(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
REPORT … Mayor Barnhiser reviews the monthly sheriff’s report during Monday night’s meeting.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Lyons Village Council met for its regular meeting on Monday, July 7, at 7:01 p.m., starting with the approval of the previous minutes and the acceptance of the May and June financial reports and bills.
Council dedicated part of the meeting to the long-planned rehabilitation of the village water tower. Staff reported that funding is now secured, bid specifications should be ready within a month, and the project is expected to be completed by the end of August next year.
Local costs are estimated at around $233,000, though the village is still exploring additional grants that could reduce the final cost.
With tower plans in place, members discussed where Lyons will purchase its water once the current supply contract with Wauseon expires.
Tests on water drawn from the Northeast Water District came back favorable, providing the village with a viable alternative.
Council agreed to begin negotiations with both providers this fall so that price, quality, and long-term service can be compared well before a decision is made.
Public works crews have already repaired a cracked line on Barden Avenue and are gathering June water-loss data.
Additional meter pits may be installed before winter once a cost estimate is received, and lead and copper sampling required by the Environmental Protection Agency will begin soon.
On the financial side, staff continues to investigate a loss of $106,000 from forged checks traced to banks in Texas. It was stated that subpoenas will need to be issued to recover the money, and the village is studying Positive Pay safeguards that would automatically block questionable withdrawals.
The village has been working with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and has contacted the banks involved to recover the funds.
In better news, a letter from the United States Department of Agriculture outlined a refinancing option through the Ohio Water Development Authority that could reduce the interest rate on an existing loan from 4.25 percent to about 1.75 percent, saving approximately $260,000 over the life of the loan.
Council then discussed the possibility of charging for notary services at the village office, deciding to monitor demand before setting any fees, and noting that village residents will likely receive the service at no charge. Members also approved Ordinance 25-13, which prohibits planting trees within the public right-of-way.
Next, it was reported that Nick Kerekes of Gravy Brothers Construction inspected the roofs of the municipal office and garage and found lifted nails and worn sealant after noticing leaks in several areas.
Council approved his $8,500 proposal to reseal and recoat both roofs. Street crews completed this year’s pothole repairs and crack sealing, and a lower-mounted aerator is being considered to make future maintenance easier on the new water tower.
It was also announced that the North Adrian housing development has five homes progressing with interior work, and a separate project on Sawmill Street is progressing well.
The Fall Bulk Pickup is scheduled for October 4. The Humane Society removed several roaming cats following recent complaints, and council expressed support for a request to add more American flags downtown.
The sheriff’s May report was next, indicating that 59 patrol hours, 10 complaints, one citation, and two warnings were logged. With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.