Barnesville Resident Sounds Alarm on Forever Chemicals in Barnesville Water Supply
At Monday’s village council meeting, Barnesville resident Scott Whitacre, co-owner of the Main Street Barrel House, urged town council members to apply for a portion of $26 million in grant funding to fight high levels of PFAs in Barnesville’s drinking water. He noted a report in the Columbus Dispatch that named Barnesville as one of 21 localities in Ohio with dangerous levels of PFAs, “forever” chemicals which can cause liver and thyroid cancer. The Ohio EPA will start testing for this chemical in 2027 and fining municipalities in 2029 if they are not dealing with cleaning their water. Scott urged the council to jump on this problem as soon as possible, especially as the grant money offer will not last forever. The council thanked Scott mentioning that they are already part of a class action suit against Dupont, a PFA manufacturer.
In other news, the council observed a moment of silence to commemorate the passing of former Monroe County Sheriff Fred Sirianni of Lewisville, father of Barnesville Police Chief Rocky Sirianni.
Council unanimously approved a payment of $195,205.48 that includes $35,303.58 for health insurance and $105,432.40 for the South Chestnut storm drain project. Council also approved Resolution #3975, accepting and authorizing necessary tax levies for 2025.
The second reading of Ordinance #3981, creating the position of Public Works Director passed unanimously, but an emergency measure to suspend a third reading was defeated 3-1. Brian Yarnall voted against it while members Steven Hill and Terry McCort were not at the meeting.
Resolution #3985, to revise and update the village’s public record policy, passed its first reading.
Resolution #3983 to approve a business loan program building improvements for the village of Barnesville passed its second reading. People applying for loans would pay a $100 application fee. Brian Yarnall noted that he would rather the loans cover exterior facade improvements and not interiors.
The McGhee Lane and Hilles Avenue chip and seal project turned out nicely, Village Administrator Roger Deal reported.
Fire Chief Hall reported that the fire department responded to 82 medical and emergency calls in August.
Barnesville received four bids for Morgantown Avenue paving. Three bids were between $84,000 and $89,000, with the highest bid coming in at $105,000. The council voted to accept the low bid of $84,805.50. That work will take place this fall.
Construction of the South Chestnut drainage project is now north of South Street, an easier work area with new and properly installed sidewalks, smaller pipes, and fewer utilities, Adam Ackerman, contractor, reported. Workers worked on Labor Day Ackerman added. Three new water service lines are installed and everything below ground not in use has been removed. The new catch basin will also handle a larger volume of water.
The council unanimously approved a request that the pumpkin festival be allowed to use parking lots and streets in the downtown area.
The Soldier’s Monument, much cleaned up, is ready to be installed at the Veterans Plaza, but may not be in place by the festival. Local businessman Joel Braido is donating his time, expertise, and equipment to make this project possible.
Village Council’s next meeting will take place Monday of Pumpkin Festival week, September 23 at 7:00.
Barnesville Area News Trustee Diane Reynolds attended the meeting and contributed this report.
