New police K-9 to replace retiring dog
Council member Nate Wagler, left, and Matt Miller listen to the reading of an ordinance.
Police Chief Kevin Kaser told Sugarcreek Council at the Jan. 5 meeting that a new K-9 dog has been located to purchase and replace Billie, who will retire. Kaser said due to the passage of the legalization of marijuana in Ohio, Billie, a female Belgium Malinois, will live with her current handler, officer Tyler McKelvey. Billie is trained in detecting marijuana.
Kaser said the new dog, a female Belgium Malinois, is 9 months old and will begin training in March. She will not be trained to detect marijuana; however, she will detect narcotics and be able to do tracking of individuals and other duties. The cost of the dog is $17,500, and the village has the funds for the purchase. Kaser said the cost includes six weeks of training and a once-a-year refresher training course. McKelvey will be the handler. Billie has been a member of the police department since May 2019. She was purchased through local donations from Merry K-9 Service LLC in Norwich, Ohio.
In another matter council passed an ordinance as an emergency authorizing the fiscal officer to advertise for bids for the Zurich Street repair project.
Council also did the following:
—Heard there were issues with the timing of the traffic light at Dover Road and Factory Street. Signal Services has repaired the issue.
—Heard the Swiss Cheese sculpture to honor the local cheesemakers has arrived and will be reviewed by a committee where to place it in the downtown area.
—Heard a job description for the marketing director/utilities clerk will be completed by the Feb. 12 meeting. Christine Quickel resigned from that position on Jan. 19.
—Heard a request from Christen Jacobs, Dover Road, to vacate an unnamed alley between the Garrett and Christen Jacobs and Brode Wilson property. The property is located between Dover Road and Edgemore Street. She was told solicitor Doug Frautschy will need to start a survey, and there will be a cost involved to the property owner.
Other information
A lands, buildings, sidewalks, insurance committee meeting will be held March 4 at 6 p.m.
Council will hold a regular meeting on Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. to discuss the recent work session held in the downtown area. The meeting will be held at 410 S. Broadway in Sugarcreek. The Feb. 19 meeting has been canceled.