Richwood Village Council members heard updates on the Franklin Street Project during Monday night’s regular meeting.
Councilman Jack Moore was absent from the meeting.
Village Administrator Monte Asher told council that Columbia Gas has been working on replacing old gas lines on North Franklin Street during the construction project. Other utility companies have also been marking their lines before the street is torn up.
Brenneman Excavating, which was awarded the project, has been having trees in the tree lawn removed this week.
North Franklin Street will be widened by two feet on either side of the street, so some power/telephone poles will be moved back on properties.
Asher said a pre-construction meeting was held with all parties involved in the event recently. Communication is key to stay on target with the project.
Richwood Mayor Scott Jerew posted a notice on social media last week informing residents the following:
“As you will recall back in September, 2018, Richwood was awarded a Community Development block Grant in the amount of $500,000. Money was set aside to work on the reconstruction of Franklin Street. Phase I is set to go.
“In the near future, trees will be removed, installation of new gas lines will take place before we can begin the project of new storm lines, streets and sidewalks from Beatty Avenue to Mulvane Road.
“North Franklin Street will be reduced to one lane at times for several months, prior to being closed entirely for a short period of time to complete the project. Avoid the area as much as possible while we work on the much needed project.
“Our goal is to keep you safe and we ask for your patience while we continue to work on village improvements.”
Asher also told council that the village was looking for a used four-wheel drive pickup truck to replace an old one in the village’s fleet. North Union Schools was going to take bids on a truck it no longer needed. A deal was made between the village and the school with the village purchasing the 2004 truck. Asher stated that the village’s old truck will be included in an online auction coming up.
It was announced that brush pick-up in the village will begin on April 1. All brush should be stacked up curbside on Mondays for crews to pick up. Residents are not to include tree trimming unless it fell down during a storm. No trash will be tolerated in the piles, as it could damage the chipper and the service would be suspended to residents.
In other business, council;
-Was told that Ohio Edison will host an electrical safety course at the Northern Union County Fire Department at 602 N. Franklin St. on April 17. The event will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. and members of the fire department, police department and village crews will received the training.
-Heard village employees are working on OSHA online training.
-Heard Sgt. Justin Baldwin is attending supervisor training this week and also Lt. Jim Hill and Police Chief Monte Asher will attend training from Clemans Nelson for Safety Service personnel issues.
-Was informed that two grants have been submitted for consideration through the Ohio Department of natural Resources, totaling $1,300, for the Annual Blue Gill Fishing Tournament in June.
-Approved on the third and final reading of an ordinance establishing a Community Reinvestment Area.
-Approved second reading a budget ordinance.
-Approved the second reading of a resolution revising pay rates for 2019.
Council’s next meeting will be held Monday, March 25, at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Meetings are open to the public.