PUBLIC CONCERNS … The West Unity Village Council is more than happy to hear public concerns, and reserves a portion of their monthly agenda for this purpose. This time, council heard concerns over a drainage issue pertaining to the newly constructed wall near Subway.
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
The West Unity Village Council met on May 9th at 7:30 p.m. Present were members Dave Short, Shawn Blaisdell, Stephen Marvin, and Kevin Gray alongside Mayor Don Leu, Fiscal Officer Sarah Higdon, Village Administrator Joshua Fritsch, and Police Chief JR Jones.
After some clarification was provided on specific charges, council made a motion to approve the bills and financials as presented.
They then went over the minutes from their April 11th meeting, with one correction needing to be made to show that Councilor Blaisdell was not present.
The minutes were then accepted pending the correction, before council moved on to hear from West Unity resident Allen Sellgren.
He shared the details of a drainage issue that has resulted in thousands of dollars of damage, with it being shared that the grading of the dams at the wall near Subway does not have an adequate enough tile to help protect his property.
Mr. Sellgren shared that prior to the wall being built, the water ran off to the parking lot, and since its construction the water has had no escape route. He wondered if there were any ordinances that would help to remedy the issue.
Mayor Leu shared that the issue may be more of a civil one, as the village wouldn’t have any say in an agreement between two land owners.
He continued that conversation should be had before court, and it was said a tree, water heater, and furnace received damage.
Ordinance 2024-4 was then given its final reading, which now requires landlords to report their tenant information to the Tax Commissioner, enforceable after 30 days.
Administrator Fritsch shared that no licensed applications have been received for a plant operator, and permission was granted to pursue an un-licensed applicant.
Permission was also given for the hire of a minor, and Fritsch shared that the Jackson, Jefferson, and Church Street Waterline Project has been completed.
Military banners and flags will be here soon, and word has yet to be received on the CDBG and Wastewater Infrastructure grants.
Conversation was held on switching meter systems, which would cost $15,000 upfront, in order to combat supply shortages. The old meter systems have historically been produced in Israel.
Administrator Fritsch shared it can be looked at for next year’s budget before reminding everyone that large trash pickup will be May 16th and 17th for the south side of town.
It was then shared that the West Unity Police Department saw nine traffic warnings, six traffic citations, two accidents, 34 miscellaneous calls, 15 agency assists, and 39 investigations throughout the month of April.
The Safety Committee meeting was then rescheduled for June before the Records Retention Committee and Parks Committee meeting.
Fiscal Officer Higdon shared a proposal made for a trade of cleaning services for a non-profit rental, with Mayor Leu sharing that prices have yet to be evaluated for the cleaning services.
Higdon also detailed that there was an overcharge of taxes due to a filing error, and was given permission to proceed with paying out the difference.
Mayor Leu shared the most recent details on right of way maintenance updates within the village, and relayed a request that council continue to maintain a pump previously slotted to be discontinued.
A purchase agreement for the land donated to the Williams County Port Authority was drafted, with it being shared it should be ready to be read at the next meeting.
With the help of councilwoman Terri Lebowsky, who joined council at 7:55 p.m., this year’s tax rates and levies were approved on their first reading after a suspension of the rules and declaration of emergency.
Councilor Marvin asked about a misunderstanding at the concession stand, with Higdon sharing that there should be conversation expected to be brought to council on the renting of the concession stands.
He shared that if it comes down to it, he would support the renters having to go to the old concession stand so that the new one can remain a publicly utilized space.
Councilor Short asked some questions pertaining to the repair of a light pole and a dip in one of the recently re-finished main roads, with Fritsch sharing that the pole is being looked into and the bump would require an extensive repair process.
Mayor Leu then proclaimed Arbor Day within West Unity, with Fritsch sharing that $3,500 of grant funding has been awarded for replacing the village’s traffic light.
Estimates for the project are being gathered, with the currently 15-foot high lights soon looking at being replaced with a higher, newer light.
The West Unity Village council then voted to adjourn at 8:45 p.m., set to meet next on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.