2003-05 Council Chronicles

Adena police participate in OLE ISN /Dec. 2005- The Adena Police Department announced to the village that improvements are being made within the department. On December 13th at council's regular session, Police Chief David Darago mentioned the department's participation with the Ohio Law Enforcement Information Sharing Network (OLE ISN). Participation with the OLE would enable department to upgrade communications with the state of Ohio. "What it boils down to," said Chief Darago, " is that the program lends local departments new Dell PC's that are cable ready. After three years of using the equipment and programs, the department has the option to pay for and keep it or return it. " The network patterns tracking, shares information, and includes direct reporting to the state. Darago said the program is designed to improve small town departments with communication and feels that Adena would benefit by utilizing the system. Other villages such as Mt. Pleasant, Dillonvale, and Wells Township are taking advantage of new network program. Installation of the hardware, shareware and training is scheduled for the Adena PD in the New Year. A motion unanimously passed for the police to participate in the OLE Information Sharing Network.

Darago introduced patrolman Ben Swoyer to the public and submitted a written report. The report included nine general complaints, twenty traffic stops, one arrest, two vehicle accidents, four assists, one fire assist, a stolen vehicle, three juvenile complaints, one b & e, and one prowler complaint. Concerns of Junk vehicles were brought to the department's attention and Darago responded by saying, " I feel this matter requires legal attention to review the ordinance and avert the snowball effect." After asking council to consider another alternative, some council members suggested that he hand deliver warning letters to junk car owners.

On Adena's meeting agenda, Larry Barkhurst asked about the dilapidated Prunesky property. Mayor Ray Jeskey explained that the matter is still in litigation, and said, " Unfortunately, there are many structures in Adena in the same situation, please be patient until action is taken."

Treasurer and Fiscal Officer, Bobbie Gaffney heralded that FEMA reimbursement money was finally received from September of 2004. She joyfully announced that Zeroski's Excavating was finally paid and appraised their patience for payment. The finance report was approved with $1, 229.00 remaining in the General Fund. Council voted that re-cycling be re-established for Adena. The next public meeting is scheduled for January 10th at 6:30 p.m.

New Officer Hired

Adena Police Employs Officer-2005-

Pay Increase Passed for Adena Employees March 2005: Employees of the Village of Adena were given a pay raise March 8th during council's regular session.

Prior to the meeting, the Finance Committee consisting of Jim Horton, Terry Marshall and Gary Dulkowski met with Clerk Treasurer and Fiscal Officer, Bobbie Gaffney to regulate budget appropriations for the fiscal year. The committee unanimously approved the salary hikes and met at table requesting council's vote. Finance Chairman, Jim Horton said that after extensive review, the committee, in agreement with the Treasurer, recommended the pay increases granting a higher rate to the Clerk of Court. Gaffney emphasized that Clerk of Court's salary has remained at minimum wage since her employment of 5 years, and that the last raise to a village employee was given to the Street Supervisor in the year 2001. Gaffney reported to council and that the raises together with the Board of Public Affairs would total $900.00 per year. She revealed that the BPA already voted in favor of the approved increases for their employees and advised council to vote only for the Street Supervisor and Clerk of Court.

Councilwoman Shirley Bednarski questioned the finances saying, "You know you're talking about a raise here, OK and that's fine and dandy if we have the money, but we don't have the money." Jim Horton explained that the wages would be taken from their arrogated fund. He further clarified that the Street Fund would pay for the Street Supervisor's wages, the Police Fund pays the Policeman's wages and the Clerk of Court's salary summing 20 hours a month, would be taken from the General Fund for an atonement of $17.00 per month, ($170.00 per year) Bednarski precluded the proposal remarking "Well, you know if we have money to give raises…. We need a janitor in this building." Conversation carried forth concerning janitorial responsibilities required for the building. Councilman Gary Dulkowski established that the main idea of the Finance Committee's decision was that in review of financial figures, the committee and Gaffney were shocked and embarrassed about the clerk's minimum wage of $5.15 per hour, since the year 2000. He explained that after equating her salary, the committee decided to increase wages for all employees. After deliberation dissolved, a roll call vote was taken with 4 yeas and 2 nays adopting Resolution 2005B for budget appropriations.

