SYCAMORE - Sycamore Village Council heard thoughts of economic development at its Tuesday evening meeting.
Mayor Matt Boucher reported he and council members Vicki Weininger, David Myers and Ralph Decker attended an economic development meeting in Carey. He said the village's goal is to find a tenant for a vacant factory in Sycamore, but an economic package first must be developed.
Village Administrator Charles Clark said he will need to investigate from where to purchase a block of power to fit the need of a factory start-up, adding the new water plant under design should be adequate in providing water.
Boucher said another meeting will be set up to discuss the package with Greg Moon, director of Wyandot Economic Development.
Clark gave his report, saying FEMA representative Roger Brodman plans to visit Upper Sandusky to inspect storm damage and hopes the trip may assist Sycamore as well. He said FEMA could pay for overtime, trucks used and fuel. He estimated eight hours of clean-up time associated with the recent storm.
Resident Lee Wadsworth complimented Clark on the quick response time in getting power restored. Clark said a transformer had been damaged and one pole replaced.
Boucher told Clark his crew did an "excellent job."
Clark told council two visitors from RCAP and USDA would be in town Friday to update the village on work being done toward a grant for the new water treatment plant, which has an estimated cost of more than $2.1 million.
Some discussion regarded the high number of skunks in the area and trash concerns in some yards; both matters are to be discussed with Police Chief Richard Blankenship.
Clark also asked residents to be vigilant in their neighborhoods due to recent break-ins in Upper Sandusky and Carey.
Fire Chief Bryan Clouse thanked the American Legion, village council and businesses for their donations for the fireworks display June 30. No public money was used for the event, he said.
Clouse also reported the fire station was utilized as a "cooling station" for residents during the heat wave. The police station and utilities department also were opened for that purpose.
Law Director James Gucker reported a legal opinion regarding the state's open container law. This section of the code refers to what is a non-public place, which would meet the requirements of having open containers such as beer. He said the ballpark would constitute a public place but an enclosed building marked "private" may meet the requirement.
An ordinance was passed on its third reading, setting the estimated revenue for next year. Council also passed legislation shutting down 7th Street from South Sycamore to Griffith, and the alley behind Sycamore Telephone Co. from the phone company building to the fire station to accommodate the library's Fun Fest Friday.
Following executive session, councilwoman Dawn Needles motioned and council voted to gather more information on the pros and cons of merging with other government entities to form a fire district.
Council next meets 7:30 p.m. July 24 in council chambers.
