Richwood resident Aaron Smith attended Monday night’s village council meeting to ask officials about the former opera house/town hall building.
He asked them about organizing a group of volunteers who would do some grant research in regards to locating funds that could be used to help update the aging structure.
Mayor Scott Jerew stated that the local Trailblazers group of volunteers were instrumental and still continues to support the several Richwood Park and Lake projects. They sought help in securing funds from various entities, which made the walking path possible. The lake was rip-wrapped to secure the banks of the lake for fishing and swimming. A new shelter house was built, along with the purchase of picnic tables and benches.
Smith said that a group of people who are supportive of the town icon could do that same type of fundraising as the Trailblazers did for the park.
Council has received bids of $108,000 and $189,000, which would help shore up the sagging roof of the opera house, but the village only has approximately $70,000 set aside for repair work.
Those in attendance at previous town hall meetings have shown equal support for saving the structure or tearing it down. A local resident offered to help pay for tearing down the building.
Smith thinks that during this time of decision, those who are interested in saving the building, could be researching grant funds to help save it. If something is not done very quickly, the roof of the opera house could reportedly come down with upcoming winter weather.
Council approved the idea and has set an open meeting for Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Richwood Park in shelter house #2 with the stone fireplace. Anyone who is interested in discussing the fate of the former town hall/opera house may attend. Masks are requested and social distancing will be observed.
Mayor Jerew also mentioned that the village received a $5,000 grant from the Union County Health Department in securing an ADA compliant swingset to be installed at Richwood Park. It will be possible for children who are wheelchair bound to be able to swing on the new equipment.
It was announced that the Trailblazers group has closed out its account with the Union County Foundation and any funds would be given to the Village of Richwood for the park budget. Council will be financially responsible for any upcoming updates to the park.
Jerew also mentioned that the purchased picnic tables have arrived and will be assembled and put in the new shelter house near the beach for use.
There are three boy scouts who are working on the Eagle Scout projects at Richwood Park. Last week, a scout assembled a new walking bridge for children to enjoy in the playground area. Children reportedly used the bridge over the weekend.
Council approved a quote from Walter Drane, a professional codification service that will update the village ordinances. The cost will be $4,128. To get the book online, there is a one-time fee of $1,995 and an annual fee for updating it yearly of $390. This project is to update ordinances that have not been reviewed for several years.
Council also approved a resolution to approve the continuance of Enterprise Zone Tax Incentive Agreements with Richwood Bank. The local bank has far exceeded its pledges on hiring, new jobs and payroll.
In other business, council:
•Heard that new touchless doors were installed at the administration building. An electrician is scheduled to come this week for wiring.
•Heard one new street light is out and a ballast has been ordered. A contractor will be bringing three new sensors for the village.
•Heard 280 feet of four-inch tile was installed at the beach wall for draining.
•Approved the wording for anyone wishing to purchase bulk water from the village. A contract has been drawn up for businesses wishing to buy water.
•Heard two new police officers are in their field training process.
•Plans on having the annual Trick-or-Treat event on Oct. 31 in the village from 5 to 7 p.m. unless new guidelines are given by the governor.
•Heard that officers are back in the schools for security in the mornings.
The next meeting of council will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7 p.m. due to observing Columbus Day, Oct. 12, the regular meeting date.