On the agenda resident Joe Parish thanked council for scraping the alley near his residence and urged council to adopt a fence line ordinance in reproach of a lattice type fence on neighboring property. Councilman R. J. Konkoleski said the fence could possibly be regarded as a public nuisance. Complaints were also heard about four-wheelers speeding on the streets. Mayor Jeskey reiterated that all traffic problems are difficult to control with a part time police officer. He announced that the new vehicle has been obtained and Police Chief David Darago is using it for traffic patrol. It was reported previously that a check from the Insurance company of $5277.50 for the old police cruiser, which was totaled in the September flood, was applied to the Police Fund.

Neighborhood nuisances made public at Adena assembly January-2005 Adena townspeople conglomerated into a somewhat crammed kitchen sharing similar problems of water drainage, speeding ATVs, and a dangerous dog. Many McLaughin street residents on the agenda petitioned Mayor Ray Jeskey and council to address topics of speeding 4-wheelers, water drainage problems, and a dangerous dog. The panel heard at least nine individual consecutive complaints, from residents of McLaughlin Street.

The public voiced concerns of an unruly, unrestrained, rotweiler-mix dog that a neighboring family owns, and implored action to be taken. Several complaints involved the dog chasing children and people. Joe Parish said he called the Adena PD to no avail then telephoned the Jefferson County Dog warden when he noticed that the unrestrained dog was menacing people. After visiting the neighborhood, the warden advised that the police department handle the situation. Police Chief David Darago said he would attend to the matter, and explained that his answering machine at the police station is temporarily out of order. Later in the meeting, Darago was formerly introduced to the assemblage and was received with applause. Darago said that he currently works full time as a Jefferson County Sheriff Deputy and will do his best to manage the village police matters and advised the use of 911 in need of an emergency.

Speeding quads caused quandary for McLaughlin residents too. Complaints of peeling, loud 4-wheelers wielding wildly, up and down Main streets at all hours of the night were brought forth. Mayor Jeskey said he's aware of the complaints and is working with the police to investigate the matter.

Feeling the strain on water drain problems, numerous concerns were heard regarding a cracked storm sewer, gravel awash from rain, a missing manhole cover, poor street conditions and water drainpipe problems. "The streets are in deplorable condition," said Mickey Goga. John Lengyel voiced concern of an unresolved matter involving a clogged storm sewer line. He said that although the line was damaged and needed replaced, the line was obstructed and asked that it be cleaned. Street Supervisor Dave Yanok said that he'd contact the Fire Department for assistance to clean the line and responded to several of the street issues. He mentioned that a ditch he excavated near the Bridge Street bridge has been completely consumed by a landslide, and noted several other areas in Adena that need work. Decisions to purchase gravel and other street materials were renounced when Clerk-Treasurer, Bobbie Gaffney disclosed that the Street Fund is in financial crisis. At the Correspondence call, she read thank you notes from village employees who were personally gifted by herself, Mayor Jeskey and Council. She acknowledged that Gary and Peggy Martin were also gifted from them during the Holidays. Responding to questions of whether Adena received aid from FEMA Jim Horton replied that although claims have been submitted to FEMA, funding has not yet been received. Posing perplexity of wet weather damage, discussion deliberated regarding Hagan street and other areas of Adena affected by water. Mayor Jeskey announced, "We will do the best of our ability."

