A MONUMENTAL CHALLENGE … Rehabilitation of the Delta Soldiers Memorial Monument, seen here, was discussed by the Delta Village Council on Monday due to visible discoloration and the deterioration of its concrete base. (PHOTO BY JESSE DAVIS / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
By: Jesse Davis
Members of the Delta Village Council discussed cleaning and maintenance of the deteriorating Delta Soldiers Memorial Monument among other items at its Monday evening meeting.
Mayor Frank Wilton brought up the topic after regular business had been completed, asking whether the statue could be power washed.
Village Administrator Brad Peebles said he was unsure if it had ever been done before, but that he could look into it.
“There remains an issue with the memorial as it pertains to the original cement slab that’s on the bottom that’s deteriorating, but we have not found a contractor who knows how to or is willing to address it,” Peebles said.
“It’s gonna have to be cut, removed. It’s gonna be a pain, it’s gonna be a very difficult process.”
He added that they were unsure of the state of the concrete of the upper portion as well, or how bad the situation underneath the upper, center portion actually is.
The monument, dedicated in 1923, includes plaques memorializing soldiers from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I.
CHICKEN FESTIVAL
Police Chief Nathan Hartsock reported to the Council that he had received a request for an F-class, 3-day liquor license for the 2023 Delta Chicken Festival, which led to a discussion of its location as well as power issues.
According to Council Member Arthur Thomas, the meter had been shut off at the building Chief Hartsock had been informed would be used for part of the festival, and that they would need a generator if they wanted power.
However, it became apparent through Council discussion that the actual location involved had been moved to a nearby parking lot.
Chief Hartsock said he would get the issue clarified with the schools next week.
ABSENT COUNCIL MEMBER
Council Member Chad Johnson’s absence from the meeting drew brief conversation and a vote.
During roll call at the beginning of the meeting, Council Member Robert Shirer indicated Johnson had called him earlier that afternoon to say he would be unable to make it to the meeting.
The Council subsequently held a vote to excuse Johnson’s absence, which drew a unanimous vote in the negative.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Council approved on third reading measures to accept a petition to annex property as well as an ordinance establishing and describing the boundaries of a community reinvestment area in the village, designating a housing officer to administer the program, and creating a community reinvestment housing council and a tax incentive review council.
The Council approved on second reading measures to declare the necessity of levying a tax in excess of the 10 mill limitation for recreational purposes, to authorize the execution of a water supply agreement with the Fulton County Commissioners, and to authorize the negotiation and execution of an easement for electric utility line construction on village-owned property.
The Council approved on first reading a measure to authorize a $10 increase in the hourly pay of a wastewater treatment employee after being told the contract employee did not receive any benefits, and that it was still less expensive to increase his pay than to hire a full-time employee at a lower pay rate and also pay benefits.
The Council approved on first reading a measure to make supplemental appropriations in order to cover costs related to an electrical issue at a park and to top off the necessary funding for a new furnace at the fire hall.
All the votes were unanimous with the exception of the utility line easement, in which Council Member Shirer abstained.
Administrator Peebles also reported the paving of Fox Drive would begin next week and be completed by the end of the month.
He said the goal was to hold a dedication sometime between mid-July and August, depending on the availability of Governor Mike DeWine, whom they plan to invite.
Jesse can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com.
