BRUNSWICK, Ohio --- For the past several years, the city has periodically honored members of the community for random acts of kindness and thoughtfulness through its Good Neighbor Award. At the Jan. 25 city council meeting, Mayor Ron Falconi presented the latest Good Neighbor Award to a resident whose actions went beyond neighborliness to downright heroic.
"On Nov. 19, I dropped dead of a heart attack," said 55-year-old Scott Baloun, who, with his wife, Liz, nominated Diane Skoda for the award. "Diane ran across the street and brought me back by performing CPR on me."
Baloun went on to say that the otherwise low-key and humble Skoda, who chose not to comment after receiving the award, is "a good neighbor to our kids and us."
Liz Baloun said the family wanted to do something to honor Skoda and bring attention to the bigger issue.
"Diane is a really humble, private person and this is from the heart," she said. "But everyone should know basic CPR, the Heimlich and how to administer an Epi pen. If not, Scott would not be here."
Baloun went on to thank the city police and fire forces.
Lower insurance rates
Council members passed a resolution to enter into a one-year contract with Travelers Insurance for property; automotive; inland marine; general, public officials and police liability; boiler and machines; crime and cyber coverage; employment practice and umbrella insurance coverage.
Administrative Services Manager Julie Murawski said the city insurance agent was able to negotiate a rate 12 percent less than the city's current rate with the Ohio Plan, as well as increase its levels of coverage with Travelers.
CHIP grant renewed
Council also approved a resolution authorizing the city to renew its Housing Revolving Loan Fund Administration agreement with the state of Ohio for another three years.
Economic Development Director Grant Aungst said the city's current Community Housing Impact and Preservation, or CHIP, program contract with the state expires at the end of January.
CHIP funds, Aungst said, help members of the community who need financial help to keep their homes up and do basic maintenance.
Board appointments
Council members approved the mayor's recommendations to appoint Doreen Hutchinson to the board of zoning appeals and Abbas Hasan to the planning commission.