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Salineville police Chief becomes village street commissioner

SALINEVILLE — Salineville Police Chief Matt Devlin will have another title for the near future — village streets commissioner.

On the recommendation of Mayor Linda Adams, council voted 4-2 this past week to appoint Devlin to the position. Because he has never held the position, Devlin will be on probation for six months.

Adams said there is no salary involved in the streets commissioner position, which is appointed by council to oversee the projects and conditions involving repairs of the village streets. Adams noted Devlin is out driving on the streets as part of his patrol job anyway and should be able to help the village prioritize the projects.

Devlin told council he felt he could help with documenting the projects and which streets are closed. At this point, there is not a lot of documentation happening, Devlin said. Devlin pointed out Ralph Ross, who fixes the street, has the knowledge to do the jobs. Devlin’s job will be to keep the projects moving by priority.

Two council members Brian Zaverl and Jim Wilson voted against Devlin serving as the streets commissioner, with Zaverl pointing out Devlin has enough to do in his police chief position and Wilson noting Devlin could still tell the village about street problems without being street commissioner.

During the meeting, council discussed several needs for street improvements, including Jefferson Street, Washington Street and a hillside sliding near Monroe Heights, threatening to take down a tree and knock down power lines. Adams noted the Ohio Department of Transportation has agreed to return in the spring to fix issues with water washing away the edge of Miner Street. Those issues were created after a bridge replacement last summer.

Additionally, council approved money to repair the jet truck, but will wait a little longer for the dump truck repairs.

In another matter, Devlin told council three members of the police department have resigned because of other offers or opportunities for them. He is currently interviewing and looking for additional help.

Council members discussed that it may be time to offer a pay raise for the police, but Devlin said he does not think that is the only issue. Devlin said there are outside opportunities in the area where the patrolmen could pick up additional hours at six or seven dollars an hour more, but some of them will not work the side jobs even then.

A finance committee meeting has been scheduled for 9 a.m. March 1.

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