By: Daniel Cooley
The West Unity Village Council meeting of June 9 began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a prayer from Dee Custer. Council members present at the meeting were Steve Marvin, David Short, Shawn Blaisdell, Nathan Massie and Terri LeBowsky.
In the first order of business, council approved of the motion to pay the bills. Village council then approved of both the meeting minutes from May 12 and the special meeting held on May 23.
With visitors attending, visitor Mike Shaffer spoke for M. Kee Mansfield, about a lot split on South Defiance Street needed because of the sale of property and a developer’s desire to construct a Family Dollar Store there. Council approved of the request.
Katie Rates said that she will prepare the Resolution for a lot split.
There will be a zoning meeting on June 30 at 7 p.m., regarding Family Dollar purchasing some property on South Defiance Street.
Another visitor, William McKinney, asked about a problem with a storm sewer drain at the corner of Cedar and North streets.
Mayor Don Leu said that village administrator Josh Fritsch is looking into the problem and when they have a solution, they will contact Mr. McKinney.
Next, council member Short motioned to waive the three readings for Resolution 06-2022-17. Here, according to the agenda sheet, accepts “the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission, authorizing the tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor.” Council then approved Resolution 06-2022-17.
After a short discussion, Ordinance 2022-4 was not read, after it was determined that this Ordinance needs to first be approved by zoning.
Next, council member Nathan Massie motioned to waive the three readings of Ordinance 2022-5. This Ordinance, according to the agenda sheet, establishes “a Consumer Grade Fireworks Use, to possess, discharge, handle and store the fireworks within the village.” Village council then passed Ordinance 2022-5.
Village administrator Fritsch then gave a report. He stated that a bid came in at $764,749.60 for the Storm Sewer project on Church Street.
Fritsch said that the amount was above the engineer’s assessment, but was still within the 10% mark. Fritsch stated that they were thinking of starting the project this winter and to have it completed by July of next year.
Fritsch also said that the Splash Pad water lines are in and sand for the project will be put in, next week. Fritsch also stated that the storm line is in and is working.
In the clerk report, Sarah Higdon said that RITA changed the bill to 1.33%, so the village will receive a refund of $14,703.
Higdon stated that with the rising gas prices, the village will need to reappropriate more money, towards the end of the year.
Mayor Leu asked Rakes to check on the EPA’s no-till rules and if anything can be done for the fields that are close to the village.
Leu stated that West Unity Presbyterian Church donated $100 for park playground equipment. In addition, Leu is having police officers hand out ice cream vouchers to kids.
The village solicitor stated that the railroad complaint is with Katie Zartman and they are awaiting a response.
In council comments, Marvin gave Fritsch thanks for the trash pickup. He also said it was great to see police officers stopping and visiting with residents.
There will be a tree committee meeting on June 14 at 7:25 p.m., followed by a regular council meeting at 7:30.
Council members then voted to adjourn the meeting.
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com