Council Continues Engineering Contract Discussion

by Lisa Gallagher, Barnesville Area News

Resolution #4011, an amended contract with CTI Engineers, Inc. for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project, was read at the April 21 Barnesville Village Council Meeting for the second time.

At the last meeting, several councilmembers wanted assurances that the contract does not obligate the village for construction-related costs of the contract. Mayor Jake Hershberger stated that he emailed the firm and confirmed that approving the contract only obligates the village for the design costs at this time. If and when construction began on the project, the village would then be locked in and obligated to pay the construction-related costs in the contract.

Councilmember Brad Hudson requested that Village Administrator Roger Deal review the original contract from December 2018 to see if it matches the revisions.

Solicitor Richard Myser reminded the council that this resolution is an amendment to the original agreement to update the costs and deem it an emergency. Myser continued with the second reading and stated that the third reading will take place with possible action at the next meeting.

Encouragement to Vote YES on Issue 2 Renewal

Roger Deal encouraged those present to vote yes on Issue 2. “This bill does not increase any taxes. It creates 1,000s of good-paying construction jobs across the state,” said Deal. Deal continued that the bill allows the government to sell bonds to support local governments with infrastructure projects. Through the Ohio Public Works Commission, Deal said that 19 projects, like paving roads, water and sewer projects, and treatment plant projects, have been funded during the past 20 years in Barnesville.

Councilmember Tim McKelvey added, “It is really a good thing to vote for. We have benefited from it.”

JB Green Team Grants Awarded to Village and Warren Township

For the third time, Warren Township and the village have combined efforts and received a total of $7,695, with $962 matching funds required. With the grant funds, there will be four picnic tables made out of recycled plastic purchased for the Barnesville Memorial Park. These picnic tables are handicap accessible. In addition, four benches will be purchased. These items will be placed throughout the park and will be a addition.

Warren Township Clean Up Day May 3

Warren Township Trustee Jim Grear reminded the council that the May 3 clean up day will be at the Watt Center. Grear also said that more volunteers are needed. Collection hours are 9:00-1:00 that day.

Reports, Permits and Pay Ordinances

Village Administrator Roger Deal shared that the village is advertising for a street department position. Ideally, the candidate needs to have a CDL. Pay rate is $15-$19 per hour, depending on experience and license. Deal continued to report that the seasonal employee list was included in the council’s packet. Finally, Deal stated that the village is also advertising for an assistant water clerk position. This position is 21-30 hours per week. Kendra Powell is vacating the position and has agreed to stay until the new person is trained. Deal added, “Kendra has been a great employee and she will be missed.”

Building permits were approved for 123 N. Chestnut Street, Suite C (Ava Hanes), new awning, and 123 N. Chestnut Street, Suite B (Fuad Al-Awdi), new sign.

A pay ordinance of $42,704.34 was approved.

The next Barnesville Council meeting will take place on Monday, May 5. The agenda will post on the village website by the end of the day Friday.