After the agenda concluded and the complaints considered, Jeskey distributed Committees of Council and asked for Nominations of Council President Pro-Tempore. Shirley Bednarski and Jim Horton were nominated and Jim Horton was elected. The Committee Chairpersons are as follows: Ordinances-Cindy Clark, Finance and Street-Jim Horton, Recreation and Christmas Lights-R.J. Konkoleski, Building & Grounds-Shirley Bednarski, Street Lights- Terry Marshall, and Police-Gary Dulkowski. Resolution 2005A was adopted to renew the Fire contract within the village, and a vote was made to indoctrinate a contractor for the building repairs by January 31st. Council also unanimously voted to purchase a 1999 Ford Explorer for use as the Adena Police vehicle.

The Building & Grounds Committee announced an open public meeting slated for Jan. 28th at 9:30 a.m. at the Community Center Kitchen. Council will re-convene their public meeting February 8th at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 14, 2004 Adena Police Budget Back in the Black
Clerk Treasurer Bobbie Gaffney gave glad tidings at Adena's public meeting that was set in a different atmosphere than council past. December's meeting was held in a new location inside the Community Center Gymnasium kitchen as council considered budget matters. They passed several resolutions to transfer money to Water, Sewer, and other funds including Resolution 2004M, allowing $4000 to be transferred from the General Fund to cover the police department's debt. Ms. Gaffney announced that after four years of being in the red, the police department budget is back in the black. While working tirelessly to balance out the year, Gaffney spent several hours in the office adjusting arrears. Referring to the Police fund, she said that "it's a fresh start for the new department and I hope it stays that way." To continue calculations for Adena's accounts, a resolution was passed to amend appropriations for the year ending 12-31-04. Police Chief Dave Darago was pleased to hear the good news about the police fund and said he will make every effort to work with Gaffney to keep the department balance in focus. Because the police car was severely damaged during the September flood, Gaffney affirmed that estimates have been received and FEMA funding is being sought. Mayor Ray Jeskey made mention of a Chevy Blazer for sale at Braun's Auto Sales urging council's decision to provide a vehicle for the police department. Jeskey added that the dealership would deep discount the purchase price to the village. Council debated the issue and after trying to reach rationale, they deferred a decision with no vote to purchase it. Council president, and finance chairman Jim Horton announced that FEMA money was used to repair Miric's ridge from flood damage. He assured council that he and Mayor Jeskey would continue to meet with FEMA representatives. Horton motioned to adopt Resolution 2004Q supporting the re-establishment of the Watershed board and it was unanimously approved. Mayor Jeskey commended Horton for his work during the flood and overseeing FEMA affairs. Jim Horton and John Sebring were recently honored with an award from the Adena Lion's Club, in appreciation for Outstanding Leadership and Untiring Service to the community of Adena during the Flood of 2004. Street strategies covered a vote to provide stone to the Roby Street area. Council conveyed special thanks to Zeroski's Excavating for utilizing their time, talent and diligence to ornament the village's Christmas lanterns throughout Adena. Council closed the meeting with an arduous agreement to personally gift the village employees with a donation.

November 9, 2004 Adena P.D. Profits Probed Adena village council met to discuss a past due bill addressed to the Police Department in their open public session November 9th. A collection letter was received from Exel Sportswear for T-shirts purchased by former police chief Paul Carpenter. An invoice revealed a balance of over $200.00 that included late fees of non-payment. Documents reflected that the T-shirts were purchased by the Police Department and shipped to Carpenter's home address. Clerk-Treasurer Bobbie Gaffney affirmed that no profits from T-shirt sales were received into the village treasury. Last November, Chief Carpenter announced to council at their public meeting, that he got $ 175.00 in monetary donations from Adena and outlying areas. The village treasurer never received the money. Council considered the matter and voted unanimously to pay the outstanding debt of the department. President Pro-Tempore, Jim Horton implored further investigation entreating legal recommendation. Solicitor Mike Shaheen is handling the matter to acquire the funds from Carpenter.

While the financial direction of the department is being looked into, a new police officer has been hired. Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2004-H to hire Dave Darago as the village police officer. The new officer will work 18 hours and remain on call. Mayor Ray Jeskey announced that extended working hours might be relevant in certain circumstances.

