By: Rebecca Miller
The December 7, 2020 Williams County Commissioners meeting held regular items but the largest focus was on the great outdoors. County Engineer Todd Roth presented his findings on the Rails to Trails, which he was checking out for the Commissioners due to a desire to have it transferred to the ownership and care of the county.
Following his information and some discussion concerning the stretch of trail that runs from County Roads 17 to 21N, the commissioners asked him to discuss a few more items with Randy Miller (RtT) and possibly set a timeline, and they will return to this topic. Roth also presented a proposal for a Disc Golf Course at Opdyke Park.
He started by saying that about a year ago Stan Tipton had approached them asking about the possibility of having one at one of the parks. After looking at the parks for space, Tipton recommended Opdyke and gave them a layout of how a course would fit there.
Roth said that following removal of an invasive species that is killing the trees, and quite a bit of already dead trees, they “are pretty excited about it.” Some of the holes will be in an area with trees to maneuver around and a creek to cross and some will be out in the open.
“We think when this is done, it is going to help the growth of the trees that should be there, bringing in some sunlight,” he said, continuing, “We would like to make an application to the Bryan Area Foundation.” They have worked up some costs and think it is about $15,000 in materials that would include baskets, signage, tee pads, and a map of the park as well as grass seed, straw, concrete for the tee pads and lumber to make a sign.
Labor and equipment and services would be “well over $15,000” so the Park Board is asking for $12,000 from the Foundation, and $2500 from the County (“to show commitment to the project”) to add to a donation of $500 which they already have. He continued that the application has to be in on December 29, in order for them to get going with clearing and cleaning and the services that the county would provide, if the Bryan Area Foundation approves their application.
Commissioner Hilkert asked if they could take it under advisement and get back to him within the week, and Roth said that should work. There was some discussion also about the replacement or repair of the bridge at Opdyke Park as well and Roth said that he sees that being a repair that can be done with lumber from some of the dead trees they will be removing.
In Regular Business, the commissioners approved:
•Resolution 358 Supplemental Appropriations on behalf of Board of Elections, Commissioners, Dog Pound, Department of Aging, EMS, Engineer’s office, Juvenile Court, Kunkle Sewer Project Fund, Sheriff’s Office, Soil and Water, and Treasurer’s office
•Resolution 359 Addendum #1 to out of county transfer agreement
•Also Signed – Dog Warden Report for week of November 23-29,2020; Monthly Report of Dog Warden for month ending November 30, 2020; BMU Business Service Record for County Fiber Connection at Williams County Board of DD; Request to carryover vacation for JFS Emplyee A. Birkhold
•Minutes for December 3, 2020
•Payment of Bills
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com