City Council unanimously voted to authorize and accept a body armor grant for the Galion Police Department during its Oct. 9 meeting. The grant is offered through the Ohio Attorney General’s Office in conjunction with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and the purpose is to prevent injuries and fatalities among police officers.

Grant amount is $1,786 with a 25 percent local match of $595. It will allow the purchase of 10 vests. Council member Gail Baldinger noted that no vests will go out of service. The new vests contain a metal plate that is more protective than Kevlar, and will be kept in cruisers in the event of an active shooter.

Discussion continued on Ord. 2018-58, to amend section 945.01 of the codified ordinances. It clarifies that gas motors on private boats are not allowed on any city reservoir. The third reading passed 5-1 with Council member Tom Fellner dissenting. Council member Shirley Clark was absent.

Council tabled Ord. 2018-64 to appropriate $20,000 from unappropriated funds to the Capital Outlay/Buildings line item within the mayor’s budget. Mayor Tom O’Leary explained the money would be used to acquire the property immediately east of the city building, which includes the former Millie’s Diner and a former small engine repair shop. The property would be used for additional parking and equipment storage.

Council member Gail Baldinger requested documentation regarding any underground storage tanks on the property or asbestos in the buildings. The legislation was tabled pending further information.

Resolutions 2018-11 and 2018-12 appointed Nadia Oehler and Kara Ault to the Galion Board of Health, respectively.