RECOGNITION OF SERVICE … Sheila Stuckey received a plaque from Mayor Don Leu (right), for her more than 15 years of maintaining Friendship Park and Memorial Park. (PHOTO BY DAIEL COOLEY, STAFF)
By: Daniel Cooley
The February 10 West Unity Village Council meeting began with the call to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All six council members, Kevin Gray, Shawn Blaisdell, Terri Lebowsky, Nathan Massie, Stephen Marvin and David Short, were present.
In the first order of business, council passed the motion to pay the bills. Next, council, with some minor changes, approved of the meeting minutes from January 13, 2022.
Mayor Don Leu then presented resident Sheila Stuckey with a certificate, for her excellent work over the last 15 plus years, in beautifying Friendship Park and Memorial Park, with plenty of flowers and other plants.
The council then approved of Resolution 1-2022-6. This allows village administrator Josh Fritsch to submit to ODOT (the Ohio Department of Transportation) plans to put in a multi-use pedestrian trail along Jackson Street, from Elm Street to Linden Street.
Fritsch then gave the village administrator report. First, Fritsch reported that “the water and sewer line agreement with the turnpike commission, has been signed.”
Also, in the next few months, Jones and Henry will be bidding for the Jackson, Jefferson and Church Street project, with a date yet to be settled.
ODOT has stated that it will cost about $200,000 for the Kamco Crosswalk. As a result, Fritsch withdrew his application.
“If they say we can use the right of way like they want, we will do the project ourselves,” Fritsch said.
Fritsch also reported that the Land Bank Committee will not be giving any money to the village, to demolish unsightly houses.
Fritsch also reported that the village hauled a lot of snow from the recent snowstorm and Mayor Leu ran the snowblower. In addition, the village recently purchased a three year-old lawn mower for $5,700.
Mayor Leu gave the mayor’s report. First, he stated that after he checks to see, whether or not, if the engineer’s cost is included in the cost for new street lights for the village. The initial cost for 75 lights, to run from Route 127 to village hall, would cost $394,000.
Leu also asked if anyone would be interested in going to one of three municipal seminars, to run on either March 5, 12 or 26. The village would pay for anyone who wants to go.
In addition, Leu announced that the Four County Career Center is declaring February 1-28, as Proclamation Educational Month.
Leu also announced that a preliminary subdivision plat is bid ready, at a price of $24,000. Council approved by a 4-1 margin to proceed with looking into the subdivision.
Police Chief J.R. Jones gave the police report During the month of January, there were 30 miscellaneous reports, nine agency assists, 23 investigations,10 traffic warnings, two traffic citations, five accidents and three found property events.
Jones reported that since there is no longer DARE at Hilltop Schools, West Unity police officers have been going through training for a drug education program.
Jones also encouraged everyone to make sure they clear the sidewalks after snowstorms and to help out neighbors who may not be physically able to clear their own sidewalks.
Next, Fiscal Officer Sarah Higdon asked council to approve a $17,000 transfer of funds from the cable franchise fee to the park fund. The council then approved of the request.
Gray said that he had received several good comments on the job that the police department did, during the recent snowstorm.
Blaisdell thanked Fritsch and the police department for how they handled the snowstorm.
The council then moved into executive session
Dan can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com