PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
COMING SOON … Council has authorized an all-way stop at the intersection of State Route 2 and Township Road 24 as a temporary measure to reduce accidents until a roundabout is constructed in 2028.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
Archbold Village Council met on Monday, October 21 for its second regular meeting of the month.
Addressing safety issues that continue to plague the intersection of State Route 2 and Township Road 24 on the west edge of the village, Council passed Resolution 2024-47 authorizing the Village Administrator, Aaron Alt, to proceed with the steps necessary to implement an all-way stop at the intersection.
The intersection is slated for construction of a $4 million roundabout, scheduled to begin in the summer of 2028.
Looking at temporary safety measures, the village had considered a speed limit reduction on State Route 2, however, such a change to a state route would require costly speed and safety studies.
Instead, the village has opted to install an all-way stop in coordination with ODOT, based on a 2023 safety analysis, according to Village Administrator Alt.
The decision comes as a response to frequent accidents at that location caused by drivers failing to yield or notice oncoming traffic.
By stopping all traffic, the village aims to reduce the severity and frequency of accidents at the intersection until the roundabout construction is complete. Notice of the traffic pattern change will be posted in the area in the upcoming weeks.
Heard for its first reading was Ordinance 2024-48 which if approved, will provide for a water rate increase effective on the January 1st 2025 Billing/December 2024 consumption period.
If the legislation passes as presented at the first reading, Village of Archbold water customers could see a 10% across-the-board water rate hike.
A larger rate increase is necessary to address the costs associated with carbon replacement and debt payments for the granular activated carbon (GAC) water system installed in 2022.
The village must replace four carbon tanks annually, totaling approximately $400,000. The rate increase will also help bolster the water department’s reserves, ensuring the plant can be maintained without resorting to additional loans.
According toAlt, a review of the financial data revealed that even a 3% rate increase, as implemented in previous years, would be inadequate to cover these expenses and build the necessary reserves.
This was the first reading of the ordinance, and the proposed rate could change before final legislation is passed. The three-reading process allows Council time to review and adjust the proposal while giving the public an opportunity to provide input.
Two other pieces of legislation also heard for first reading were Ordinance 2024-49 and Ordinance 2024-50.
Ordinance 2024-49 provides for a 3% wastewater rate increase effective the January 1, 2025 Billing/December 2024 consumption period to keep up with the rising cost of chemicals and to cover routine expenses.
Ordinance 2024-50 would repeal and replace Ordinance Number 2019-46 which establishes monthly residential refuse service fees.
Alt explained that the village’s General Fund currently subsidizes 20% of refuse services but the village plans to phase that subsidy out by 2027.
Under the village’s new contract with ARS, carts are provided at no additional cost, and residents no longer pay the $35 annual cart fee. This change means that some households will see an increase in refuse rates, while others may not notice a difference.
After declaring an emergency, council passed Resolution 2024-46 which accepts “Change Order #1 Final for Miscellaneous Sidewalk Improvements.”
The approval of additional sidewalk repairs was based on identified needs and favorable pricing, making it cost-effective to complete the work now, rather than face a potential 23% or higher price tag if delayed until next year.
In routine matters, council accepted the minutes from the October 7 meeting and approved the payment of $890,522.62 for employee payroll and bills.
Council reviewed minutes from its October 7 planning meeting concerning the Park Board. Discussions revolved around the village restructuring its park governance by establishing a formal Parks Committee comprised of council members.
The change would align the park department with how other departments, such as streets, utilities, police, and fire, are managed.
The new Parks Committee would take on the budgeting responsibilities, while the Park Board would shift to a more advisory role, focusing on programming and events.
The Utility Committee Report of October 14 was also reviewed and it was noted the committee is currently reviewing the 2025 Water and Wastewater department budgets.
Recommendations were also made to begin phasing out the refuse service subsidy, increase water and wastewater rates, and evaluate the external rates charged to neighboring communities such as Ridgeville Corners, Pettisville, Elmira, and Burlington water and wastewater services.
Tree Board meeting minutes before Council reflected that the village is actively addressing the issue of invasive pear trees while preparing for fall tree plantings.
Also before council was a report concerning the promotion of Colton Soles to Wastewater Plant Maintenance Supervisor, a position that had been vacant since the previous supervisor was elevated to Assistant Superintendent.
Archbold Village Council’s next regular meeting is set for Monday, November 4, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the municipal building.