The Richwood Village Council continues dealing with the regulations of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak.
During Monday night’s regular council meeting, councilman Reddy Brown announced that the North Union Athletic Committee (NUAC) has had to postpone its annual Richwood Sports Festival. Formerly known for several decades as the Springenfest Sun Run, the fundraiser continues to draw people into Richwood in support of NUAC. Monies raised from the run help provide equipment for North Union Athletics.
Due to the pandemic, it is hoped that the event might be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, following the 5 to 7 p.m. Trick-or-Treat event in Richwood, particularly around Richwood Lake’s walking path, around North Union Schools and into the northern end of the village. Brown asked if the Union County EMA might be able to assist with traffic control and provide additional lighting where needed. Marion Bump, village zoning officer and a member of the Union County EMA said he would put in the request. The event will be a 5K run and a 2 mile walk competition. More information will be announced when directions from the governor and the health department announce updates.
Brown said he will ask Cole Krawczyk, event planner, to attend council’s next meeting, which is scheduled for Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. and explained in detail what he needs from the village.
Mayor Scott Jerew will also contact the Union County Health Department regarding if the village will be able to host the annual Trick-or-Treat event on Saturday, Oct. 31. He said that the Haunted Trail project was also canceled due to COVID-19.
Brown also asked about the proposed Boy Scout camping event at Richwood Lake, scheduled for Oct. 3.
Jerew told council in his mayor’s report that plans are proceeding with TCI, which is purchasing additional acreage in the industrial park. Hopefully the closing sale will be held the first part of September. The company is planning to expand their business, which will mean more jobs.
Eight, eight-foot plastic recycled picnic tables were ordered at a price tag of $7,192, which most of the money to pay for the tables will come from the Richwood Trailblazers group. These tables will be put in the new shelter house near the beach. Jerew also told council that grass seed has been planted around the shelter house.
Also mentioned during the mayor’s report was the announcement of upcoming fireworks at the Richwood fairgrounds this Saturday. An anonymous donor has purchased the fireworks as a prelude to the upcoming Richwood Independent Fair. No one will be allowed on the fairgrounds, so anyone wishing to watch the display must find a location in a parking lot or around town to watch. They will be very visible, so there should be no problem finding a good seat. The event begins at dusk.
In other business, council;
-Heard from Village Administrator Monte Asher that a dump truck was purchased from Prospect Motors.
-Heard that street sweeping will be scheduled for early Thursday mornings.
-Was told that village crews installed eight stone bases around the lake as based fishing sites at the park to make fishing easier.
-Was told the Beatty lift station was jetted and cleaned out.
-Heard that traffic calls within the village have picked up, due to the detour of the closure of Route 4.
-Was informed that all elected officials and heads of departments must receive mandatory training of the FEMA Class 402 online.
-Was told by village clerk Sarah Sellers had requested an amended certificate from the Union County Auditor for revenue received from OWDA loan to pay for engineered design of a new water plant. The funds were not figured in the original budget.
-Was told by Sellers that on-line payments are ready and she has received one payment so far. She also said that there are about 45 accounts on the water-sewer shut-off list. There have been several residents call in wanting to take advantage of the three-month payment plan.