In separate street concerns, the Finance Committee hopes to find funding through Peoples National Bank to purchase a snow plow/spreader in attachment to the village truck.

Oct. 14, 2004 Adena Continues Clean Up The Adena village voted unanimously to accept a 2-year garbage contract from J & J Refuse of Dover Ohio. Operations supervisor Jim Coffey announced that trash removal rates would increase in the amount of a dollar. After opting for the offal contract, Coffey said "Thank you, Council and the village for choosing J & J! We're happy to have the contract." He added that although extra refuse has been hauled from the curbs of Adena residents, two roll-off trash containers will be available at no cost to the village during time of disaster as included in the bid.

During the meeting, The street department reported their continuous efforts to clean up Adena due to water devastation caused from flooding in Adena. They reported that there is severe water damage to the village truck and police cruiser. Many residential areas of Adena were badly affected and some homes are still without heat. Bedway Park baseball field was left in laceration and the football field and softball fields are still sodden. Water destruction also affected the Adena West Elementary School and Adena Community Center.In two weeks following the flood the American Red Cross set up shelter at the Adena Fire Hall as street workers worked with residents to clean up their homes. The Adena Firemen and Ladies Auxiliary helped prepare meals for dwellers devastated by flooding. Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla released prisoners under supervision to lend a hand. The prisoners worked under supervision cleaning trash, removing appliances from homes throughout the entire village. They labored with the street crew clearing debris from roads and residences continually cleaning 200 catch basins and worked in crews scrubbing the streets. Several containers of damaged debris were removed from town and some refuse still remains as cleanup continues.

Council voted to re-instate Martin McKim as Flood Plan Administrator. Members of Council and Mayor Jeskey announced plans to attend a meeting with the Jefferson County EMA. Resolution 2004 G authorizing Mayor Ray Jeskey to prepare and submit an application to participate in the Ohio Public Works Community State Capital Improvement and/or local transportation Improvement Program(s) to Execute Contracts as required was unanimously approved.

Sept, 2004. Creeks Que Concern at Adena Public Meeting The Adena council rendered citizens' questions and a busy Agenda. Several residents voiced concerns about debris, damage, and water drainage problems of creeks and streams from properties flooded due to last week’s "hurricane" rain. Areas of Blairmont Road, East and West Main Streets and Park Avenue were badly flooded as wicked water wound water streams awry. Townspeople consistently questioned council as to why the creeks were not dredged after the flood of 1990. Councilman Jim Horton answered that he’s been in contact with the Army Core of Engineers who are aware of the problem but short of funding. Suggestion to circulate a petition to seek action from regional county commissioners was mentioned. Mayor Jeskey agreed to the idea of the petition in an effort response from legislature. Residents in the audience agreed accordingly volunteering to circulation the petitions.

Clerk-Treasurer Bobbie Gaffney confirmed that FEMA funding has been received and she is paying the bills. There was word that Miric’s Ridge repair is forthcoming. Resolution 2004F was adopted for accepting the Amounts and Rates as determined by the Budget Commission and Authorizing the Necessary Tax Levies to the County Auditor. Ordinance 2004-2 passed unanimously to vacate an alley in the location between the Village Green and former Sliva Property.

The village voted for renewal to produce bids for a waste removal contract. Bids will be printed in the paper opening offers to area garbage vendors.

COUNCIL PASSES PARK BOARD RESOLUTION At the August 10th meeting the Park Board asked council to pass a resolution authorizing the village of Adena Park Board to file an application with the state of Ohio Nature Works Program for Financial Assistance for Public Recreation Purposes. The resolution was unanimously adopted. Mayor Jeskey commended the park board for a great job with the village parks.
High hedge problems were discussed and Mayor Jeskey instructed the street department to cut hedges on village property and stated that residents are responsible for hedge trimming on their property. A building report indiciated that estimates are being eyed for repairs to the community center.

