Richwood Village Council heard a few weeks ago of a finding from the State auditor’s office that payment of approximately $19,000 was missing from the village audit. It appears that former Fiscal Officer Timothy Goodwin was late in mapping payments of employee benefits, insurance, and late fees were noted.
Following an executive session during Monday night’s regular council meeting, council approved a motion to recoup those funds. Mayor Scott Jerew said that they will contact Goodwin to discuss a payment plan for the former fiscal officer. Council is hoping to have an agreement with Goodwin to avoid a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas.
Goodwin was hired as the village’s financial clerk in 2008 and was let go in September 2019.
Karen Eylon, director of the Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau, came to council to introduce herself and to tell about the 2021 business plan that is in the works for Union County. The plan includes several areas of enticing people to come to Union County and see what the county has to offer. Tourism has a big impact on the county. In 2019, visitor spending in Union County was $150.4 million. $17.9 million was generated in tax revenues. Eylon said the bureau wants to develop a destination brand that defines the unique identity and personality of Union County that is different from all competitive destinations.
The bureau also wants to develop covered bridge tours, sporting events, group tours, hold large meetings, host weddings and special events in the county. The bureau hopes to build awareness through digital marketing strategies. She invited council to contact the bureau anytime they need help in marking any special events in Richwood.
Councilman Reddy Brown told council that the Richwood Trail Blazers would like them to re-evaluate some of the Richwood Park rules regarding fishing in Richwood Lake. Information from the Union Soil and Water Conservation District and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources have shows that the lake is in great shape and council would like to continue that by approving a new park rule that there is a “catch and release” guideline while fishing, with the exception of catching any carp. Council approved the new rule and will also be looking at changing other rules, possibly making some of them ordinances which can be enforced. More information will be announced.
It was reported that there are a few campers that are parking on private residences illegally. According to a village ordinance, no one will be allowed to reside in a camper for more than a few weeks. Zoning Clerk Marion Bump will be investigating any campers with people living in them and notifying them of the ordinances of the village.
Council approved a resolution creating a part-time seasonal position in the parks department. The new position is from May 1 through September 30 and wages are set at $15.04 per hour, with no more than 30 hours per week.
In other business, council:
•Discussed the overhang of an apartment on N. Franklin St. that is a danger to the public. Zoning Clerk Bump will contact the property owner to get it removed.
•Heard that seven new bricks will be installed at the Veterans Memorial near Richwood Park.
•Was informed that Discount Portable has delivered new port-a-john’s at the park.
•Discussed selling bulk water to the public.
•Heard Village Administrator Monte Asher met with the EPA to discuss source water protection plan and that the village must fill out an application for moving the village wells that are on school property.
•Heard that the chipper service will begin the first Monday in April. Residents are reminded to stack brush near the curb for the village to pick up.
•Heard that there will be a meeting Tuesday with contractor Jason Wills regarding the progress and finishing of the Phase 1 on Dudley Circle.
Council’s next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m. in the village administration office, located at 153 N. Franklin St.