NEW RIEGEL - New Riegel Mayor Larry Bouillon said a meeting he and Police Chief Steve Swartzmiller held with Sheriff Bill Eckelberry, Chief Deputy Ron Green, and a representative from the Fremont post of the Ohio Highway Patrol to discuss increased coverage for the village resulted in an assurance that the county will continue with its mutual aid program. It was suggested the village pursue grants for additional funding, which the public safety committee is to investigate.
Seneca County Engineer Mark Zimmerman agreed after receiving permission from the Seneca County commissioners to forgo the village's quarterly sewer fees in exchange for storing a generator. Bouillon informed members that AT&T has tapped into the sewer system, completing all taps in the village.
Work on the SR 587 sidewalk repairs has not started as engineering firm Kusmer and Associates Inc., of Fremont, have been waiting for a contract signed by the village. A contract will be prepared and sent to the firm. Repairs are funded through a $22,000 CDBG grant.
Swartzmiller wants to create a block watch program in the village and is seeking grants to assist with funding for the program. He also is placing the county's mobile speed sign in various areas of the village. He announced the resignation of Officer Josh Iannantuono and stated he is rewriting the ride-along policy for the department.
Fiscal Officer Jackie Honaker presented the June reconciliation and cash summary for June and the appropriation status. She noted the sewer release from the county had arrived. She will be receiving an update for her state UAN software program and has a choice of training methods.
Parks and Recreation Committee Chairperson Deirdre Bakies said a Sunday only ball league is seeking permission to use the park. She relayed the ODNR assessment of the village's trees. Seventeen are considered priorities for removal and Bakies is to obtain quotes.
Street worker Jerry Faeth said the new stop signs have arrived and are to be installed soon. He reported the blade on the snow plow needs repaired. Painting the roofs of the municipal building, park shelter house, restrooms and concession stand was discussed. Two bids were revealed but council tabled the decision until next month.
Members decided that alleyways are in need of repairs. Bouillon and Street Committee Chairman Gene Hursey are to determine which need attention most and secure bids for the project.
The meeting moved into executive session for discussion of security arrangements.
In other action,
council:
Approved a resolution to reduce the estimated revenue of the sewer fund, enterprise debt fund and the enterprise debt service fund for fiscal year ending December 31.
Approved a resolution accepting the amounts and rates by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying it to the county auditor.
Determined the village is to electronically pay employees instead of by check.
Approved payment of $322.50 to Aqua Doc for pond treatment
Approved paying A&D $110 for snow plowing.
Discussed FEMA plans to bring all county communities together to formulate an emergency mitigation plan.
Learned McCutchenville Fire Chief Don Shellhouse has resigned.
Council is to meet at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 21.
