Water Project Agreement Approved
Barnesville Village Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) resolution with the Village of Fairview at the Monday, May 18, meeting for the upcoming water line extension project for distribution of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
“If you recall, two weeks ago we passed one with the Belmont County Commissioners,” Village Solicitor Richard Myser said.
Those funds will cover the project in Belmont County while this MOU covers the Village Fairview.
The resolution was approved by a vote of 5-0. Council member Robyn Misner was absent from the meeting.
Construction of the project is expected to begin this year.
Council also approved Ordinance No. 4047 submitted by village solicitor Richard Myser “that codifies our ordinances and incorporates changes to the Ohio Revised Code” since the last codifying update. An outside firm prepares the documents for the village.
“The new update incorporates local ordinances through January 2026,” Jeannie Hannahs, village fiscal officer, said.
Upon the recommendation of Myser, council suspended the three-reading rule and passed the measure at the first reading by a vote of 5-0.
Fire Chief Bob Froehlich reported the “main engine turbo blew” that had to be replaced. The cost was about $9,200.
A request from councilmember Mark Lucas to discuss fire equipment replacement was also discussed. Hershberger felt more information was needed noting the fire chief is working on a 20-year equipment plan.
Froehlich submitted the April activity report for the department. Volunteer fire personnel responded to three fires, eight accidents, two mutual aid calls, one assist for EMS personnel, and one service call.
Froehlich also shared that three new volunteer firemen started class the past week.
Finally, the chief asked council if they would donate to the department’s upcoming June 13 fishing tournament at Memorial Park. Last year, the village donated $500 to the cause.
Councilmember Terry McCort praised the event. “That’s a great program for the kids. It a good turnout and a lot of local businesses donate”.
Mayor Hershberger shared with council that the letter to water customers relating to the results of the water/sewer rate study will be mailed shortly. Once it is released, there will be a questionnaire form on the website “where people can shoot questions or feedback”.
Hershberger added the firm that did the study would be willing to attend a future council meeting to share greater details of the study’s findings.
Sally Davies Johnson received approval to stage the 5th Annual BHS Alumni Parade Saturday afternoon, July 11. The afternoon event will form at the depot grounds, follow Arch Street to Main, then west to the Barnesville Elementary School gym where it will disband.
“It’s grown and moving it to Saturday allows us to have the school band,” Johnson said.
Council approved the request.
Mayor Hershberger gave a “shout out” to the Barnesville varsity sports teams who were named overall OVAC 3A Champions for the 2025-26 school year.
In other matters:
- Hershberger reported Riesbeck’s Market will donate a small piece of land located between East Main Street/SR 147 and Railroad Street to add to the land donated by Belmont Savings Bank for a site for the Class of 1975 pavilion.
- Payments presented by fiscal officer Jeannie Hannahs in the amount of $181,878.11 were approved as were the April financial reports.
- A special meeting of the Finance Committee will take place in the municipal building at 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, to review the capital budget for the next fiscal year. The meeting is open to the public.
The next meeting of village council will take place at 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, in the council chambers of the municipal building.
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