Downtown project leads to village street closures
By Lydia Stuckey, CorrespondentCAREY - Carey Village Council got an update on the downtown streetscape project at its meeting Monday evening.
Village Administrator Roy Johnson said there would be sidewalk closures during the next two weeks. Johnson said water lines are to be installed, with the work being done on one side of the street at a time. This is to result in restricted access to downtown storefronts for up to three days while the work is completed.
Council asked the public remember to patronize the downtown businesses during the streetscape project.
On another matter, council members discussed changes to the policy manual. One area being questioned was the payment of time-and-a-half to employees who come in during a Level 3 weather emergency.
After some discussion, council proposed employees who are essential and make it to work during a Level 3 emergency will receive regular pay unless they are working overtime. Other employees who cannot make it in are to be excused from work with no pay unless compensatory or vacation time is used.
Law Director Laurie Scheck said a proposed change with an ordinance will be put together and presented at the next meeting.
Barb Mewhorter, Wyandot County General Health District administrator, was on hand to discuss the district's proposed tax levy increase.
Mewhorter asked for Carey's support of the replacement 0.7-mill existing levy and increase of 0.2 mill to create a tax for the purpose of providing the Wyandot County Board of Health with sufficient funds to carry out its health programs. Council members approved to support the levy.
Fire Chief Jay Gretzinger brought council up to date on the construction of the fire hall. Gretzinger said a problem has occurred with the flooring in the truck bay area of the building. Beem Construction is working to find a solution. The completion date is unknown.
Council also:
* Heard 225 tons of road salt had been locked in at a price of $76.80 a ton.
* Heard the village's health insurance through Buckeye Ohio Risk Management Association will see a 2-percent increase on the 2009 premium.
* Heard fall cleanup will be Oct. 22 for west of Vance Street and Oct. 23 for east of Vance Street. Residents are to use their own bags with stickers for them being available at the utility office. There is a five-sticker limit per residence. Items not accepted are liquid paint, auto parts, tires, furniture and mattresses.
* Heard Trick-or-Treat night in Carey will be 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 30.
* Heard testing on the Ogg Street substation is to be performed by the electric department Oct. 18-19. Any possible outages should be readily corrected.
Council is to meet next at 7 p.m. Oct. 20.
