Fire Chief Barry Podwel is asking council to reconsider his request to move dispatch from the fire department to the Columbiana County 911.

At council’s meeting Tuesday, Podwel said the fire department is required to be present when landing a medical helicopter and they had a recent incident where the helicopter had to wait 15 minutes for firefighter to respond because the one on duty at the station had to remain there to answer phones.

Council was silent on the request.

Podwel also said he conducted interviews to fill the fourth firefighter position and hopes to have a candidate to present to council at its next meeting.

In other business, police Lt. Marsha Eisenhart the police department has an officer who is retiring but wants to continue working part-time. She said she hopes the department is able to hire two more officers.

She also told council she would like an ordinance drafted prohibiting the parking of boats or trailers on the street.

Fiscal Officer Hoi Wah Yu said a business owner who is opening a powerplant and data center in Yellow Creek Township wants to meet with the village administration because he believes his business can help the village.

There was discussion on the light at the intersection of Ninth and Main streets still not working and whether or not to maintain that as a permanent four-way stop or have the light repaired.

Village Administrator Jeff Cope said it would cost about $30,000 to replace that light. Council Member Mike Lombardozzi suggested taking the light box from the intersection of Fifth and Main streets to replace the one at Ninth Street and make Fifth Street a four-way stop.

Council members also discussed leasing gas and oil rights at the Wellsville Reservoir. Council President Keith Thorn suggested council have someone speak to them about it at a future meeting.

Thorn also noted there was interest expressed in opening another clinic in the village for disabilities associated with drugs and he would like to arrange to have someone speak to council on the topic.

Council approved multiple pieces of legislation including ordinances to advertise and receive bids for the lease of the Wellsville Reservoir; a pay increase for the volunteer firefighters who are paid per call for calls within the village; resolutions to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Road Salt Contracts for 2026 for 300 tons of salt; and to grant a one-time variance from the application fee and security deposit to the Columbia Gas Company.

Also approved were the payment of bills totaling $4,788.90, a liquor permit for Whether or Not/CEC Square LLC, 565 Wells Ave., and the minutes from the March 3 regular meeting, March 10 special meeting and March 17 regular meeting.

There will be a Park Board meeting on April 23 at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Wellsville Village Hall.

The Wellsville Chamber of Commerce is holding a village cleanup day on April 18. Anyone wanting to participate should meet at the gazebo at 9 a.m.

The Wellsville Village Council meets the first and Third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Wellsville Village Hall, 1200 Main St. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 21.

Kgarabrandt@mojonews.com