NEW RIEGEL - New Riegel council reconsidered an ordinance approved earlier in the year concerning the sewer system with the same result Tuesday evening.
During the regular meeting, Seneca County Prosecutor Derek Devine said the decision made during an April 25 special meeting in which council approved an ordinance authorizing the inclusion of the territory within the village into the countywide sewer district would have to be agreed upon by a majority of the total council, as the original vote was 3-1 with two members absent. Suspending the three reading rule, members approved a like ordinance by a 4-0 vote and declared an emergency. Again, two members were absent.
Thinking the village soon would be receiving $22,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding for sidewalk replacement, Mayor Larry Bouillon said the village has to first procure an engineer for a pre-bid meeting, an open bids session and the overseeing of the project. The project has been estimated to cost $23,625 and costs for an engineer could be $3,000. An extension is being sought for the village to complete the process.
New Riegel has received $900 from participating in the OSS Solid Waste District recycling program. Council determined to authorize the purchase of three benches not to exceed $900, with the Baseball Association purchasing a fourth bench for the park.
Streets and alleys committee chairman Gene Hursey presented a list of catch basins in the village needing repaired. Mike Metzger estimated the cost to be $6,750, and the finance committee had appropriated $6,000 for the repairs. Street worker Jerry Faeth suggested eliminating one, bringing the total to $5,750. Council agreed to have Metzger make the repairs.
Park and Recreation committee chairman Deirdre Bakies reported Jeff Finn from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been spraying weeds at the ballfield to be converted into a wildlife area and construction should begin in June.
Fiscal Officer Jackie Honaker submitted the cash summary reports and the bank reconciliations.
In other business, council:
Approved Bakies attending the Tree Commission Academy June 5-7 for $35.
Heard a walk-about is planned Saturday to identify dead ash trees for removal.
Granted All Saints' Parish permission to use the park grounds and shelter during the August 10 and 12 festival.
Heard Bascom Telephone is making repairs today.
Discussed the Sunny Farms Landfill expansion.
Discussed a trash clean up day.
Discussed brush removal determining no residents are to deliver their own brush. The village could have two pick-ups a year. Council is to decide at the next meeting.
Heard Aqua-Doc has treated the firepond.
Heard the police cruiser is to have a new light bar installed May 25, donated by Tiffin Police Department.
Discussed stop sign prices.
Heard complaints of dog droppings on the baseball outfield.
A Public Records Retention meeting is scheduled at 6 p.m. before the regular council meeting at 6:30 p.m. June 19.
