Horse Poo Issues Discussed by Council
In addition to the Main Sewer Line emergency project previously reported by Barnesville Area News accessible here, Village Council tackled several other issues. Village Council president Brad English was absent from the meeting.
Horse Poo
The Street and Alleys Agenda section listed one item -” Amish Horse & Buggies”.
Introduced by Village Administrator Roger Deal, the discussion centered on horse manure droppings on trails, Railroad Street and throughout the downtown.
“Council has talked over the year about the Amish traffic here in town and leaving behind manure on the streets,” Deal said. “Since we’ve opened the walking/bike trail, we’re experiencing more foot traffic in the tunnel and on Railroad Street. We put up signs prohibiting the Amish from using the trail but not from using Railroad Street, but we’re still seeing Amish buggies going through the tunnel and there are hoof and buggy wheel marks on the asphalt.”
Deal noted he’s receiving complaints including one from a lady who said she can’t go around littering in town, but the Amish can.
The issue of requiring a sling or diaper on horses in the village has been discussed before, a position Deal favors.
Mayor Jake Hershberger, drawing upon his Amish background and experiences, said “on the diapers, I know that is a big inconvenience.”
“We have gas and oil well traffic (in town) that throw mud on the road, and we don’t like that either” implying if the village goes after the Amish, truck traffic should be targeted as well.
“We require dog owners to clean up after their pets. I would hate to think if I had an animal that would crap all over the place and me not take responsibility for it,” Council member Terry McCort said.
“I think we’re maybe not at the point of developing an ordinance, but they would have the common courtesy to clean up after themselves.”
Considering such a proposal burdensome to the Amish, Hershberger added noting rain quickly washes it away.
However, the mayor said, “I’m happy to reach out to their leaders.”
Youth Center Roof
In council members’ packets was a proposal from KSGR Solutions to replace the roof on the Albert S. George Youth Center in Memorial Park.
“We had set aside money to do some insulation and roofing in an attempt to get rid of the condensation that been dripping down (from the ceiling),” Deal said.
The 2027 budget contains a $75,000 line item for the work, Deal noted.
“What I am proposing council is that we do have the money to do the work this year,” Deal said. “Why would we wait and allow that roof to continue to drip and decay until spring when the funds are available?”
The local KSGR Solutions estimate by Travis Kaiser is $64,000 to replace the current shingle roof with shingles.
The discussion shifted to the possibility of replacing the roof with metal.
“At one point, we did not want any metal roofs in the park,” but since we’ve got one on the new shelter, I think it looks fantastic,” the administrator said.
Following a roundtable discussion by council members, Deal was instructed to secure an estimate on a metal roof. If it is no more than the bidding limit of $75,000, council voted to replace the roof with metal on a motion introduced by Mark Lucas. If higher, the administrator was directed to return for further instruction.
North Waterline Project
The village administrator reported things are moving along on the project. The multi-week public notice for bidders is currently posted. A mandatory pre-bid meeting for companies is set for October 20 prior to the official bid opening on October 27. Both meetings will take place in the council chambers in the municipal building.
South Broadway Street Project
Contractor Adam Ackerman reported seven water tap installations remain. He estimated the final part of the project, paving by Shelly & Sands, will be completed by Oct. 15.
Water and Sewer Employees
Deal announced that Mike Stephens, an employee of the water and sewer department since 1998, is retiring on January 27.
He also noted that he and two other department employees with Class Operator licenses will depart in January 2029 possibly leaving the village in a bind since some current employees are not interested in moving up the licensing ladder above the Class One level to the Class Two and Class Three levels.
Deal, with Hersberger concurring, suggested council advertise for two licensed operators now rather than later.
Following a discussion, councilmember Lindsay Dowdle moved to advertise for two positions. The ordinance passed unanimously.
Water Rate Increase
Deal reported the Village of Quaker City approved the pass-through water rate increase approved by council for their customers. The December 15 payment by the village will reflect the increase.
Having heard nothing from the Switzerland of Ohio Water District, Deal told council he will reach out to discuss the proposed increase.
Land Donation
Hershberger invited council members and the public to a formal transfer of land on the east side for the construction of a pavilion and park. Riesbeck’s and Belmont Savings Bank are donating land between East Main Street/SR 147 and Railroad Street to the village. The ceremony will take place on site, weather permitting, at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 14.
In other business:
Expenses: Village Fiscal Officer Jeannie Hannahs was given approval to pay invoices and bills totaling $138,782.20. She was also given approval for the September Financial Statements & Bank Reconciliation.
Resolutions: Solicitor Myser introduced Resolution #4058 “to accept the amounts and rates as determined by the Belmont County Budget Commission for 2027”. Since it is an annual formality, council waived the three-reading rule passing it unanimously on a single, emergency vote.
Chemical Bids: Deal shared the public solicitation for 2027 water chemical bids will go out shortly.
Mayor’s Court Report: Hershberger reported September Mayor’s Court receipts totaled $1,925. The village retained $1,444 of that amount with $463 remitted to the state and $18 to Belmont County.
Fire and EMS Report: Fire Chief Chris Hendershot noted September was a busy month with 10 fires, 96 EMS runs and five transports from Barnesville Hospital to other medical facilities. Assistant Chief Silas Tracy added Saturday of the pumpkin festival was particularly busy with five ER calls.
Building Permits: Two building permits were approved for 511 E. Main Street, Jimmy Grear, a room addition, and 301 West Church Street, Eric Leach, a new metal roof.
Next Meeting: Council will next meet on Monday, October 19, 7 p.m., in the municipal building council chambers. An advance copy of the Agenda is accessible here.
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