Biddle Park will receive eight new shade trees.
The Park Board met Oct. 11 and the trees were among the topics discussed. Council representatuve Rick Frey said the board discussed the Tree Commission’s request and the board agreed that was something members would like see done. The board will get together and to get with Public Works Superintendent Dave Murry on what type of trees to plant.
Mayor Huner questioned if the shade trees going into Biddle Park could cause a problem if the roots grow into the underground water system. Frey said it should not be a problem.
“When you see a shade tree you see as many lawn chairs around the tree that can be,” Frey said.
Murry gave an update on the swimming pool, the sunscreen hub and paving project at Biddle Park.
There was discussion about putting caution tape or fencing around the asphalt pile in the parking lot at Homecoming Park that will eventually be used for the nature trail project in the woods next to the park. That project will be run by the Rotary Club.
There was discussion about smoking, specifically at Biddle Park. It was discussed that Archbold had put up signs without actually enacting an ordinance about no smoking.
The board was in favor of putting up signs in all the parks.
Huner referred this to the Building and Grounds committee for a recommendation.
Fire Department preparing for raffle
Fire Prevention Month was a busy one for the Fire Department.
The department has been busy conducting station tours, Assistant Chief Phil Kessler said at the Oct. 17 Council meeting.
In other news, the Fire Department has partnered with the Red Cross this year for smoke detector installation, Kesseler said.
The department will be out for Trick or Treat and as usual will have cider and donuts at the Fire Department.
The Fall Sportsman’s Raffle will start at 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Jr. Fair Building.
Huner asked where can the public find out about Fire Department events, for example, the cider and donuts.
Much of the information is through social media.
“Usually we don’t have to advertise that a lot because we have it every year,” Kessler said.
Police will be taking back drugs
There will be a “Drug Take Back Day,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 22, Police Chief Keith Torbet said.
The drop-off locations will be at Rite Aid, Wal-Mart and the Wauseon Police Department.
The “Use of Force, You Make the Call” class Nov. 3 is full. The police are taking names for a waiting list and depending on how it goes, the city may do another one before the end of the year, Torbet said.
The chief reminded drivers to take it slow during Trick or Treat from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
Huner asked Torbet how the “Coffee with a Cop” went.
Torbet said it went very well. There were 30-35 people that came through. “We are looking at possibly doing it again and moving it to other coffee shops,” Torbet said.
Sidewalk grants sought
The city is looking into grants it could apply for to help pay for sidewalks.
Code Administrator Tom Hall gave an update on the sidewalk project. Crews are now working on Fulton Street, Hall said. He is still working on getting more information on options to pay for the sidewalks to the Leggett Street School.
Hall will be attending a conference next month and that will be an opportunity for him to find out if there are any available grants.
Adding sewer customers
Dennis Richardson, director of Public Service said he and Murry met with Ziad Musallem to discuss the possibility of picking up sanitary sewer customers on County Road 14. The city will need to schedule another Utility Committee meeting for that purpose.
The Fall Clean-up went very well. The city filled at least 25 containersr.
Richardson said he had a walk through with the engineering representative from Stantech to go over the progress of the punch list items on Linfoot Street. The project is near completion.
– Director of Finance Jamie L. Giguere reported the auditors notified her that the final report will be ready within a week.
– Director of Law Thomas A. McWatters said he is working with Chief Sluder regarding the EMS contracts.
The attorney is reviewing the documents from Maumee Valley pertaining to Shannon’s Barbeque.
Tank subject of environmental study
The council declared an emergency and approved Resolution 2016-21. The legislation accepts the recommendations of the Revolving Loan Fund Committee; authorizing the mayor to enter into an agreement with Tetra Tech for a Phase II Environmental Study.
The city will use money from the RLF to pay for the study and apply to Jobs Ohio for reimbursement.
Dennis Richardson, director of Public Service said the study will be for the former Britch Inc. tank farm on West Chestnut Street.
The council approved the second readings of the following legislation:
Section 505.17 – Animals and Fowl
Ordinance 2016-11– Amending Section 505.17 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Wauseon
Section 957 – Parks and Recreational Facilities
Ordinance 2016-12– Amending Section 957 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Wauseon
James Pruitt may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
