Since the Village of Richwood had a web site developed online, there is one information section that states “under construction.” That is regarding making payments of water and sewer bills, purchasing permits, reserving the park’s shelter houses, etc. For many people in today’s world, they don’t carry cash, only a debit or credit card.
Sarah Sellers, the village clerk told council members at Monday night’s regular meeting, that she has looked into a few companies who offer the availability of paying their bills through a credit card company. She said that she looked into Pay Star. The company offers three options council to select that would work for the village. Customers could pay their water/sewer bills online without a fee, the village would incur any fees. The second option was to split the credit card fee between the customer and the village. The third option would be to charge a flat fee for each transaction.
Council will look at the three options and discuss which plan would work the best for the village and and talk more about the opportunity at the July 27 regular meeting.
Chris and Amy Thompson, who live south of Essex, asked council members about purchasing water from the village. They have a water hauling business and currently they must drive to Marysville or Delaware to buy water for their customers. Council liked the idea of selling water to Thompson and will have Eric Kincaid, Water Department manager, look into what would be needed to fill Thompson’s truck, a mutually agreed price per 1,000 gallons and get a policy together for both parties.
Saturday, Aug. 8 will be designated as “Park Day.” This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at Richwood Park. It is hoped that many people will come and see what the park offers the public. There is a bluegill fishing tournament taking place that day. Children preschool age through 15 are invited to see who can catch the largest bluegill. The catch and release event takes registrations of all children participating beginning at 8 a.m. The competition begins at 9 a.m. No fishing license is needed for any adults helping their children. Free bait will be provided. No stringers of any kind can be used. Bring a bucket or net fish bag for holding the fish in. Awards will be given in the three age groups. For more information, call George Showalter at 740-943-3249.
A 5K run and two-mile walk was scheduled to take place, but organizers were told by the Union County Health Department that due to guidelines set by Governor Mike DeWine, the race will not be held, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans are to have it scheduled in the near future.
A pickleball tournament and cornhole tournament will take place during Park Day. Activities for the children will also be available.Free hot dogs, chips and drink will be provided by the local Richwood Police Association. It is hoped the public will join in the fun at the park!
Mayor Scott Jerew told council members that he recently gave a tour to structure officials regarding what was needed to get the former town hall roof stabilized. Before village council can proceed with seeking grants for fixing up the historical building, it must be shored up and in good shape. Jerew said he is expecting an estimate soon.
Village Administrator Monte Asher told council that the brackets and hooks that attach to the new street lights came in the wrong size. They are much too small to hold any sizeable hanging baskets. He asked the company to send larger brackets so that the brackets will be able to hold the weight of a filled flower pot.
Jerew also told council that with State Route 4 closed between Routes 37 and 47, there is likely to be more traffic through town following the detour. He hopes that drivers will be patient as large semis need extra room when making turns. The detour is scheduled through September.
In other business, council;
-Heard that the village is still looking for a full-time public service employee. Tim Monroe will be off work for four to six weeks and they will be short two employees.
-Reminded the residents of the rate increase in water and sewer bills beginning August for July usage.
-Heard the street sweeper is fixed and it will be scheduling street cleaning.
-Was told that 14 new benches have been put in the park.
-Approved a contracted price from Spectrum which will provide phone and internet service to the village for seven years. There will not be a raise in the price during that contracted time.
-Heard that police officer Jason Volak resigned as of July 10.
-Was told that a total of $220.14 in late fees for water and sewer bills have been waived so far. There are around 40 accounts that are past due two months or more.