The North Union Softball For Girls organization came to council again asking for a signed contract with the village for the use of the softball diamonds in Richwood Park.
Two board officials, Wendy Veach, president and Wendy Wilson, secretary/treasurer, were at Monday night’s regular council meeting.
They told the council that there have been some changes in leadership and that they want a signed contract for the use of facilities.
Historically, the village leases the diamonds for $1 and the contract is from March to November.
During that contracted time, they are in charge of scheduling games, holding fundraisers, and maintenance of the facilities.
Mayor Scott Jerew stated that in the contract, it says that no structural changes are to be made without permission from village council members. Recently, Jerew noticed that a concrete slab had been poured at the softball diamond.
Council had not given permission for this addition and Zoning Commissioner Marion Bump said that no permit had been issued for this work.
Veach said that a unilateral decision had been made by two former board members to have the work completed without presenting it to the softball board.
The $4800 price tag also been decided on without board approval.
After much discussion, council stated that they have no say in the softball organization on how they operate, only that they must come to council for any physical changes to the facility, since the village owns the property. Both parties agreed on the terms of the contract and it will be available for signature soon.
Von Beal asked if the North Union Baseball for Boys has a signed contract with the village and it was determined they do not. Their contract will also be available for signatures if they contact the council soon.
During the Mayor’s Report, Jerew announced that the annual Bluegill Tournament will be held Saturday, May 29 at Richwood Lake.
More information will be announced. COVID-19 canceled the tournament last year and with guidelines in hand, the tournament will be held this year.
Jerew also said that on May 29, a ribbon cutting will take place for an Eagle Scout project.
The old floating dock will be refurbished and installed as a pedestrian bridge over to Devil’s Island, which is located on the east side of the lake. More information will be announced.
The topic of farm-type animals was brought before council. Currently there are some chickens, rabbits and goats housed on properties within the village.
An ordinance has been on the books regarding what animals are and are not allowed in the corporation.
A request has been made to house a cow and a horse in town.
Some of the animals are for 4-H and FFA projects that children will show at The Richwood Fair. Council will have more discussions regarding the guidelines.
Dudley Circle resident Jerry Blanton came to council for an update on the Dudley Circle project. Two council members discussed with the contractor regarding the slope of the street and where will rainfall go.
Councilmen Reddy Brown and Donnie Ridgeway viewed the contractor’s transit showing the center of the street is raised and some water will flow north and some will flow south.
Council also reminded Blanton that according to records Jason Wills, who is working on the project, it states that Phase I is to be completed by the end of May, which includes curbs and a layer of blacktop.
In other business, council:
•Heard that a broken valve on Gill Street was replaced. The new water line on S. Franklin Street is now connected with Gill Street as part of the S. Franklin Street project.
•Heard water was turned off on Clinton, Fulton, Gill and S. Franklin streets and later restored while new lines were connected. Kells Lane, Tawa and S. Franklin streets south of Tawa Road were turned off Tuesday. Water boil alerts were given to residents involved.
•Was informed that Kevin Crofut was hired as a temporary part-time park caretaker for the summer months.
•Heard that Colton Brown returned to the Richwood Police Department as a part-time officer.
•Heard upcoming events in the village include the annual Sun Run, scheduled for Saturday, June 9 at 8 a.m., sponsored by the NUAC.
•Was informed the Kale Marketing Tractor Pull will be held at Richwood Fairgrounds Saturday, July 3, including fireworks.
The next regular meeting will be held Monday, May 10, beginning at 7 p.m. at village administration building, 153 N. Franklin St.