By Matt Clevenger
For the Miami Valley Today
WEST MILTON — Don Dorman has been chosen to serve on West Milton village council, filling an open seat that has been vacant since councilman Tim Dues departure earlier this year.
Dorman was sworn-in during village council’s meeting this week.
“We had two very good candidates,” Mayor Anthony Miller said. “I think either one of them would have been a good choice.”
In other business, council members also introduced two recently-hired police officers and discussed other personnel changes at the police department.
“Sgt. Hendricks retired from the police division,” Police Chief Doyle Wright said, “and with Chief Busse retiring back last August, we’ve made some transitions.”
“We’ve hired a couple of replacements, and we’ve promoted as well,” Wright said.
“Officer Travis Bunch is a graduate of Wayne High School in Huber Heights,” he said. “He attended Sinclair Community College and graduated in December of 2021 from Edison State Community College’s police academy. Officer Bunch worked for the Miami County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer.”
Bunch is currently on his fifth week in the department’s 12-week training program.
“We’re blessed to have him as a member of the team,” Wright said.
Officer Ben Davis is also currently in the department’s training program.
“He just started with us last week,” Wright said. “He’s a graduate of Arcanum High School and Edison State Community College police academy.”
“Officer Davis has had a colorful career, serving our country in the United States Air Force,” Wright said. “He worked for the Ohio State Highway Patrol as a vehicle inspector.”
Tuesday’s council meeting also served as a public hearing for applications to renew two designated agricultural districts. Council members went on to approve both applications.
“One of the applicants is Vore Family Farms, LLC.,” Municipal Manager Jeff Sheridan said. “The other applicant is Alfred E. and Clara J. Daum as trustee. Both are renewals.”
Council members also approved several upcoming contracts and purchases, including a $20,500 contract with AIM GIS Group, LLC for converting the village’s utility mapping system from paper to a digital format and a $24,983 contract with Garber Connect for additional locks and security cameras at municipal buildings.
Council members also approved a $17,000 contract with the Rangeline Group to repair a leaking water valve in the 300 block of West Hayes Street. Council also approved the purchase of a new tractor for the village and a new Ford F-150 truck for the police department.
Council approved a $36,532.83 contract with Montros Ford for the purchase of a new F-150, and an additional $17.950 for outfitting costs.
“I’ve discussed this with the chief,” Sheridan said. “We’re able to trade-in one of our older vehicles, which is going to help with the purchase price, but it’s certainly a needed addition to the fleet.”
“This truck would be extremely useful,” Wright said. “It would also be equipped to haul prisoners just like any other police vehicle.”
“If we order this month, we’re hoping to see it by January,” Wright said.
Council members also approved a $52,000 contract with Wares Equipment for the purchase of a 2007 Case IH tractor and three different mower attachments. The village plans to sell its current tractor, which was bought in 1982, to recoup some of the new tractor’s cost.
“Looking at the price of tractors right now, we’re hoping to get $8-10,000 out of it possibly, after we do a few things to it,” service director Ben Herron said.
Council members went on to discuss the village’s recreation survey, which will end on Friday, March 11.
“If you’ve not filled it out, please complete it,” Sheridan said. “It’s on Surveymonkey; we can get you a QR code or a direct link.”
“We currently have 486 responses,” Sheridan said. “That data will be used for years to come in making decisions about how the village pursues different recreational options.”
Council members also announced two upcoming activities planned for downtown West Milton. The village’s 32nd annual Spring Open House will be held on April 8,9 and 10, and the village will also resume hosting Third Thursday events downtown.
“We’re starting Third Thursdays back up,” council member Sarah Copp said. “Every third Thursday of the month starting in May, we will have food trucks down in the parking lot and a band and possibly incorporating some different things.”
“It’s just been a really fun community event, to have everybody come out and eat, hang out and listen to the bands,” Copp said.
Village council’s next regularly scheduled meeting will be held in the municipal building at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22.
