Cardington Village Council agreed to accept the OPWC-Ohio Small Government Capital Improvements Program Grant/Loan for the upcoming water treatment plant upgrade. This is the first step in obtaining the needed financing.
In other business:
• Fire Chief Gary Goodman reported at the July 17 meeting that the department has had 116 runs this year. He noted they had the (truck) ladders tested, a requirement every three years.
The chief said the 1982 fire truck, the last of three fire trucks given to the village following the 1981 tornado, is being placed for bid. Also being placed for bid is a rescue truck.
• Council approved the application of Zach Myers, 17, who is training to be a volunteer fireman. He cannot legally be a fireman until he is 18, but he can undergo the required training.
• Goodman said department members were guests at a pool party as a reward for the annual cleaning of the swimming pool. He said the fireworks display at the conclusion of the Cardington Street Fair went well.
• Police Chief James Wallace reported the 2017 cruiser window has been repaired and is back in service Total cost of the regulator and glass was $302.73.
Officer David Winkler attended a training class in dealing with dangerous drugs. The one-day class hours will go toward his required CPT training.
Officer Jason Kiefer began working the third shift and Officer Winkler, the second shift. “I believe this change is good for the department,” Wallace said. “All officers should be familiar with all shifts.”
• Wallace said the department has taken 123 less calls compared with this time period in 2016.
• Village Administrator Danny Wood reported on the sinkhole at the North Marion Street bridge. He said the hole is 15 feet down the drain and upon checking with the ODOT was told that it is the village’s responsibility to repair it. He described the efforts the village is making to do that.
Wood said he is placing a sign in Maxwell Park asking that no vehicles be driven on the grounds. “People are going for joy rides and because it is so wet from the heavy rains, it’s making a mess.”
• Wood said he and the village engineer, Scott Hines will meet with ODOT to discuss the paving of State Route 529 through the village in 2019.
He said that he, Hines, and Mayor Peyton will meet with the Ohio EPA on Aug. 2 regarding inflow and infiltration, with rain water getting in the sanitary sewer system.
• Fiscal Officer Deb Fry reviewed the village finances. Council approved payment of $66,552. 53 in bills.
She also reported that HB 49 had been passed by the budget approved by the state legislature and signed by Gov. John Kasich on June 30. Beginning in January 2018, all business filers who pay village income tax will have to file through the OBG (Ohio Business Gateway). The state will collect these payments and then forward them to the village minus a 1/2 percent administration fee.
• Confirmation of road salt bids came in at $43.55 a ton. Because of the mild winter, Cardington has a surplus of salt.
• Addressing council was Donald Walter, 301 W. Main St., regarding water bills he continues to receive on his rental property, which is vacant.
Council entered a work session following this meeting and will meet on Aug. 21.
