FIRE CHIEF REPORT … Pioneer Fire Chief Denny Fackler (standing on left) is seen here giving his monthly report to Council at their June 14, 2021 council meeting. Seated from left to right are Council members Connie Salisbury, Bill Turner, President Joel Burt, Fiscal Officer April McMillen and Mayor Ed Kidston. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
An ordinance accepting the recommendation of the Pioneer Planning and Zoning Commission, “designating the zone of annexed territory as M-2 (Industrial and Manufacturing), requesting an update to the official zoning map of the Village of Pioneer” was approved at the June 14, 2021 council meeting.
Owners of the land include Reifel, Rupp, Kidston and Everson so Mayor Ed Kidston withdrew from the meeting during discussion and voting.
Village attorney Tom Thompson explained that when the land was annexed, it was never zoned and that needed to be done. Council voted unanimously to set aside the three readings rule and to pass the ordinance.
Council also approved declaring an emergency and passage of an Ordinance “amending appropriations for 2021” to cover a Change order and for more professional assistance from village attorney than what was budgeted.
Resolution 121-2021 “A resolution declaring it necessary to improve South State Street by the installation of new curbs, new storm drainage and new sidewalks along the east side of S. State Street from a point 551 linear feet south of the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section 21 of Madison Township to the southernmost point of the radius at the Pioneer Mobile Plaza, a distance of approximately 695 linear feet, in accordance with plans and specifications as set forth in section 2, and declaring an emergency,” was approved by council as well.
In regular business, council approved the minutes of the previous meeting, the agenda for the present meeting, the Financial Report, payment of the bills and payment of Pioneer Hardware Store.
Police Chief Tim Livengood was not present but a short report was in the council members’ packets. Fire Chief Fackler reported that they had 33 runs since the last meeting.
In his Administrator’s Report, Al Fiser informed council of a number of projects. The Water Plant contract needed to be extended to October 30 as the company is having with scheduling.
It is 60 to 65% complete. Council voted to extend that contract. The Resurfacing project is mostly complete, with a few things to finish up.
There was a Change Order request as they had to do more grinding than was anticipated so it is going to cost $74,763.20 more. In order for it to be done correctly, there was not much they could do to stop the cost change.
The total project cost ends up at $281,006.68. Mayor Kidston clarified, that this will be done with “no additional assessments to homeowners.” It was a job done well, it just ended up costing more than was expected. Council voted to approve the change order.
They have a short list of bids for the sale of the 69 Volt lines that the village is checking into the prospect of selling. They are considering a proposal from AMPT.
A recommendation should come back to council soon. Mr. Thompson clarified that there was some confusion with the numbers and those are being clarified.
Fiscal Officer April McMillen informed council that the village has still not received the incentive money in the amount of $270,000, which they were told is coming from the government.
They will get the first half, and then the second half in twelve months.
That money will go into a special covid fund, but McMillen said they still do not have the guidelines for how that money can be spent, but are hoping they can use it for necessary improvements in water, sewer or broadband projects.
Mayor Kidston spoke about how well the village is doing financially. “Our accounts are overflowing,” he said, adding, “Things are going really well.”
He named several accounts that have never been as high as they are presently. “We must be doing things right. We came through covid with flying colors,” was his other comment on the funds.
Councilor Randy Cochran asked if the parades are advertised online and Mayor said it has been a struggle to get things online as the village has not hired someone to do that.
There has been some discussion about the need as others want to come see parades and there is no way to find out when they are. “It’s a challenge for small towns,” Mayor said, “it is something we need to do better with.”
Councilor Albert Kwader said that he had a call from someone about a sign directing traffic that is causing some large trucks to go on streets where they should not be. Fiser said they will check into the signage and make it more clear.
The Kaleb McLaughlin event is coming up on July 10th and it will be a big weekend with a parade on Friday night at 6:30, a Chicken BBQ, and a 5K, Duck Race and Fireworks on Saturday as well as the Ride directed by Kim and Kevin Oxender.
There will be Bull Riding and other aspects as well. On Sunday morning there will be a Community Church Service in Cromer Park and a Picnic Dinner served by some of the mayor’s family members.
Council voted to approve the re-appointment of Ryan Burt to the Zoning Committee. He has finished one term and will do another six years.
Mayor Kidston also alerted council that the village “will be re-painting the Blue Line as we always want our citizens to always know that we support our police.”
Council went into an Executive Session for possible litigation and employee compensation, before adjourning.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
