The Lakeview Fire Department has begun to rebuild its roster following a string of recent resignations.
Lakeview Village Council members were introduced during a Monday, May 20, meeting to three new firefighters: Jerry Davis, Paul Holbrook and Todd Mackeys. Davis has extensive experience in fire protection and has also previously served as a fire chief. Mackeys is currently preparing to attend advanced firefighting training, council members were told.
The additions push the number of firefighters on the Lakeview roster to around 12. Six first responders resigned in recent weeks as tensions mounted between the fire department and village administration.
Interim chief Josh Oakley has said the fire department is committed to moving ahead and bringing in three new firefighters is a very positive step.
An ordinance that would have set defined rules of conduct for visitors to council meetings failed to pass. The ordinance had been introduced in order to ensure orderly, respectful, and efficient meetings. Some of the proposals included keeping citizen comments relevant to the agenda as presented, defining appropriate behavior from the gallery and requiring those wishing to speak to sign in.
Numerous public comments were accepted at an extended meeting on May 6 and the discourse between administration/council and the public remained civil, even as the points of contention were sharp.
Council did approve Monday an agreement between Gary Bias to function as zoning officer for the village. In an update Bias told council he has remained steady with issuance of building and demolition permits as cleanup continues from the March 14 tornado. Some nuisance complaints are being addressed as well, Bias said. He also noted for council that some property owners have begun to receive notices and/or warnings of excessive grass and weeds.
The next regular Lakeview council meeting is June 3.