Budget Approximiation for Adena Implemented July 13, 2004. Adena's village council reviewed and approved the proposed budget for the year 2005 at July's meeting, after unanimously approving the meeting minutes from May and June sessions. Clerk-Treasurer, Roberta Gaffney summarized amounts required from real estate property tax and other sources approved by budget commission and county auditors estimated rates. Gaffney critiqued each category of municipal funds and included a packet of the forecast financial projections to each member of council. She reviewed each village fund projection with the panel. Gaffney announced that she met with Jefferson County Auditors regarding matters of a building acquired by the village formerly known as the Bridge Street Café. She said the auditors affirmed that all property information would be delivered directly to Mayor Jeskey or herself. Jeskey announced plans for demolition to dismantle the building. He praised Zeroski Excavating for disassembling the dilapidated building at no charge to the village.
Agenda acquaintance, Mark O'Brien from the Jefferson County regional planning commission spoke urging a land use plan within the village saying it is needed to determine road patterns for the county. Making his visits to municipalities he said that these plan types are beneficial for locating waterlines and sewer lines. He advised council to adopt a plan as a measure of economic development, however should the plan not be adopted, O'Brien confirmed that the village could use it as a guide. The cost for adopting the plan would be $75,000 that averages a cost of $ 1.00 per person in the county. Funds, Improvements on Adena agenda

June 8, 2004: Council President Pro Tempore Jim Horton, who presided at the council meeting in the absence of Mayor Ray Jeskey, said Adena received $44,000 from FEMA to water damage and area flooding. He reported that over $30,000 of the funds were used to cover severe damage to the sewer plant, and the remaining money will be used to repair the location of Miric's Ridge.

In street strategies, Horton read a letter from Nancy and Ron Malin in reference to a request made two months ago to repair potholes in an alley between Hagan and West Main Streets. The letter also mentioned dirt and debris in a ditch from the road to the creek on Blairmont Road. Supervisor Dave Yanok said he dug the ditch with a backhoe, doing the best he could to clean it out. Horton said he would address the situation with Mayor Jeskey. Council then voted to purchase three catch basins and lids for the streets. Yanok reported the he is taking care of unkempt lawns within the village and will report his hours of duties at the properties for tax attachments.

Adopted resolutions for improving Adena included the renewal of a 3-mill police operation levy and a 6-mill street improvement levy to be placed on November's ballot.

Horton also read letter to council from the Jefferson County Regional Land Commission requesting authorization and execution that a land resolution be adopted. The letter stated that by adopting the resolution Adena would solicit support and encourage zoning for further development of land use control, up to and including, zoning promoting urban growth.

The building and grounds committee reported that $5,900 of piggyback tax money has been received and announced plans of an upcoming meeting. A broken railing outside the community center building raised interest as a hazard and replacement was urged. There was also talk that children playing near the gymnasium could have caused the railing to crumble. Horton offered help to repair the railing that was originally produced from pipe.

Chairwoman Cindy Clark acknowledged that the police committee reviewed COPS grant information and deemed it not affordably essential for the Adena area. She announced that inclusive with the grant, certain criteria must be met and the grant wasn't fundamental for the village.

Police Chief Paul Carpenter distributed a written police report reflecting nine traffic citations, three animal complaints, three domestic calls, one theft, one traffic crash, one stolen vehicle, three warrants served, 10 general complaints, three gun calls, three custody disputes, one hit-skip, two lockouts, three bad smell complaints, two bar disputes, two intoxicated walking subjects, and 13 total assists to other departments. Carpenter also pointed out an inconsistency of speed limits on the main roads. Council voted to reduce the speed limit for Adena city limits to West Main Street to 25 mph for the main roads, while sidestreet speed limits will remain the same.

