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Erica Techo
Former COP Director Jim Thornton (left) was recognized by Mayor Tony Picklesimer during the July 18, 2017 Chelsea City council meeting.
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Erica Techo
Gracie Bradford (left) and her sister Maggie presented the Chelsea City Council with a hand-painted rock during the July 18, 2017 council meeting.
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Erica Techo
Gracie Bradford (center) and her sister Maggie presented the Chelsea City Council with a hand-painted rock during the July 18, 2017 council meeting.
While the only official council business on the agenda for tonight's Chelsea City Council meeting was paying the bills, the council had plenty to discuss.
The Chelsea City Council and Mayor Tony Picklesimer took time out of their July 18 council meeting to recognize Chelsea residents who have made a difference in the community, both recently and over the last several years.
During his mayor’s report, Picklesimer recognized former COP Director Jim Thornton, who stepped down from his position of three years during the June 27 COP Picnic. David Cheek took over as the new director.
“We’ve been busy for the first eight months of this administration, and it seems like everything that we’ve done has required the assistance of a very special group of people — our Citizens Observer Patrol. And tonight, we would like to recognize Jim Thornton for his service as the director of the COPs,” Picklesimer said. “… He’s done a tremendous job. The group is stronger today than when you took it over, and it was strong then.”
The council and members of the audience applauded Thornton for his work, and there was cake in his honor following the council meeting.
Picklesimer also recognized two Chelsea teenagers for a “phenomenon” they helped start in the city — Chelsea Rocks. He brought forward Maggie and Gracie Bradford, who came across a painted rock during a trip to Tennessee and decided to bring the idea back to Chelsea.
Since starting “Chelsea Rocks” earlier this summer, their Facebook page has grown to have more than 2,700 likes. Picklesimer presented both girls with a pin and the city’s thanks, and Maggie and Gracie Bradford presented him with a large rock painted with a Chelsea Hornet.
“What you’ve done is very special. You’ve brought great attention to our city, you’ve brought smiles to thousands, and I really wanted to recognize you,” Picklesimer said.
Also during his mayor’s minute, Picklesimer discussed an ongoing project at Cupid’s Lane. Members of the city council have faced criticism over not completing the project, Picklesimer said, which he called “disheartening.” He added that the council has done the best they can to complete the project.
The previous mayor and council approved a paving project on the road, but it did not take place on last year’s budget. The current council approved funding for the roadwork in January, and an engineering report and estimate were created on Jan. 30.
“Since Jan. 30, our city attorney has been trying to get approval from the appropriate owners, in writing, for us to do this project,” Picklesiemr said. “We are here at July 18, and we still have been unable to get the signature we need to do this project.”
The city continues to await approval from the property owner.
“This council is being criticized publicly for not doing this project, when in fact, we are waiting for a signature from a property owner to get the project done. I assure you we will keep our word. I assure you that every promise we have made to you, we will keep it,” Picklesimer said.
Also at the meeting:
- Picklesimer addressed a question regarding waste removal. Resident Cathy Merkle asked if it would be possible to have a monthly yard waste pick-up, noting that some neighbors were burning their yard waste. Picklesimer said the city is in discussions about starting a quarterly yard waste pick-up with Waste Pro, who the city contracts with.
- The council discussed a new roads database during pre-council. City councilman Scott Weygand is working with other city officials to compile a list of all of the roads in the city, which will note the age of the road and a “grade” for the road conditions. This list will help the city keep track of which roads will need repairs, which Weygand said will help with future budgets for the city. They started compiling the list a few weeks ago, and are starting with roads in subdivisions. This list will help prevent the city from just being reactive to road issues, Picklesimer said, and can help accurately plan.
- Picklesimer noted during pre-council that final plans for renovations of the new library building are approved and the project will go to bid later this month.
- City Clerk Becky Landers said the city has received its ORI number for the municipal court, and construction of the magistrate’s office in the old Chelsea Historical Museum at city hall is underway.
- Chelsea Fire Chief Wayne Shirley gave an update of Lt. Ben Hostetter, who suffered a "medical event" while on duty. Hostetter is doing better and recovering well considering his medical event, Shirley said, and he remains at the hospital. Shirley also said there are bracelets that read "Pray Strong. Pray Healing. Pray for Ben. We Fight as One Family" available at the Cheslea Fire Station for $5, and all proceeds go to the Hostetters.
- The council approved to pay the city's bills.
