Block Camera Grant Application Approved for Barnesville Police Department
At Monday night’s village council meeting, Barnesville Police Chief Rocky Siranni asked council for permission to apply for a grant to obtain new cameras for the department.
Siranni told council he would like to apply for an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) federal grant through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Criminal Justice Services to install up to four block cameras in the village.
The cameras are license plate readers positioned at different locations in the village that are connected to a nationwide database, the police chief added.
He said these cameras are beneficial for law enforcement. They are expensive costing $3,000 per camera per year but the cost also covers access to the national database.
All five council members present – Terry McCort, Tony Johnson, Les Tickhill, Robyn Misner and Tim McKelvey – approved moving forward with the application. Councilman Brad Hudson was not at the meeting.
Siranni also requested hiring a full-time resource officer for the elementary school., The current job posting for a part-time position has gone unanswered months. The chief believes he can fill the position if it is full-time position. Council approved the request.
Fire Station Safety
Fire Chief Tim Hall reminded council that at last meeting he talked about drainage problems on the west side of the firehouse. He reminded members pipes need to be placed then capped over with concrete to resolve the issue. He said it’s a lengthy, expensive project, but it needs addressed whether the village tackles this year or includes it in the 2026 budget.
Fireworks at the Park
Village administrator Roger Deal said fireworks will take place on July 5. The Barnesville pool free swim will be from noon to 6 p.m. that day. Food will be available at the pool and food vendors will be set up in the park during the day. Entertainment will take place at the Amphitheater followed by a DJ at the Mothers’ Club Shelter from 7 p.m. until the fireworks begin. The rain date for the celebration is July 6.
Park Safety
Deal also talked about the condition of the steps on about one-third of the grade going up hill from the Memorial Park T-ball fields. He said they are decaying and no longer safe for use. Deal suggested the village take them down. He added that if council is interested in replacement steps, he could get a price estimate.
Finance
Mayor Jake Hershberger requested council approve a motion for an alternative apportionment formula for local government funds. The motion excludes of the city of Martins Ferry from the Belmont County formula process. Members approved the motion.
Street/Alley Project
Village administrator Roger Deal reported that Cast & Baker, contractor for the tunnel/trail project, will bring on an additional employee this week.
Work will first focus on the far east end near the Tlaquepaque Mexican Grille to Bethesda Street. A detour on Bethesda street extension will be in place for the first section of work. Cast & Baker have proposed other detours as the project progresses.
Siranni and Deal also discussed traffic issues during the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival with the contractor and Ohio Department of Transportation. Both assured the two that roadways will be cleaned up and open during the festival.
New EMS Squad Member
Fire Chief Tim Hall asked for council’s approval for the appointment of Robert Stover to the EMS Squad. He said Stover completed the EMT class and passed his test. Mayor Hershberger made the appointment and council approved.
Water and Sewer
Administrator Deal said the Ohio EPA has approved a $70,0000 planning loan “with forgiveness” for the village. At the last meeting, council approved a resolution to apply for the Water Supply Revolving Loan to help the village come up with a plan to remove Pfas forever chemical contaminants from the town’s water supply. The planning award is the first step in that processes.
Deal also shared that the village’s 40-year contract signed in 1985 with Switzerland of Ohio is up for review. The village will meet with Switzerland of Ohio officials to review any proposed changes for a new contract, and then present it to council for approval. Barnesville is currently undergoing a water rate study to make sure the village’s water sales are at a sustainable price to ensure future repairs and replacements are covered.
Permits
Chief Hall received approvals for two building permit. One is for a wood deck installation at the Jackie Huntsman residence on South Highland Avenue. The second was for solar panel installation.
A third permit for a storage building for Michael Hall on Railroad Street was not approved. Hall tore down one storage building and wants to construct another exceeding the 10-foot building setback limit by eight feet. A neighbor contends the new building will actually be partially constructed over the property line.
Council President Tony Johnson said he thinks the best idea is to initially talk with Hall.
Meetings
The council’s next meeting on Monday, June 30 will begin at 5 p.m. Council go into executive session for village administrator interviews. Council will return at 6:30 p.m. for the 2026 budget public hearing followed by the regular council session at 7 pm.
The following council meeting on July 14 will again start at 5 p.m. with an executive session for more administrator candidate interviews. Council will move into regular public session at 7 p.m.
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