Significant vandalism at Ryckman Park in recent weeks and a recent theft of transformers has brought the installation of security cameras to the forefront once again at a recent Village Board meeting.

But it is not limited to just vandalism of property and theft of equipment.

Several area teens have allegedly been verbally abusive and threatening to staff of the nearby Ahira Hall Memorial Library and residents near the park.

“It just is a little out of control,” Village Trustee Kari Doino said. “… People have almost been physically attacked.”

Village Trustee Drew Ransom spoke to his frustration over behaviors in the Village, including alleged break-ins of the personal vehicles of Fire Department members.

There have even been claims of personal vehicles of Fire Department members being broken into while the members are out responding to emergency calls.

“That makes me so angry,” said Village Trustee Drew Ransom.

The Village cannot fix the moral issues that would lead someone to victimize their local volunteer firefighters while they are out tending to the community they call home. What the Village can do, however, is install cameras to monitor the areas at most risk, such as the Fire Hall, Ryckman Park, and Village buildings for the Highway and Electric departments.

A security camera system was already recently installed at the Water Treatment Plant upon the supervision of Rich Lewis for under $3,000.

The Village sought the purchase of cameras in the past, but deemed it too costly upon further investigation. The Village has approximately $30,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funding still available as of the most recent meeting of the Board in mid-September.

Also of note at the recent meeting, the Village approved the purchase of a mower designed to handle steep banks, such as the challenging areas at the Village reservoir. The Board unanimously approved the purchase of the equipment from Larry Romance and Son, of Sheridan, at a cost of $36,984.64 from the Village’s timber funds. A three-year warranty was included in the purchase.

A battery operated connection tool for the Electric Department was also approved for purchase in the amount of $4,260.42 with available funds in the budget to cover the cost.

The Village will also seek additional quotes for work to replace the windows at the Village Hall, as well as with a proposed sign at Ryckman Park. Restoration of the brick signage outside the Village Hall was completed and the Village Board is pleased with the final product.