When Richwood Village Council met Monday evening, Mayor Scott Jerew was absent from the meeting, but council approved a resolution which authorizes him to work on securing contracts on three parcels of property within the village.
Money for these proposed purchases comes from a State Capital Improvements grant and the Clean Ohio Foundation.
At last week’s North Union School board meeting, the board approved the sale of 5.37 acres for $37,000 and an easement agreement for 1.015 acres of school property valued at $5,500. The school board suggested an easement to the village instead of the sale of the 1.015 acres so the village can use the $5,500 towards a proposed walking path project.
The resolution also authorizes Jerew to negotiate with Mark and Tricia Wolfe, who own a house and 3.066 acres at 283 N. Franklin St. The property runs along the park and Richwood Lake and would provide another access to the park and more parking space for guests.
This was a first of three readings of the new resolution.
Councilman Reddy Brown reported to council that he has been working with the Union County Health Department regarding the recent ordinance council passed making some areas of Richwood Park “no smoking.” The health department will provide the necessary signs to post in the park, if the village will provide the posts for mounting.
Council agreed to provide the posts.
In other council business, solons;
-Approved the pay increase for Richwood Police Officer Joe North for his one year of service.
–Heard that a work day is set for July 8 at Richwood Park for a local boy scout troop to work on shelter house 1. Boy Scout Cameron Troesch is working on his Eagle Scout project, which includes replacing the support poles that are rotting on the shelter house. The poles have been sanded, varnished and are prepared for replacement;
-Heard that resident Jim Dew power washed shelter house 2 in preparation of the free summer community meal program that takes place every Thursday at 11:30 a.m.
–Recently purchased a used zero turn lawnmower at a cost of $2,100 as the village’s two mowers are in need of replacement.
–Heard the East Ottawa Street project is near completion, well ahead of the Oct. 1 deadline. Paving should be finished this week, weather permitting.
-Was informed that a $50,000 CDBG grant application was amended and resubmitted for a new street surfacing project on Pearl Street from East Ottawa to East Bomford Street. Shelley Materials’ bid came in at $53,000, approximately $7,000 under the project estimate. The resurfacing project should begin soon.
-Heard from police chief Monte Asher that he has spoken with North Union Superintendent Rich Baird regarding the need for a school resource officer in the district.
The next regular meeting of village council will be held June 26 at 7 p.m. at the village administration office, located at 153 N. Franklin St. The meetings are open to the public.