Adena BPA Session Comes to a Boil Councilman debates billing March 23, 2004

Mayor Jeskey opened the communal meeting held with village council. The mayor advised plans to take shape in Adena beseeched that the Board of Public Affairs and council work together. He ask the BPA to create a plan for delinquent water customers and urged them to try the plan by working with each other.

The BPA announced that they are in the process of formatting a letter to all water customers that states that a percentage of water should be paid. They assured the public that they would continue to collaborate with customers to resolve payment problems. They said that every customer would get a notice of the procedure. Mayor Jeskey suggested offering a budget to water customers.

In meter matters, there was question of broken water meters within the village. The BPA estimated that approximately 15 meters were broken but they were unclear of the homes without water meters. "It's working to your (the water customer's) advantage," said Harrison Blake, BPA supervisor. "Some of those meters date back to the 70's." He continued to explain the procedure to check the accuracy of the water meters adding that it would be costly to replace all meters within the village. Resident Karen Horton offered her opinion that people who are uncooperative producing water readings be offered to purchase a remote water meter. Harrison Blake recounted instances of a few residents who refuse to produce water meter readings. Blake later pointed out the advantages of the new waterlines. "About three years ago, we were losing about 58% of our water," he stated. "We went from using 140,000 gallons per day to 62,000." Harrison claimed that only three breaks have occurred with the old waterlines on Bridge Street and reassured renewed accuracy of the new waterline maps.

Hopkins explained that the board is taking legal financial strategy to improve procedure within the department. She shared statistics in comparison with other water boards that Harrison Blake "makes minimal of what everyone else that has his license makes!" She said that Blake doesn't take vacation and works 7 days a week always being on call. BPA members agreed that Blake is underpaid. Blake answered questions in reference to water leaks and storm sewer drain questions.

Councilman R.J. Konkoleski directed a question to Mayor Jeskey regarding the mayor's reference to "the guy on East Main Street that he thinks should be made to pay a water bill, at council's last meeting." Konkoleski asked, "I'd like to know if you're directing that at me?" The mayor replied that he wasn't sure whether it was R. J. or his father (Ray Konkoleski) and referred to a delinquent water notice of approximately $ 1200.00. R. J. Konkoleski declared that he had documentation to support that the property was 28 E. Main St., and not his house. He referred to copies of two (2) letters in the name of June Vernon, 28 E. Main St., dated 8/29/01 and 9/7/02 that Clerk-Treas., Bobbie Gaffney sent to the courthouse.

"She put the wrong parcel numbers on the letters!" Konkoleski announced. The mayor questioned the error and disputed the purchase date of the said property. "The parcel that she had them attached these liens to, was the empty lot in between the two houses that doesn't even have water service," R.J. Konkoleski retorted.

" So, when we purchased the lot through the sheriff's sale, all those liens were cleared off of that property." He then referred to a telephone call that the BPA office received from the courthouse. "As a result, the village can NEVER collect on that because it has gone through the sheriff's sale."

" My point is, that this is not my problem, it's not my responsibility, and if I continue to hear about it in council meetings, or the post office, or the legion, or anywhere else, people who are telling this false information about me regarding my responsibility for this, then I will have to pursue action for compensation for negative effects this is having on my name and public image. And I think the lies need to stop, right now, and in the future everyone could be more careful when they send these things to taxes. She sent a whole big list, if this one was wrong how many of them are wrong? That's money out the window!"

Mayor Jeskey questioned as to whose responsibility it was to apply it to taxes. BPA official, Ray Konkoleski said R. J. didn't live in the home prior to 2000. Jeskey disputed that the delinquent water bill should have been absolved at the Konkoleski address.

