The Primary Election will be held March 17 and Richwood Village Council had a front row seat to meet some of the candidates Monday night.
Three candidates introduced themselves to council and those in attendance. Those who introduced themselves were county commissioner candidates Rod Goddard and Kim Zacharias and county recorder candidate Sal Petrovia.
Council members said they appreciated the opportunity to meet the candidates, but asked if they would attend council and township meetings in the northern part of the county if elected. Each candidate expressed their desire to make all parts of Union County a priority and to seek input and represent the whole county.
Mayor Scott Jerew announced to council that he has received word that the proposed signs for each entrance to Richwood have been funded. These signs will recognize the achievements of the North Union FFA Agronomy teams that have won the National competition over the past several years.
Jerew also informed council that there was a survey done regarding the former town building checked for asbestos. A company reported that 230 square feet needs to be replaced. The cost of the survey was $12,500.
Council approved a motion to have the necessary areas corrected at a cost of $4,250. The removal reportedly needs to be completed, regardless of the future of the building.
Council received an opportunity to purchase a shop/storage building on North Franklin Street that would give more room for storage of village equipment. Evan Jamison offered the building, located near the Richwood Park, to council. Council would like to tour the facility, get measurements of the building and discuss the offer further. The cost would also have to be added to the 2020 budget.
Council and the North Union School Board have been working on a possible agreement of the school district selling the former middle school property on Norris Street to the village. Several entities have formed an alliance to develop a “resillience center” in the village. This facility would have resources for residents, medical assistance, facilities for youth events, mental health, and drug and alcohol support, etc.
A search has been done trying to find a clean, clear deed of the property. It is unclear if the Norris family, which is how the street was named, gave the land to the school district back in 1876, or are there any heirs that have a deed to the property. No insurance company will insure the property without a clear title. The next step would be to hire someone to search titles before 1876 and see what they find. Organizers do not want to build a million dollar facility, only to have an heir later come up with a deed. At this point, the topic is at a standstill.
In other business, council:
•Heard both village salt spreaders are in need of repair.
•Was informed by Village Administrator Monte Asher that two pumps have been ordered. These pumps will be used when a water main breaks and the crew will have a pump to help remove the water to fix the tile.
•Heard an area was excavated and leveled near the beach and small trees and brush were removed to help with mowing.
•Was informed that Officer Eric Nicholson is leaving the police department and is going back to his hometown of Circleville. Chief Asher said the department is in the process of replacing him.
•Heard the third grade students at North Union Elementary came to the police station to practice their reading with police officers.
The next regular meting of council will be held Monday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. It was also announced that the meetings at 6:30 p.m. regarding Phase 2 of the Franklin Street project, have been canceled.