The water has been high at Richwood Lake and council has finally found the drain that has been a well kept secret.
When the village receives several inches of rain, the lake floods out of its banks and has caused some safety issues over the years. Council has been concerned of the high water that comes out of its banks and covers access roads to various parts of the park.
Village Administrator Monte Asher told council at Monday night’s Richwood Council meeting that crews were able to locate the drain at the south end of the lake. Officials can now work on eliminating the flooding by working on the tiles to drain water away from the lake.
Since the beginning of the park’s walking path project, it’s been a mystery as to how to control the excess water. The plan is to install a new drain, with a screen to stop trash from flowing through the tiles. Baseballs, toys, and a few small bass have previously been sucked into the tiles and have now been cleaned out.
Laurie Elliott, a Grove Street resident, approached council about several topics. She stated that she was amazed how many houses do not have house numbers prominently displayed. Last winter, she was involved in delivering items to homes and experienced difficulty in finding house numbers. Council members stated that every resident should have numbers on the front of their homes to help the fire department, emergency squad and police locate homes in case of an emergency. Mayor Scott Jerew also said that the Northern Union County Fire and EMS District sells reflective signs to help safety departments when called for an emergency. Jerew stated that every home should consider the request.
Elliott also asked council if a home on Graham Lane is in violation of an ordinance involving the number of vehicles that are parked on a property. Zoning officer Marion Bump will look into the situation.
In other business, council:
-Stated that there is a village ordinance that prohibits burning trash within the village limits, unless it is a campfire and food is being cooked. No resident is allowed to burn trash, tires, branches, etc., in the village. If any resident knows of burning, they are asked to notify the police.
-Heard numerous complaints of the amount of vehicles that seem to encroach the roadway on Marriott and West Ottawa streets. It is reportedly difficult to get around them and the condition of the road surface is bad.
-Heard from Jerew that the five acres of land on North Franklin Street and one easement have been secured for the walking path. One more easement is still in the works for approval.
-Heard from Asher that council needs to decide on the type of light pole for the Downtown Revitalization Project. Council approve a style, which will include a hanger for banners, a hanging flower basket and supports for flags.
-Was told that the Union County Care Day is set for May 15. Gail DeGood Guy has made a request for volunteers to help with the landscaping at Veterans Way on that day.
-Heard from DeGood Guy that she is working on the upcoming Memorial Day parade set for Monday, May 28. She is also working on the cemetery services and will announce more details closer to the event.
-Heard from Jerew that Plain City has sent an invitation to the council in celebration of their 200th anniversary. The event three-day event will be held July 19 – 21.
-Was told that the next Planning Commission meeting will be held on Monday, April 9, at 6 p.m., at the village administration building, located at 153 N. Franklin St. The public is invited to attend and the meeting will be held prior to the first April council meeting.