BPA official Ray Konkoleski spoke out saying, "I can tell you a fact that we turned that in to taxes! I've heard a lot of rumors that nobody paid that water because Ray's on the water board. And I can tell you that it's a bunch of crap!" Mayor Jeskey asked "Did you know there was a water bill on your property?" R. J.Konkoleski replied, "There was no bill." Ray Konkoleski said "It was supposed to been put on taxes, maybe that's where the mistake was or it went on the wrong parcel number!" "There could have been a mistake anywhere down the line but it wasn't our mistake, and it wasn't R.J.'s mistake, " he said. "I've been hearing rumors all over town insinuating that nobody was paid any money because Ray's on the water board, and that's a bunch of bull!"

In response to the accusation, Clerk Treas., Bobbie Gaffney showed documentation reflecting that no liens were ever applied to Konkoleski's property of 42 E. Main Street. She said she reports what the BPA gives her. "I do my job, I am an elected official and I'm treated like dirt under their feet," she responded.

Mar. 11, 2004: THE ADENA Village Council is seeking piggyback tax money, and officials voted at the May 11 meeting to keep its former high school building in shape. During the meeting, several viewpoints were versed regarding to the community center building that was built as the Adena High School in 1921. The school building contains meeting rooms for four different village organizations but cleanup and repairs to the building are badly needed. Council unanimously voted to establish a plan to organize an account to save the school, taking initial steps to materialize renovation. A resident suggested soliciting donations via written request from AHS alumni. Clerk-Treasurer Bobbie Gaffney said she would see about setting up a separate school account fund. Grant options were also discussed. It was noted that although the building has been cleaned, internal repairs such as electrical wiring are hazardous. Heating costs are exorbitant to the village and council announced alternatives. Councilman Gary Dulkowski offered to meet with the building and grounds committee to parlay the plans.

In regard to police matters, R. J. Konkoleski spoke out saying, "I think that complaint business is a cop-out." (Referring to written vs. oral police complaints) The mayor asked for legal opinion of the matter to trial attorney, Tom Straus who was on the agenda for the meeting and is currently a candidate for Jefferson County Prosecutor. Straus replied that the police need testimony to prove the cases as well as to determine the difference between criminal and civil cases. He added that they are useful to the presiding judge if the case is sent to court, thus eliminating the matter of several summonses.

Another resident called for action on an adjacent property problem, requesting a declaration of dilapidated property on Hanna Avenue. The property is crumbling, poses a threat to passersby and violates several ordinances regarding health, safety and sanitation. Council passed a vote to take action against the property owner.

In street strategies, a motion carried that Street Supervisor Dave Yanok shop for a new lawn tractor. Councilwoman Shirley Bednarski said to Mayor Ray Jeskey, "I guess I have to apologize for not contacting you but if you knew what my week was like…"and continued to say that she didn't intentionally neglect to inform village officials of a meeting held with the community foundation of Jefferson County's Youth Advisory Committee held April 30th.

Adena Village Buys Bridge St. Building Adena Village Council met on Tuesday March 9th at the City building. The topic of discussion was the announcement regarding recent purchase of Bridge Street Café. Mayor Raymond Jeskey announced that the building was purchased at a Sheriff's sale for $1625.00 plus title and transfer fees. Jeskey professed plans to dismantle the structure and expand the area of the village green park. " I believe it is important to make this initial step to beautify our town," Jeskey said.

Other council concerns revealed that Mayor Jeskey and Council President Jim Horton met with FEMA representatives to discuss water damage in Adena caused from the flooding. Council concluded that a meeting with Adena BPA would be scheduled soon.

Jan., 13, 2004 Auxiliary Police Officers Resign -Two suspended auxiliary officers of the Adena Police department submitted their resignation to village council Auxiliary officers, Tom Thomas and Robert S. Glenednning presented their resignations to Mayor Ray Jeskey. Jeskey accepted the letters, reviewed them and thanked them for their duties and respectfully accepted both resignations. Prior to the meeting, discussed the officers suspension pending an investigation. Neither was present at that meeting, but a letter was submitted to Mayor Jeskey stating allegations of improper management by Chief Paul Carpenter. It also claimed that Carpenter instructed teh offiers to patrol traffic intheir personal vehicles, which Carpenter denied during the meeting. At council's session on Jan., 13th, Terry Marshall took his oath of office of councilman for another four-year term. All members were present.

