Village of Shreve Council Newsletter May 4, 2026

PUBLIC COMMENT

De-Annexation Request -- Tom Chase (Follow Up)

Tom Chave hadequate previously  presented to Council his interest in de-annexation of roughly 30 acres of his land from the Village of Shreve corporation limits so he could sell it.

He rreturned to aaddress Council  regarding this request. He had offered to show the property to any council members that would like to see it, but no one went out. Councilmember Jeff Edington expressed concern with removing Village property that borders residential backyards on Jefferson Street. Those homes are outside the corporation limits, but Councilmember Edington didn't want to see the Village’s footprint shrink.

Mayor Martin  noted that the property was brought into the Village’s limits when Red Head Manufacturing arrived in 1971 and has been part of the Village for over 50 years.

Mr. Chase stated that he had a potential buyer interested in the property as a hunting area. Councilmembers expressed concern with hunting activity adjacent to residential areas, though it was noted that those properties are already outside Village limits. Councilmember Shearer agreed on not wanting the Village to shrink. Mayor Martin noted that he wasn't in favor of the Village shrinking either, that the Village needs to grow instead.

Solicitor Marcum noted that decision to detach the property rest on the council's decision, and if they voted to to not proceed there was nothing further to be done.

Motion to proceed with de-annexation of the Chase Property: Councilmember Bender. The motion failed to get a second.

NEW BUSINESS

• 2026 Cost of Living and Performance-Based Raises:  Mayor Martin raised the topic of 2026 Cost of Living and Performance-Based Raises.  Cost of living raises in prior years have been 3.5%, with an additional potential 3% performance-based increases, based on review process. Solicitor Marcum noted that as long as the raises fall within the existing pay scale that the funds were already appropriated.  Council President Garst expressed preference for conducting performance reviews before approving any performance-based raises, Councilmember Edington agreed. The Cost of Living and Performance-Based Raises  will be revisited at the next Council meeting. No action was taken.

• Police Department Office Plumbing Repair:  Village Administrator Hughes presented three quotes for plumbing repairs at the Police Department Office. The quotes were for replacing two toilets, replacing any subflooring, waterline, and then putting down new flooring. Lakeville Drain Cleaning for $2,350 was approved by Councilmember Edington,  second by Councilmember Hilton.

• Confirmation of Part-time Police Officer -- Chris Pekarek:  Chief Flinner rrequested cconfirmation of Chis Pekarak as a part-time police officer.  Chief Flinner reported the Officer Pekarek has experience and has completed a refresher course and has returned to active status, and currently serves full-time with the fire department.  He will be brought on as a part-time officer. This brings the Village of Shreve Police Department to one full-time and five part-time officers. Council discussed police coverage, particularly on weekends.  Chief Flinner stated that once the officers have completed the required 80 hours of field training the schedules will be adjusted accordingly.  It will be made to cover across different shifts to maximize community coverage. Motion to confirm Officer Pekarek as Part-time Police Officer: Councilmember Garst, second by Councilmember Edington.

POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT -- JANUARY 1 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2026

Chief Flinner presented the police department activity report; they handled 320 calls for service during the period, Chief Flinner personally handled approximately 70% of those calls, with the remaining 30% handled by other officers.  Activity included, citations, follow-up investigations, special details, training, criminal enforcement,  community calls and crashes. There were 17 Mayor's Court tickets, four municipal citations carrying a total of 16 charges, including one citation with five charges and another with eight charges.

Councilmember Shearer aasked about the department's ability to conduct welfare checks, Chief Flinner confirmed the department will be able to handle welfare check requests, and encouraged residents to call dispatch to request them. He noted that the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office also covers welfare checks when the Shreve Police Department is not available.

Chief Flinner reported that the department is ready to Transition over to the Lexipol System for standard operating procedures and policy management.  Lexipol will keep the department in compliance with state, local, and federal requirements and is a step toward achieving collaborative compliance certification,  which is a major requirement for many police grant programs the department has previously been unable to access.

Dodge Charger Police Vehicle -- Repair Discussion

Chief Flinner presented repair invoices for the Dodge Charger Police Vehicle, which has 126,737 miles and approximately 14,000 engine hours. The latest Repair Quote from Competition totals $2,320, wwhich when ccombined with prior recent repairs would bring total maintenance cost to $4,555.30 over just 297 miles -- equating to $13.65 per mile excluding fuel. Diagnosis indicates the engine is worn out, cylinder eight misfire which spark plug replacement didn't help.

Fiscal  Officer Weirick confirmed there is no funding currently available for a replacement vehicle unless grant funding can be obtained. Council discussed whether it was worth investing in. Council asked for more quotes from other shops before making a decision. No action taken.

• WASTEWATER PLANT PLUMBING REPAIR:  Village Administrator Hughes presented two quotes for plumbing repairs at tye Wastewater Treatment Plant involving the potable water system. Administrator Hughes recommended Johnny's Servive, which has over 20 years experience. The work involves replacing galvanized fittings on each side of the meter with brass or copper fittings. Motion to approve repairs: Councilmember Edington,  second by Councilmember Hilton.

• Heavy Equipment Repair -- Mechanical Solutions:  Village Administrator Hughes presented two quotes for repair of a piece of heavy equipment,  involving the oil cooler and potentially the motor. The quote was from Mechanical Solutions (loca5ed in Holmesville)  was ccomparable to a competing quote from Murphy's in Canton, butilities MMechanicalSolutions eliminatesthe ttransportation ccosts of hauling eequipment 40 mminutes each way. Mechanical Solutions was approved based on proximity,  comparable pricing and the Village’s positive prior experience with the company. Motion to approve: Councilmember Garst,  second by Councilmember Edington. 

RESOLUTION

 Resolution 8-2026: Ttransition IIncome Tax Sservices to RITA (Emergency)

Authorizing the Mayor and Administration to transition municipal income tax services from CCA  to the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) and declaring an emergency.  Council noted that that transition period is six-month notice period to CCA provides adequate time for the transition and the passing of the resolution. Motion to suspend the rules: Councilmember Edington,  second by Councilmember Hammitt. Motion to approve Resolution 8-2026: Councilmember Garst,  second by Councilmember Shearer.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

LiveStreaming of Council Meetings. Mayor Martin confirmed that the technical setup to live-stream Council meetings to Facebook and the Village website can be completed. Announcement will be posted on the Village page once live stream begins.