Village eyes outlawing jake brakes

The police chief has asked for additional millage .

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Village council has advanced legislation outlawing jake brakes for trucks on Calla Road.

The measure passed a second reading by a 5-1 vote Monday with Councilman Dan Santangelo voting no. He said after the meeting that he voted no because of safety concerns.

Some residents have complained that trucks disturb the early morning peace when they use the noisy engine retardants. Opponents of restrictions have said the jake brakes, however, allow a truck to stop more quickly, which could be a factor if a child ran into a truck’s path.

A third and final reading will be held at the Aug. 13 meeting.

Also Monday:

UCouncil delayed a decision until August on what type of police millage request it will put on the November ballot. A four-mill levy is due for renewal, and the police chief has asked for additional millage to help meet the department’s increasing costs. The matter will be discussed at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13, when the safety committee meets just before council’s 7 p.m. meeting at the municipal building.

UCouncil accepted a $48,809, 20-year, no-interest loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission for Phase III work on Stacy Drive. The money will provide additional drainage work there.

UCouncil agreed to add paving of the Walker Alley, located next to the municipal building, to the cost of the summer paving program at a cost of up to $4,958. Councilman Dan Stanton voted against the motion and council President William Douglas abstained. Stanton said the cost was not warranted, adding that adequate information was not presented Monday. Douglas said he objects to the fact that a resident uses part of the alley as a private driveway.

UCouncil approved spending $2,500 to equip the new school resource officer vehicle and $800 to repair worn gears on a road department tractor.