LONDON, Ohio — The London City Council on June 18 approved measures allowing police officers and firefighters to purchase their duty weapons and receive helmets and badges upon retirement, while tabling a resolution to sell two aging dump trucks after council members raised concerns about their condition.
Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 137-26, which permits officers with at least 10 years of service to buy their primary duty weapon for $1. The previous requirement was 25 years. A companion resolution, 138-26, allows fire personnel to receive a surplus helmet and badge upon retirement, disability, or death. Both measures passed 7-0.
The council also unanimously approved ordinances setting the maximum original appointment age for police officers and firefighters at 41, aligning city code with state law. Both ordinances were adopted with emergency clauses, allowing them to take effect immediately.
A resolution to advertise for bids for a 2008 Navistar Workstar 7400 and a 2004 GMC C4500 dump truck sparked debate. Councilman Hayes requested an inspection of the vehicles before proceeding, citing concerns about their condition. A motion to table the resolution failed, but the item was left on the agenda for the next meeting without a vote on adoption.
“We need to know what we’re selling before we put it out for bids,” Hayes said during the discussion.
In other business, council amended and adopted a resolution to sell a 2025 Ford Mustang GT convertible obtained through forfeiture, setting a minimum bid of $45,000. The council also authorized the sale of a 2004 GMC Yukon previously used by the fire chief, which has 170,149 miles.
Council introduced a proposed ordinance to place a ballot question before voters in November for a governmental natural gas aggregation program. The program would allow residents to opt out of a collective natural gas purchasing agreement, similar to the city’s existing electricity aggregation program. A public hearing is scheduled for July 2.
The council also approved a $101,750.25 appropriation increase for repairs and upgrades to the city hall sound system, including new cordless microphones. The measure was amended to use funds from the miscellaneous city hall account.
Mayor Patrick Closser reported that a new sanitation contract with Rumpke will take effect Aug. 1, which he said will save residents money. He also noted that the new police facility is nearing completion, with a dedication ceremony planned for July 30.
Council members discussed ongoing sinkhole issues around the city, with administration officials attributing most to recent water line repairs by Mid-Ohio. Officials said they are working with the utility to address the problems.