PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
VILLAGE INSURANCE … West Unity Village Council members from left: Shawn Blaisdell, Randy Mahlman, and Terri Lebowsky listen to the presentation by Jake Pohjala of Stapleton Insurance Group regarding the village’s insurance coverage policy at the village council meeting on Thursday, March 12.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The West Unity Village Council met in a regular session on Thursday, March 12 at the village office.
Council members in attendance were Kevin Gray, Shawn Blaisdell, Terri Lebowsky, Stephen Marvin, and Randy Mahlman with Scott Dunson being absent.
Also in attendance were Mayor Don Leu, Fiscal Officer Sarah Higdon and Police Chief J.R. Jones.
Following the roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, Pastor Robert Rodriguez of Solid Rock Church gave the prayer, council then approved the minutes from the February 12 meeting and the payment of bills.
Council heard a risk management report presentation from Jake Pohjala, account executive with Stapleton Insurance Group of Sylvania, regarding the village’s insurance coverage for village-owned buildings, property and equipment.
The coverage through Ohio Plan Risk Management, Inc., also insures other areas including property extension, general liability, commercial auto, electronic data processing, and crime such as employee theft or computer fraud.
Pohjala recommended the village accept the Ohio Plan, which he said is the best insurance coverage available.
Higdon then made a motion to approve Stapleton Insurance Group as the village’s insurance carrier for one-year effective March 24, 2026, at an annual premium cost of $37,578, an increase of $969 from last year.
In other action, council approved a bid from Henry Bergman, Inc., Genoa, Ohio for paving work in the village.
Cost of the projects, according to village administrator Josh Fritsch, is $228,433.32, which is below the engineer’s estimated cost of $240,000.
Village streets to be paved are from Jackson Street to High Street, High Street to Rose Street, and High Street to where Jacoby’s Ole Smokehouse is located.
Fritsch also mentioned there was a water main break on North Cedar Street. He commented that the village could not turn the water off because the valves did not shut completely.
He added that the village really needs to look at replacing valves that won’t shut off.
“We are looking to install several insertion valves around the west side of town,” said Fritsch. “Insertion valves are installed in a water line while they are still under pressure. If we install these valves in the right places, we can isolate a large area.
“Once we isolate the large area, we will be able to go into that area and replace the other valves that won’t shut.”
Fritsch also mentioned another option is to hire someone to do all of this for the village. “There are a lot of valves on the west side of town that do not shut completely,” he mentioned.
The village administrator recommended taking village laborer Ryan Carpenter off probationary status on March 29, 2026, and to be given a $1 per hour raise.
He mentioned that Jason Altman recently passed his Class 2 wastewater license test and is now studying for his Class 1 license.
Council was informed by Fritsch that the new Wabash playground is currently being installed, and village employee Don Brown will be retiring on April 30.
Next council meeting is on Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m.