This is the page where you will find the latest news. Scroll down to read about:
From the Mayor’s Desk ~ February 2023
Village of Kelleys Island Health Care Center
The Telecommunications Resolution Committee
Sign-up for Village Alerts
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK ~ FEBRUARY 2023
While waiting for spring I thought I would update everyone on what has been going on in the village. Without the island newspaper, I thought this would be a way to let our islanders know what has been going on since fall of 2022. We have been busy taking care of the everyday business to keep the village running and here are some of the items we have been working on.
Safety Forces:
The Police Department, for those that did not realize, in October we swore in a new chief, Jamie Bartus and he will be here full-time. Also, we hired a full-time officer, Amy Krall. Both are great additions to our police department and the cost to the village will be minimal.
The Fire Department is having an assessment completed for the village’s needs. This assessment will bring to light the possible needs for additional equipment and how to pay for that. Since our community is growing, the thought of a professional opinion was deemed necessary.
Our Emergency Medical System is continuing to excel since joining with Metro Health a little over two years ago. Continued training along with the purchasing new equipment with the guidance of Metro Health has greatly enhanced our EMS, which is a benefit to all of us.
Water Department:
After all the changes last summer and fall, I am pleased to say Tom Lange is doing an excellent job, along with his new hires. Looks like Huntington will be getting a new waterline in spring, much needed after many years of continuous water leaks. Tom, along with our Village Administrator, Steve Wermuth have been working together, along with RCAP, a federally funded consulting firm with no cost to the village for an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) low interest loan, towards getting this problem resolved.
Streets and Sidewalks:
Happening this spring, Fairview Lane, Lakeview, Crestline, and Lake Ct. will be Tar and Chipped. Other projects have been talked about but are not on any schedule. Also, Huntington will be paved upon completion of the waterline project. Last fall we were awarded $400,000.00 from the state’s Capitol Budget Fund for the East Lakeshore Project and are working with Bramhall Engineering to prepare the bid specs.
Land and Buildings:
In January, The Erie County Health Department opened their new office at the remodeled Golias House on Addison Street. They moved from school and will see patients here. Watch for information dealing with scheduling of a doctor, and dentist, and other health related issues. We here in the village are very proud to be part of this new facility. If you have not seen the house, feel free to ask and I will give you a showing. The village has added a generator for the Town Hall, EMS, and the Police Department thanks to Russ Maust who secured a grant for the unit.
Airport:
The airport will be receiving new runway LED lighting in the spring. This project will be 90% funded by the FAA. The state will pay 5% and the village will pay the remaining 5%. This project will be a great addition to our airport, remembering our airport is our only way off the island in the winter, especially for medical emergencies, nighttime included.
I am happy to report that things are going well here at the village and Lisa and I will be happy to help with any issues you may have concerning the village.
Ron
ERIE COUNTY HEALTHCARE IS NOW OPEN!
THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
RESOLUTION COMMITTEE
Residents of Kelleys Island appreciate the wonderful technology available for wireless devices and the access to the Internet. Unfortunately, the services which we enjoy on the mainland, are not easily transferred to our Island businesses and residential homes.
A Committee (called the TODC – Telecommunications Oversight & Development Committee) has been established to Research, Review and Resolve some of the issues that Islanders experience. Instead of a page on the Village website, the committee has set up a separate site which is both informative and invitational. There are links for News, Forms, Partners, and additional Links. Just go to https://joewolfe183.wixsite.com/telecommunications and explore the progress they are making and share your concerns and suggestions through the Contact Us page on that site.
SIGN UP FOR VILLAGE ALERTS
The Village is working to improve its emergency notification system to keep the community informed of unexpected and emergency situations that may affect them. This will also assist the police in locating property owners when they find something wrong but the owners did not fill in a Winter Inspection Form.
For example, this list could be used in the event of a water line break where water needs to be shut off for an extended period of time, an unexpected road closure, or other situations that you might want to be aware of before your next visit to the Island. The Village will contact you by email, text, or phone call to alert you to the unexpected situation.
CLICK TO SIGN UP FOR VILLAGE ALERTS
Erie County Notification System
This list will be used only for official Village notifications and will not be shared with anyone. We are striving to improve communications and to keep our citizens better informed (and a little less frustrated) when unexpected situations arise that will affect the quality of their Island time.