Council approves fluoride removal, adds firefighter

Carrollton Village Council approved the removal of fluoride from the village water supply and took action on several ordinances at its Jan. 28 meeting.

Justin Lucas spoke to council on behalf of Water Department Superintendent Derik Kaltenbaugh regarding a request to remove fluoride from the village’s water system. Lucas said the request has been submitted to the Ohio EPA and requires council approval before proceeding.

Lucas said fluoride provides little benefit to adults and that children typically receive fluoride treatments through dental care. He noted dentists can have difficulty determining appropriate fluoride treatments when the level of fluoride in drinking water varies.

“It really doesn’t benefit us as adults,” said Lucas. “The benefit is for children, and they already get fluoride treatments at the dentist.”

Lucas said removing fluoride would save the village approximately $3,400 annually.

Council approved the motion to remove fluoride from the village water supply.

Assistant Fire Chief Bill Wells addressed council requesting the hiring of Landon McClelland, who was in attendance. Wells said this approval would bring the department to 35 members.

“We’ve had a lot of young people come on, and it’s been really beneficial,” said Wells.

Council approved the addition.

In an unrelated matter, Village Administrator Mark Wells provided his final report. New administrator Chris Kiehl will take over at the next meeting.

Wells said the village received a donation agreement from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy for approximately 45 acres of property on Kensington Road.

Wells added the village has received community interest in donating memorial trees at Fifth Street Park. He said Greens and Things will coordinate the selection and planting process to ensure uniformity.

“I didn’t want to leave it wide open,” said Wells. “We didn’t want sequoias and pine trees. Greens and Things will help control that and coordinate with the village.”

Wells provided an update on the Canton Road sidewalk project. He said the village applied for an Ohio Department of Transportation grant totaling approximately $192,000 to fund the design phase.

“We had a meeting with the individual who will be scoring that grant, and I think it’s very favorable,” said Wells.

Wells said the project could later be funded through a Transportation Alternatives Program grant similar to a previous sidewalk project completed near the school.

Council also acknowledged Wells for his 10 years of service to the village.

Wells also thanked council and the mayor for their support over the past decade as he prepares for retirement.

“I appreciate the last 10 years working with council and the mayor,” said Wells. “You certainly made my job easier. I am confident Chris Kiehl will do a great job as administrator.”

In other business, council:

—HEARD council members and residents thank village employees, including water, sewer, street, police and fire personnel, for their work during recent freezing weather and water-related issues.

—APPROVED the village proposal for custodial services from Brittany Melville at a monthly cost of $1,850.

—APPROVED payment of village bills of $73,358.06 in vendors, $74,413.38 in payroll and payment of bills without prior certification of $6,345.06.

—HEARD updates regarding refuse container distribution information to be shared with residents.

—THANKED village employees for emergency response and winter weather work.