MIDDLEPORT — Getting every police cruiser equipped with a defibrillator and every officer trained in its use is a goal of the of Middleport Village Council and its police department.

A first step toward that goal was taken at Monday night’s meeting of Council. The village currently has a non-operable defibrillator, according to a report from Officer Chris Pritchard. His recommendation was to get the defibrillator operable at a cost estimated at $100, and provide him with the required training for operation, at another $100. He said that once he has the training since he is already a qualified EMS trainer, then he will be qualified to train the other officers.

As pointed out by Mayor Mike Gerlach, once the officers have been trained, then there is a possibility that grant money can be secured to equip the cruisers. He said that since seconds count in a situation where a person is not breathing, and since the police are usually the first to a scene, it would be a real advantage to have the equipment and trained personnel immediately available.

Signage on the new village hall was discussed, particularly since it still has the Middleport Elementary School sign across the top. Mony Wood, jail administer, suggested that perhaps the Meigs County Highway Department could make a suitable sign for the village. Wood said that they have just completed a directional sign for the jail since prisoners are coming in from several counties and the location was recently changed from the Race Street location to Pearl Street as a part of the old school restoration project.

Other signage needed is one at the marina, which he said is required by the government, several street signs around town, and entrance and exit signs for the new parking area in front of village hall.

In response to questions to the mayor about street work, Gerlach reported on temporary repairs being made in areas where new water and sewer lines have been laid as part of the extensive replacement project mandated by the EPA. He described the street repairs now as “temporary work to keep the dust down,” and assured something more permanent would come before the project is completed in October. The mayor also noted the line replacement work going on in the village by Columbia Gas which he said needs to be completed before repaving the streets.

As for the total repaving project, Gerlach said the village will have to get grants most of all which require matching funds. “The license fee hopefully will provide the match,” he said.

The Middleport jail report showed the amount of $26,730 having been billed out since March 29. It also shows that the Lawrence County Sheriff had been sent a contract for housing. As for inmates booked there have been 204 with 55 from Middleport and 149 from other agencies.

Both Faymon Roberts, Middleport Village Administrator, and Michael T. Hendrickson, building inspector, presented reports on their respective areas of supervision. Included in those reports were needed demolition of several properties, enforcing fencing requirements on family pools, searching for old fencing which might be used for a possible impound lot behind village hall, construction of the new parking lot in front of village hall, installing boat docks, and repairing playground equi9pment in Ferman Moore Park. As for Diles Park, it was reported that it will not be completed in time for use during the July 4 celebration.