The five-foot wide concrete path, which is to be named the Rosette Way to Healthy Food, will ensure residents can safely access healthier food options as well as provide a designated space for exercise.
Mayor Scott Jerew said he has been in contact with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO), the Union County Health Department and Access Engineering about the cost of the project.
“CORPO is working on the funding for the $34,400 for the consulting fee,” Jerew said.
He added that Access Engineering said the cost for the construction of the project will go up to at least $65,000. The original estimate was roughly $47,500.
“What upsets me is the cost of the consultant is going to be almost as much as the cost of the project,” said Council member Von Beal.
Jerew said CORPO asked if the village could provide any matching funds. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds could be used for the project, but Jerew warned “eventually that ARPA money is going to be gone and so we got to be careful. We want to make sure it’s worth it.”
He added that “it’s worth it to me” for the safety of residents, as many people walk to the dollar stores on Route 47 for food.
Beal, who serves on the finance committee, said there is funding available in the village budget. He and Council member Reddy Brown, who also serves on the finance committee, proposed spending $10,000 for the project.
In other news:
-Gail DeGood-Guy announced that the North Union Elementary School is holding a Veterans Day service on Nov. 11 at 9 a.m. Veterans who would like to attend the program are asked to pre-register by calling the school at 740-943-3113. Veterans are asked to arrive the day of the program by 8:30 a.m. In addition, the VFW Post 870, the American Legion Post 40 and Ohio Charities are hosting a no-cost brunch for all veterans and a guest from 10 a.m. to noon on Veterans Day.
-North Union Local Schools Superintendent Richard Baird gave a presentation about the district’s state report card. The score for college, career, workforce and military readiness has not been determined yet; however, Baird shared opportunities for North Union students to prepare them for work, military service or college. He said during his tenure at the district, North Union added a healthcare program to train nursing assistants. The district also offers engineering, IT, business and agricultural programs. Baird added that Tri-Rivers Career Center supports North Union in training students in a technical field.
“One of the things I’m particularly proud of this year is we have what we call a career connections class in seventh grade,” Baird said.
He explained that the Union County Chamber of Commerce provided the district with a YouScience aptitude test for students in that class.
Furthermore, the elementary, middle and high schools host Career Days.
-The council approved the second reading of an ordinance to regulate low-speed vehicles, under-speed vehicles, utility vehicles and mini-trucks.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. at the municipal building, 153 N. Franklin St., Richwood.