A resident voiced a parking problem near his residence saying that his driveway was obstructed. Councilman R. J. Konkoleski disputed the obstruction saying that an ordinance was passed to close the alley. Mayor Jeskey added that the said Ordinance included a clause that both residences access the alley. Solicitor Mike Shaheen suggested to research the record of proceedings. Mayor Jeskey opened the floor for nominations as Council President. Jim Horton was nominated and the vote unanimously carried. Mayor Jeskey then reviewed the committees of council and stated that the village will not hold Mayor's Court this year. He suggested some changes in reference to a standing ordinance regarding the Adena Park Board. In financial affairs, a motion carried to pay the annual fee of $ 125.00 to the Regional Planning Commission that Mayor Ray Jeskey Represents. Jim Horton was voted as alternate representative. Council voted that an $800 bill be paid from the New Street Improvement Fund. In unfinished business, Horton urged resolve in the surveying of Shields Lane. The Adena police department submitted their annual report to council. The month of December reported three trespassing violations, 12 traffic citations, 4 domestic responses, one neighborhood dispute and one alarm drop. Chief Carpenter then announced to village council that the department's shotgun was beyond repair. Saying it was important that the departments have a shotgun, he summarized a cost of $200 in negotiation of a trade with a local gun shop. Roger Wallace, owner of Adena Ammo & Arms, offered his opinion of condition of the gun and the trade negotiation. Mayor Jeskey contested that funding for gun wasn't possible. Jeskey then offered to personally pay $100 toward the trade. Marie Morgan also donated $100.00 to make the purchase possible.

In street situations, drain problems of the town were also discussed. A building report brought debate in the condition of the Adena Community Center. The building reportedly has serious masonry problems and the roof is in need of repair. Heating problems within the building were also vexed. Mayor Jeskey suggested taking a closer look to assess the overall financial strategy of the building. The next Adena village public meeting will be held on February 10th 2004 at 6:30 p.m.

Street Supervisor, Dave Yanok Praised The Adena Village council met in chambers Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003. Councilwoman Shirley Bednarski excused as absent. Village Solicitor, Michael Shaheen was not present. No visitors were on the agenda. Mayor Jeskey announced that The American Legion is sponsoring a soup and sandwich fund-raiser on Sunday Feb. 16th from 11am until 3pm.

Applause filled the council room as street supervisor Dave Yanok was commended for his superior job of snow and road maintenance. Extra time and work was involved to maintain Adena roads in winter weather. A motion carried to purchase new tools and a box for the street department. Yanok accredited George Hopkins and Jay Hopkins for their assistance of emergency truck repair. A resident questioned the duty of snow removal from sidewalks. Mayor Ray Jeskey answered that businesses and property owners are responsible for their clearance. Mayor Jeskey also alerted council to the costly repairs of the village truck, saying further that the expenses are accumulating and a new vehicle is needed.

Second readings were heard for Resolution 2002-1 and 2003-1 regarding Ordinance establishment of Mobile Homes within the Village. An ordinance 2003-A2 was proposed to establish part time position of police hours for Adena. It was voted to table the vote until the next meeting. There was discussion of police department expenditures and it was brought up that the 3mil police levy accumulates only approximately $9-$10,000 per year. Council president and finance committee chairman Jim Horton said that $33,000 was spent on police department expenditures last year. He mentioned that although cuts were made in the department, the department remains in the red.

Mayor Jeskey added that the police department has failed to process expenditures through the proper channels referencing an additional expense of unpaid police patches. No police report was evident.
In closing, Council combined their money to place an ad in the Adena Lions Club Minstrel program. The 53rd annual minstrel is to be held April 4th and 5th The meeting adjourned at 7:14p.m.