PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CARDBOARD TRAILER … The cardboard trailer was a topic of the night. Council discussed whether or not they would want to put up a fence around the trailer so that the cardboard is no longer able to blow out of that area.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Lyons Village Council met for its regular session on Monday, May 11, 2026. The meeting began at 7 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Council then approved the minutes from the April meeting, with no financial bills presented for action.
Public comment began with a resident from Sawmill Road raising concerns about ongoing drainage issues near his home.
He said water has continued to collect near a catch basin by his driveway, with the problem becoming worse over the past two to three years.
He explained that, even after shorter rain events, water has remained standing for a long period of time instead of draining away as expected.
The resident said he was concerned that gravel or other debris may have entered the drain line during past road work and may now be slowing or blocking the flow of water.
He also noted that nearby residents had experienced water in their basements following recent heavy rains and said he was worried that continued drainage problems could eventually damage his driveway or lead to basement flooding if sump pumps are overwhelmed.
Council members discussed the issue and said the first step will be to determine where the line runs and whether it drains toward State Route 120 or another outlet.
The village also discussed having the line jetted and possibly checked with a camera if needed. It was noted that some areas had already been jetted recently after other residents reported basement water following heavy rainfall.
Discussion then moved to maintenance matters, including plans for stone near the cardboard recycling area. Council reviewed options for fencing around the cardboard collection site in an effort to reduce cardboard blowing across nearby areas.
A quote for an 8-foot black vinyl-coated chain link fence was discussed, but council members questioned whether chain link alone would block enough wind to solve the problem.
Several alternatives were discussed, including changing the fence layout, adding slats, using a more solid barrier, or sending a reminder to residents about properly breaking down and placing cardboard in the container. Council did not make a final decision and planned to gather more information before moving forward.
The employee report also included that the village lagoon inspection had taken place with no violations reported.
Council also briefly discussed the metal roof on a nearby building and noted that work at the site continued to look good.
Under old business, council received an update on the water tower project. Officials said the village is getting closer to final approval, with additional signatures and paperwork still being completed.
The current plan is for the foundation to be installed this year, with the tower itself expected to go up next year.
The old tower is not expected to be demolished at this time, as officials said potential grant opportunities may be available for that work later.
Council also reviewed information from a presentation prepared by University of Toledo students regarding sidewalks, crosswalks, safety, and possible safe routes to school improvements.
The presentation included recommendations such as additional crosswalks, pedestrian crossing lights, and phased sidewalk or shared-use path improvements in different areas of the village.
Officials discussed the possibility of connecting future sidewalk or shared-use path work with larger road, water, or sewer improvement projects in order to improve grant opportunities.
Council members said the village has areas where students and residents do not have adequate sidewalks, and that the presentation may help support future grant applications.
Council also noted that 22 tons of salt had been ordered for the 2026-2027 season. Other community updates included reminders that bulk pickup is scheduled for May 16 and that the farmers’ market is also set for that same day.
Council also noted that the village received an insurance check for a damaged speed laser sign.
Parts have been ordered for another unit so the village can have a spare, though delivery is not expected until August or September. Memorial Day parade information has also been prepared for posting and distribution.
The village has completed and printed its Consumer Confidence Report, which is required by the EPA.
Officials said the reports are ready to be mailed, though the village may review whether future reports can be distributed by email in some cases to reduce mailing costs.
Several zoning and property issues were then discussed. Officials said letters are being prepared or sent regarding ongoing property maintenance problems, including trash, overgrown grass, and other nuisance concerns at several locations.
A police report was also reviewed for April. The village recorded 55.5 hours of police service for the month.
Council also discussed a park issue involving high water pressure at the drinking fountain, with officials noting it will need to be checked.
A catch basin at the park was also mentioned as another item to review while drainage equipment is being used.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for June 8, 2026, at 7 p.m. With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
