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BRIDGEPORT -- Additional stop signs may be installed in parts of the village to limit speeding and traffic accidents.
Mayor Norma Teasdale raised the matter during Tuesday's meeting. She said Street Superintendent Travis Snodgrass approached her about installing stop signs along numerous streets in Aetnaville.
"There aren't any signs at all going down First Street, Second Street, going down Third Street or coming up," Teasdale said.
Solicitor Michael Shaheen said there should be a recommendation from the public safety officer and legislation written up regarding the installation of stop signs.
Police Chief John Bumba, who is also the public safety officer, said he "highly recommends" adding the stop signs to prevent crashes in the area.
While discussing the matter, Councilman Ben Lenz said motorists leaving Gould Park often run the stop sign.
"It's ridiculous. I watched eight cars run the stop sign," he said, adding that it happens often.
"They don't stop. … I know people run stop signs all over the village but it's just constant in the summertime."
Bumba said he would station a patrol car in the area.
Shaheen offered a reminder to motorists that they need to remain cognizant of the traffic laws to ensure the safety of fellow motorists and pedestrians, especially with warmer weather approaching and more people traveling.
Teasdale also announced that the village's annual spring cleanup is set to take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3. She said it will be the same as last year with smaller items being picked up at residents' homes. Stations for larger items will be announced in the coming weeks.
In other matters, Bumba gave his monthly report in which he said the department had 466 calls for service during the month of March, 15 arrests, and 326 traffic stops with 64% resulting in warnings and 36% citations. He said officers are seeing an increase in the department's call volume.
Bumba said they will soon be down to five officers after an officer recently gave his notice. He said there is a "supply and demand" problem throughout the state with a shortage of officers and no candidates to fill the vacancies. He noted that many local departments are short on officers, with some considering raises in pay to compete with higher-paying departments.
Assistant Police Chief Darby Copeland said they will be reviewing the department's budget to see if there's anything they can do to assist in keeping officers and bringing in new ones.
"We're the same as everyone else, just trying to figure out how to navigate this and how to maintain 24/7, 365 police, which is what we're obligated to do as a village," he said, adding that if one more officer leaves, the department will be in "crisis mode."
Copeland touted the actions of younger officers who responded to a fire in Martins Ferry last weekend when a resident allegedly came at officers with a knife and hatchet when they entered the burning home. The situation continued outside the home with multiple departments responding to the call.
"We were very, very proud of both of our officers who finally got there. One kid was by himself for probably what seemed like an eternity but was only a few minutes, but an awful lot happened in those few minutes and they did a great job," he said.
Teasdale added that she was also proud of the officers.
Also, Teasdale said she received a letter from Councilwoman Shirley Hamilton who plans to resign from council effective April 30. Hamilton cited that she will soon be moving to Freeport, which is her reason for the resignation.
"I want to thank everyone for the time on council and wish everyone well," Teasdale read from the letter.
Teasdale thanked Hamilton, who was present at the meeting, for taking on the role.
"We enjoyed having you," she added.
Shaheen said once the resignation becomes effective, council must advertise the opening of the position.