‘Eyes of Freedom’ Returns in September
Local resident, Scott Baker, attended the June 29 Barnesville Village Council meeting to discuss the Eyes of Freedom Memorial that will return to Barnesville during the pumpkin festival.
The Eyes of Freedom event last September was intended to be the last one that Baker and the other Barnesville organizers would sponsor, however, now that has changed.
In the past the Eyes of Freedom was escorted into Barnesville by the police and fire departments. With permission granted from both the fire chief and police chief, Baker asked the Council to grant organizers permission to have an escort. Council voted 5-0 to approve the request. Councilmember Robyn Misner was absent at the meeting.
For more information on the last year’s Eyes of Freedom Memorial and the accompanying “Quilts of Valor” presentations may be read here.
JB Green Team Funding Approved
Ordinance #4048 was approved unanimously. It renews Barnesville’s yearly contribution to the funding of JB Green Team, the solid waste authority that provides recycling services in Jefferson and Belmont County communities. In addition to collection containers for glass, metal, plastic, paper and cardboard, JB also now collects Styrofoam that may be dropped off in boxes located between E. South and Mill streets.
Streets and Alleys
Issues regarding the use of trash compactors in the alleys was raised. A local trash hauler contacted the village to notify them of the damage trash compactors are causing in alleys around the village. While council members did not discuss the issue in detail, the idea of having companies use pick up trucks in the alleys was mentioned
Council also discussed progress on Laws Street concerning the water runoff causing flooding. Since the last meeting, members examined the issue first-hand and determined that the flooding is caused by a lack of drainage on school property. Once an engineer determines the proper solution, the village will move forward on the project. It was noted, the school has been cooperative throughout the process.
Also discussed was the South Broadway Street issues. With funds already budgeted for the work, council unanimously voted to allow the Street Department to move forward on the project.
Safety
Fire Chief Bob Froehlich announced that plans for Safety Day are currently underway. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, at the High School, a new location this year. Chief Froehlich also said that the chicken barbeque was cancelled. Instead, attendees will be offered free hot dogs.
Park and Recreation
Mayor Hershberger shared with council that a group called the Mayor Partnership Program has offered to provide technical assistance in designing a new trail at the Watt Center location from the depot grounds to Wiley Avenue. The initial planning of the trail would be paid for completely with no cost to the village.
Building Permits and Payments
The following permits were approved by the Council:
Kelsey Howiler – 119 East Main Street – Repaint Business Front
Jessica Clary – 116 Laws Street – New Roof
A pay ordinance listing invoices and bills in the amount of $103,771.45 was approved.
Prior to the meeting, public hearings related to proposed water rate increases and the 2027 village budget took place.
The next meeting of the council is set for Monday, July 13 at 7 p.m. in the municipal building.
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