With a potential influx of visitors coming to view the solar eclipse, councilor Tim Buschur suggested to approach the event as if it were a storm: Stock up on food and gas as deliveries may be delayed due to traffic congestion.

"Don't plan on having any cell phone service. You may have it, but I wouldn't count on it," Thomas added.

He pointed out that local libraries will be distributing eclipse glasses, beginning March 2.

On a final note, congratulations were extended to the Coldwater High School boys' bowling team.

Council meets next at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the village hall.