Carrollton council reviews parade insurance, hires firefighters and hears department updates

Carrollton Village Council heard from Michilyn Hemming of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau regarding insurance coverage for the upcoming Christmas parade during the Nov. 10 council meeting.

Hemming said the Chamber’s policy, which has always covered community events, was increased to $2 million per the village’s request. She noted that the additional cost was absorbed by the Chamber and that documentation would be sent to the village.

She addressed the recently controversial topic of parade candy tossing, explaining that the Chamber’s insurance company allows candy to be tossed, provided it is not thrown forcefully or in a way that could injure spectators. Hemming said elderly participants and those unable to walk alongside floats would still be able to distribute candy safely. She emphasized that any floats disregarding safety instructions would be removed from the parade and barred from future participation.

Village Administrator Mark Wells said he spoke with Jenny Case of Wichert Insurance, the village’s liability carrier, who advised that while their office does not recommend tossing candy, it would be acceptable as long as the Chamber lists the village as an additional insured under its policy.

Visitor Drew Dodds, who also attended on behalf of the Chamber, noted that individual businesses or organizations with floats would have their own liability insurance in place, providing multiple layers of coverage for the event.

Wells, Mayor Bill Stoneman and council agreed with the arrangements, acknowledging that the event is sponsored by the Chamber and not by the village. This satisfies the village insurance company, according to Wells.

In an unrelated matter, Fire Chief Shane Thomas requested approval to hire three part-time firefighters: Tyler Barrett, owner of Ohio Grill; Tyson Baker, of Sheetz Electric; and Aaron Stoller, retired Minerva fire chief with 30 years of experience and expertise in administration and grant writing. Council unanimously approved the hires.

Thomas said the new fire truck is expected to arrive in February or March. He explained that production delays among national manufacturers are affecting departments nationwide, with long lead times of up to five years. He noted Stoller also has experience with ladder trucks, which is helpful.

In other business:

—HEARD Sewer Department Superintendent Kevin Moore report the plant is operating at about 75% capacity, allowing for rotation and rest of filters. He said new pumps were ordered after discovering three lift stations have obsolete models that must be retrofitted. Moore also noted that crews removed a large root ball—about the size of a volleyball—from a sewer line on Third Street using new jetter equipment, which performed well.

—HEARD Street Superintendent Ben Palmer say his department has finished mowing for the season, closed the park restrooms and completed the final round of weed spraying. Crews conducted several road dig-outs and crack-sealing projects and began preparing snowplows and equipment for winter. Leaf collection is continuing twice weekly as weather allows.

—HEARD Water Department Superintendent Derik Kaltenbaugh report the plant is operating efficiently at full capacity. Crews repaired three water leaks, replaced two hydrants and ordered two more that are on back order. The department also assisted the street crew with patching, winterized the splash pad and public restrooms and continues additional fluoride testing in hopes of eventually discontinuing its use due to corrosion concerns.

—HEARD Councilwoman Brittany Tangler ask if the parking meters in town could be bagged for the winter season. Carrollton Police Officer Theodore Boitnott said he would take care of it as soon as possible.

—HEARD Wells attended an OPWC District 14 project ranking review at the County Engineer’s Office. He also attended the county regional planning meeting and the Family and Children First Council meeting.

—APPROVED Ordinance 2025-34 approving cost-of-living adjustments for specified employees of the village of Carrollton. This is an adjustment of 3% and is hereby approved for all full-time, non-elected, non-probationary employees except for the village administrator and all members of the Carrollton Fire Department, commencing Dec. 28. Council waived the three readings.

—HEARD council discuss the possibility of purchasing radar speed signs, which display drivers’ speeds to encourage compliance. Councilman Dan Locke brought up and supports the idea, noting similar signs in other communities have proven effective. Each sign costs about $3,500 and the purchase will be considered during budget review.

—PAID the bills of $304,518.06 in vendors and $57,575.71 in payroll. Also approved was payment of bills without prior certification totaling $23,385.84.

Executive session for possible purchase of land by the village and contract negotiations was held at 7:22 p.m.