Depot Roof Project Stirs Council Debate

By Diane Reynolds, Barnesville Area News

The council dealt with several issues at their meeting this past Monday evening.  

Depot roof replacement stirs council debate: how historically accurate does it have to be?

A bid of $164,000 to replace the depot’s clay roof has raised debate in the village council about the worth of historical accuracy. Though the bid from a Texas company is lower than others, council member Terry McCort questioned if such a roof adds to the historical merit of the depot. Stating that the cost “is a lot,” he asked “should we use a cheaper, lighter material?”    

Currently, the Barnesville depot committee has received a $75,000 state capital grant thanks to the efforts of State Senator Brian Chavez. The grant is for replacing the roof in a historically accurate manner. They have also received a $5,000 grant from the Belmont County Tourism Council for the project. In addition, the depot committee has indicated it is willing to add in a yet-to-be-determined sum, Mayor Hershberger said. 

Nevertheless, council member Brad Hudson agreed that the cost was high, adding “it’s like throwing money down a hole.” Council member Tim McKelvey responded with an adamant defense of a clay roof, while Hershberger pointed out that the depot’s $75,000 grant is “based on the historical accuracy of the roof.” Hershberger also noted that the village is applying for more grants, so more of the cost will probably be covered. 

Despite the debate, the council unanimously passed a resolution to advertise for bids for the roof’s replacement. Currently the roof is leaking, making it difficult to replace the depot furnace and some existing grant money needs to be used within a time frame that ends in September 2026.

Depot Lease to be revised

At the suggestion of village attorney Myser, the council agreed to revise the proposed new Depot lease. The lease needs to show a lessor, a lessee, and a sub-lessee (the Barnesville Depot Committee), Myser said. In addition, he recommended that the lease be for five years, with four options to renew the lease for an additional five years each. He also objected to language that allows either party to cancel the lease with 180 days notice, pointing out that this wording essentially makes it an 180 day lease. He advised, too, that the lessee pick up the liability insurance.

The council agreed, and Myser will bring the revised contract for approval to the next council meeting. 

Village clock refurbished 

The refurbished village clock is back in position, said village administrator Roger Deal. “It looks like new,” he said, adding that the new glass makes the clock easier to see. He noted, too, that Jimmy Wells will continue taking care of it as he has for many years.

Deal extended his gratitude to Joel Braido, Keith Moore, and Wells for their roles in restoring the clock, which was removed last fall for the restoration project.

Amendment temporarily tabled for agreement with CTI Engineers

The village council unanimously agreed to table approving an amendment to the agreement with CTI Engineering Inc for Barnesville wastewater treatment plan improvements. This is to insure that the cost includes an inspector for the project. The council emphasized that the contract is in place but that it is simply that the amendment needs to be clarified. 

Dr. Souri asks for movement on derelict properties

Dr. Pratap K. Souri attended the meeting pleading to the council that more be done to encourage owners to use the land bank for properties that are abandoned and/or in disrepair. Under the land bank program, owners can sign a property over to the village, which will then take care of demolishing it. Souri also noted that lawns need to be mowed around derelict buildings, as the high grass becomes a home for wildlife, including reptiles. “Something must be done,” he said. 

Chief Hall responded that the village is working on the problem, but that it is slow going. “It won’t happen tomorrow,” he said. Sometimes the property is in probate, so that the village doesn’t know who to approach until the estate is settled. And if property taxes are up to date, the village can’t seize derelict properties. 

Hall said, however, that one estate was recently settled and that he is attempting to reach out to the heirs. 

State Paving Project  

Deal informed council that the Ohio Department of Transportation will begin paving in the village in the coming weeks. They will pave South Chestnut Street in the village.

Temporary detours and traffic delays are anticipated during the roadwork.

April fire department calls

Chief Hall reported that the fire department responded to 16 fire calls in April. Additionally, it responded to 92 EMS requests. Storms brought down trees and power lines in April as well, making it a difficult month, but the community pulled together and worked to repair damage.  Hall said this was much appreciated. 

New police officer needed

Chief Rocky noted that Officer Nicholas Bumba had put in his two weeks notice and that the police department is advertising for a replacement.

Village pool to open soon; Council gives Deal go-ahead to start repair process for leaking reservoir dam

Costs from two engineering firms to investigate the reservoir dam #1 leaks and propose solutions will come to $84,644., Deal said. The council authorized Deal to proceed with the contracts so that the dam can be repaired. 

The village pool will open on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26. Deal said that, as always, he has hired a strong group of lifeguards so the pool should not need to be closed for lack of staffing.

Deal also noted that the person recently hired for the assistant water clerk position is moving to Texas, but he hopes to have the position filled by the next meeting.