DAVID K. AESCHLIMAN MEMORIAL … Plans to improve the 48-year-old memorial are in the beginning stages as the steps are in disrepair. The memorial was built by the Archbold Area Jaycees in 1976. (PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
Archbold Village Council met for a regular meeting on Monday, June 3rd with a light agenda and all council members in attendance. Mayor Brad Grime and Assistant Village Administrator Aaron Alt were also on hand to take part in the conversation.
Opening the meeting, Archbold resident Jay Schnitkey expressed concern about the declining condition of the David K. Aeschliman memorial in Memorial Park.
According to the Historical Marker Database (HSMD.org), the memorial was built by the Archbold Area Jaycees in 1976 in memory of 1967 Archbold High School graduate David K. Aeschliman who served in Vietnam with the 17th Air Cavalry Troop B, 3rd Armored Squadron.
Aeschliman was shot down while on duty on January 12, 1970, and succumbed to his injuries four days later.
Schnitkey pointed out that the steps leading to the memorial have significantly deteriorated, posing accessibility issues, especially for older veterans. He also advised he knew of several volunteers willing to help out with the project.
Schnitkey reached out to the village’s Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Kidder who passed along his concerns to the mayor.
Mayor Grime shared that Kidder has been in contact with Defiance Memorial for assistance. He also noted that in order to properly reconstruct the memorial, many hands will be needed and the initiative will require a coordinated effort between the village, the American Legion, and volunteers to spearhead and coordinate the project.
“To be quite honest with you, the memorial needs to be torn down and replaced,” added Mayor Grime.
Some residents have proposed simplifying the memorial while maintaining its beauty, possibly reconfiguring it to one level for better accessibility.
Others would like to see the memorial maintained with the David K. Aeschliman name while transforming it into a veterans’ memorial that also honors all military branches and conflicts.
Alt added that the first step is to identify someone to head up and organize the meetings to keep the project moving forward.
The mayor suggested a meeting with the Building and Grounds Committee, the American Legion, and other interested parties to “get the ball rolling” on the project.
Moving on to German Township updates, Trustee Brad Short, shared that a one mile stretch of Township Road 24 will see updates this summer.
It was also announced later in the meeting that the village was awarded a $3,494,623 grant by the Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Highway Safety Improvement Program.
The funds received are to construct a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of State Route 2 and Township Road 24.
Leading up to the project, which is slated to begin in 2028, the village plans to consider possible temporary safety measures including reducing the speed limit on State Route 2 and adding a 4-way stop at the intersection.
In regular business, council approved minutes from the May 20 meeting and authorized the payment of bills and payroll in the amount of $239,622.78.
Addressing legislation, following an emergency declaration, Council adopted Resolution 2024-31 accepting “Change Order #2 FINAL” for the Sanitary Sewer Lining Project. Assistant VA Alt added that the contract cost increase of $41,929.56 was a result of repairing sections of the sanitary sewer that had failures.
According to Alt, the entire northwest quadrant has now been repaired and the village has applied for grant funding to improve the eastern quadrant but has yet to receive word if that grant will be awarded.
Reviewing Committee and Board Minutes, liaison to the park board, councilor Chad Kern noted that at its May 22 meeting, the committee walked around Woodland Park to view improvements made.
He also shared that landscaping around the Scout Cabin in Ruihley Park has been refreshed by Boy Scout member Carson Schrock, who will also maintain it throughout the summer.
Alt provided an update on the park board’s recommendation to Council to sell a 0.8-acre tract of land in Woodland Park.
This triangular wedge, located behind 100 Woodland Drive, is adjacent to the proposed building site of new apartments. Upon transfer, the property will serve as an area for stormwater retention.
“This sale is a good way for (the Park Board) to alleviate some of their maintenance needs as well as make a little bit of money,” Alt added about the proposed real estate transfer.
Surveys will be conducted, and details are being worked out with the property owner and their design engineer. Alt mentioned that legislation will eventually be brought before the Council to authorize the sale.
Moving on to Building & Grounds updates, councilor Gary Dominique noted that the committee met with all park employees to discuss the committee taking a more active role in the park system. Together, they established a plan to identify and prioritize maintenance projects within village parks.
Council also reviewed the May 29 report of the Police & Fire Committee meeting. Councilor Aaron Babcock noted that discussions primarily consisted of future planning for the agencies.
Reports before council included an update on May 2024 Income Tax Receipts. Alt added, “For the month of May – it was a good month. Withholding though, was down slightly – almost 2%.”
“Year to date, we’re still, in total, up 13.27%. Withholding is a smidge up as well at 2.4%. Otherwise, business returns are doing great. It looks like the economy in Archbold is doing well.”
With no further business, council then went into an executive session to discuss property and personnel matters with no action taken.
The Archbold Village Council will next meet on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m.
