By: Jacob Kessler
The Fayette Village Council held their meeting on Wednesday, March 23rd at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was called to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.
Council first moved to approve the agenda as amended. Council minutes from the March 9th meeting and the Public Works/Finance meeting minutes from March 16th were also approved.
The mayors report followed next with Mayor Borer discussing the letter received by residents regarding the solar project coming in to the east of town.
Some residents thought maybe the village had something to do with it, but the village is not involved due to it being out in the county.
This is the first of two projects with work looking to begin at the beginning of the month. The school will receive a large financial benefit from the project totaling around $1.25 Million to $1.5 Million annually between the two projects.
The mayor then proceeded to give his State of The Village Address. “It seems as though the last couple of years have gone by in a blur. With all the COVID-19 restrictions and fiscal programs that tried to ease the financial hardships that this has caused everyone.”
“The staff at the Village of Fayette has been very vigilant in keeping abreast of these ever-changing programs and making the most of them for the village.”
“Sgt. Bill McConnell has done an awesome job again the past year by applying for and receiving several grants,” said Mayor Borer.
He continued with “The department continues to have a great working relationship with the Fayette School system through the School Resource Officer program which covers a large portion of one officers’ salary.”
“The impound lot operated in the red in 2021 but should recover with the promise of selling said turned over vehicles in 2022. So far in 2022, Officer McConnell has procured funding for a new in car camera system, a new server for police videos and another ballistic vest.”
“Thanks, Officer McConnell. Outstanding job and thanks to the US Department of Justice, Ohio Means Jobs, council members, Chief Simon and Karin Sauerlender for her assistance with many of these programs.”
The address continues with “The maintenance staff has done an outstanding job this year in the face of some unusual and brutal challenges that they’ve worked through with minimal effects to the village residents water service.”
“We’ve tried to make their job a little more convenient. These guys did an awesome job keeping everything going over the past year and getting ready with what’s coming in the future. Last but certainly not least is our office staff.”
“On the front lines of everything that is going on in our village on a daily basis during regular working hours and multiple after hour meetings and functions that require your attention.”
“When we start talking about grant funding, this is where things really go into the unprecedented territory.”
“Our Village Administrator Genna Biddix applied for a Capital Funding Grant through the State of Ohio and received $50,000 to go towards the splash pad.”
“She has done an amazing job juggling the daily and long-term projects that are necessary to improve the village. There are I’m sure, things I have forgotten to mention.”
“Oh wait, she got us a grant for $10 million to replace our failing water system. The biggest thing in my opinion to ever happen to the Village of Fayette. Thanks to the best administrator we have ever had.”
“We have some huge work ahead, and even bigger challenges but we are a village that has been here for 150 years so I’m sure with that being said we can weather the next storms and continue to be a thriving community. Respectfully Mayor Borer.”
Following the report, council heard a report from the Village Administrator. In regard to the splash pad grant, the deadline to finish the project is June 30th, 2022.
The water distribution project, among other things, has taken precedence. ODNR can give a project extension which will extend the agreement to December 31st, 2022. A motion was made and accepted to approve the Village Administrators report.
Next, for the VFO’s report, a copy of the grant agreement extension was given to council members as well as a copy of the ODOT road salt contract.
A few changes were made to the bill list as well. The VFO’s report was approved before moving on to approve the paying of the bills. The following resolution and legislative action were then approved.
The First Reading for Resolution 2022-04 authorizing participation in the 2022 ODOT Road Salt Contract. A motion to direct Administrator Biddix to sign Amendment #1 to the Capital Improvement Legislative Grant Agreement to extend the grant period to December 31st, 2022.
A motion was then made to enter into Executive session at 6:20 p.m. Upon returning from executive session with no actions made, council moved to adjourn for the evening.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com