Barnesville Council Fast Tracks Two Ordinances
Barnesville council approved an amended golf cart ordinance and a backflow license pay rate ordinance under suspension of the rules at Monday evening’s council meeting.
Ordinance #4016, amending the golf cart ordinance, was read by Village Solicitor Richard Myser. He and Police Chief Rocky Sirianni have been working on the revised ordinance for some time. The State of Ohio amended chapter 4511 in the Ohio Revised Code in June, and the proposed revised Barnesville ordinance complies with these changes.
Myser said the new ordinance specifically describes what a golf cart is, that the vehicle should have a license plate and that a golf cart is now allowed to travel up to 35 mph on villages streets.
Council voted to suspend the rules and passed the ordinance.
Ordinance #4017 relating to the pay rate for employees with backflow certificates was also considered.
In 2022, the village raised pay 50 cents to $1 an hour for employees with valid backflow licenses. The current regulations stipulate that certified water and sewer department employees receive $1 per hour year round while anybody with a backflow license working in any other department only receives the $1 bonus for hours spent on backflow related issues.
Village Administrator Roger Deal earlier asked council to revise the ordinance to provide that any employee with valid certification would receive the $1 bonus year round.
The revised ordinance reflects the change. Council suspended the rules and passed the ordinance on 5-1 votes with Tim McKelvey dissenting.
LEGISLATION
The Barnesville Community Foundation recently reviewed and approved the Depot Lease Agreement with the village. The document now contains a correct legal description of the depot property. The next step is for the village to send the agreement to the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission for review.
Barnesville received a $75,000 grant from the state capital budget. The grant requires an approved lease in place for the village to receive the funding. The related ordinance, #4012, had its first reading of three at the meeting.
Village Solicitor Richard Myser said the agreement is a little different from a normal lease for a commercial property. The Village of Barnesville is the lessor while the Barnesville Community Foundation is the lessee. The Barnesville Community Foundation is subletting the depot to the Barnesville Depot Committee. The Barnesville Depot Committee will operate and manage the facility. Myser explained that the Barnesville Community Foundation is a “conduit” in this particular instance.
The Barnesville Depot Committee will be responsible for liability, repairs, maintenance and utilities. The Barnesville Community Foundation acts as the depot committee’s 501 (c) (3) agent.
The proposal basically mirrors how depot operations have been handled since 1991.
Patti Napolitano, depot committee liaison with the state funding agency, attended the meeting and said the $75,000 grant comes with the stipulation the building be made available for community use for 10 years past the date of completion of the project.
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
Sirianni told council the police department golf scramble on July 26 was a success with about 30 teams taking part.
“It was all really good. I think everybody had a good time even with the very warm weather,” he said. “Thanks to everybody who came out and to our sponsors. That’s what keeps it going.”
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Roger Deal reported that several water leaks are on the repair list. Leak Seekers Ohio, a company the village hired, found an underground leak in the alley behind Chestnut Lanes and two on East Main Street. Repairs are scheduled at all three locations.
PERMITS
Council approved a permit for the the demolition of a residence at 137 East South Street for applicant Brenda McCort.
MAYOR REPORTS
Mayor Jake Hershberger said the village oil and gas bid packet will publish in the daily newspaper later this week.
Councilman McKelvey asked Hershberger to do an addendum for the Depot Roof Project rebid. Hershberger did so. The addendum allows bidders to quote the project for a new roof or to lift the existing tile and relay them. The bid opening is set for 3 p.m., Aug. 6, in council chambers.
Council entered into executive session to consider the purchase of property for public purposes. Council took no action afterwards.
The next meeting of village council will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, August 11, at the municipal building.
Barnesville Area News Needs Your Support!
We're dedicated to providing coverage of the local happenings in Barnesville and the neighboring communities.
As a non-profit entity, we rely on the donations of readers like you.
Make a donation today and you'll be helping keep local news alive in the Barnesville area.