Members of the West Unity Village Council convened on Thursday, July 10 for their regular meeting. With no legislative matters needing addressed by council, the agenda was relatively short. Council did learn, however, of a recent audit finding that shows deficit spending at the sewer plant. Fiscal Officer Kim Grime explained that the current sewer revenue is inadequate to cover the expense of loan obligations.
Mayor Peg Bernath pointed out that this may be only a matter of re-allocation as there is a current rate increase scheduled in January. Councilman Don Leu also mentioned that if this involves a loan that will be coming due for pay off within two years and suggested that, if such is the case, that the loan be paid off. All council members indicated that they are not in favor a rate increase. The Finance Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. on July 24 to discuss all alternatives.
In his report, Village Administrator Ric Beals informed council that:
~There is some interest from residents in purchasing the 50’ x 50; village owned lot. Council discussed both the process of advertising the lot and putting up for bid as well as the possibility of using the lot to create a driveway connection to the alley. A decision will be made at the next meeting.
~After seeing a demonstration that it was the opinion of both Beals and Street Supervisor Jim Eisel that the purchase of a used DuraPatcher for $30,000 would be more cost effective than the purchase of a new tar kettle at $24,000. It was discussed that the village is in need of patching pot holes and filling in cracks year around and that the village would ultimately come out ahead with the purchase.
~Automatic doors will be installed at the Kissell Building by the Maumee Valley Planning Organization.
~There was a six inch water main break at Water Street and West Jackson the week before the meeting.
~It is possible that the village may be able to obtain grant monies for the development of Wabash Park
~There is a need for an updated legal description before any further progress can be made of the NORTA land the village intends to buy. The current description outlines the Rails to Trails tracts of land as they extend across the county. Village Solicitor Ryan Thompson suggested contacting County Engineer Todd Roth for assistance in creating a legal description of only the section of land lying within the village.
~The EverBridge county wide alert system should be up and running soon.
The next meeting of the West Unity Village Council will be held on July 24 at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers.