Council created the position of City Arborist and funded a “Paramedicine” service Thursday evening. They held a special session to get some timely legislation passed, since they did not have enough members present to bypass the three-read rule in Monday’s regular session.
Chillicothe Council member Diedre Nickerson.
Diedre Nickerson saw her ordinance pass on second reading to create the position of City Arborist. She said she did not know when the job starts or who the administration has in mind for the job, but she wanted to get the ordinance passed so that could happen.
This will compliment the award-wining Chillicothe Tree Commission that has been overseeing tree care on public right-of-way, and more.
Chillicothe Council member Jeff Creed.
Jeff Creed saw his ordinance pass on second reading to fund a “paramedicine” service from a grant. He said this would allow paramedics in the fire department to spend their spare time while on the clock to help people to avoid the need to call them in the future.
Creed said this is being proactive on emergency medicine – to help get people set up with a doctor, connect to services, or take medications – to provide non-urgent medical services before they become emergency needs and add to the cost of ambulance runs.
He said this is being paid for by a grant, which is mostly for the supplies. He said he was not sure when the program will start because it depends on getting the supplies in.
Creed also saw his resolution pass on third reading to authorize the annual city auction, where Chillicothe disposes of old or worn out vehicles and equipment – mostly vehicles this time.
He said he did not know when the auction will be or if it will be online or live. That is up to the administration, and they have done both.
Julie Preston saw her ordinance pass on second reading to spend $112,000 on a covered salt storage facility on city grounds on Renick Avenue. She said this will be the first salt shed the city has had – in the recent past the winter road salt has been stored out in the open in the Yoctangee Park parking lot, which means some of it is washed away by rain and snow.
Preston said $75,000 of the price tag will be covered by a grant.
Council passed all eight of their items.
Find more in the article on the Scioto Post, including the video interviews.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.