CENTERBURG — The sinkhole repair at Preston and Union streets has cost the village about $53,000 thus far.
The $53,000 does not include a few outstanding bills or fixing the parking lot.
Street Utility Worker Alex Gowans said that when the sinkhole first opened last month, a small car could fit into it. The depth was between 12 feet to 14 feet.
As workers explored the problem, more issues appeared.
An AEP pole was “alarmingly close” to the area workers had to excavate. Additionally, an old pole still had lines leading to the school. The school agreed to move the lines to a new pole.
Workers backfilled the area and placed a new line inside, with a fiberglass bladder that expands to fit the new line.
However, they found multiple collapsed sections before and after the sinkhole, including a junction of 12-inch and 15-inch pipes with multiple clay pipes crushed.
Workers also anticipated the stormwater line would run straight to the road. Instead, it turned toward the elementary school.
Ultimately, crews replaced 20 to 30 feet of pipe. Village Administrator Teri Wise halted sinkhole work until the village receives the I&I report.
Legislative action
Council members discussed a resolution authorizing Wise to contract with the Trustees of the Centerburg Public Library for a land purchase.
The village will buy three parcels for $90,000:
•Parcel 18-00046.000, 0 E. Houck St.
•Parcel 18-00047.000, 0 E. Houck St.
•Parcel 18-00048.000, 52 N. Clayton St.
Councilman Daniel Hardwick questioned whether the legislation should receive a first reading while council members sought community input. Mayor Greg Sands responded that the community elected the council members to make decisions.
A motion to waive the three readings failed by a 4 to 2 vote. Suspending the rules requires five votes. Hardwick and Councilman Dave Beck voted no. Therefore, the resolution received its first reading.
Sands noted the 2025 budget still needs to be prepared, but council members wanted to proceed with the first reading.
Council members waived the required three readings and adopted two ordinances:
•Creating a handicapped accessible parking spot on the north side of Main Street on the corner of South Clayton and East Main streets
•Approving the purchase of property, casualty, and general liability insurance for $22,066, an increase of $4,297 over 2023
COJFD
Fire Chief Mark McCann reported that the 2001 fire truck blew an engine and was not salvageable. Central Ohio Joint Fire District is trying to locate a temporary truck.
A refurbished 2001 truck costs about $200,000, and a 2015-16 truck costs around $400,000 to $500,000.
The new truck already on order is around $670,000. New trucks are about three years out.
The fire board is analyzing its options.
Miscellaneous
Mayor Sands said Knox Community Hospital wants to acquire five acres adjacent to its wellness facility on Columbus Road. The parcel is zoned rural residential, and any construction must be approved by the village for rezoning.
Council members noted that any project must include attention to turn lanes, sidewalks, and speed control.
•Ryan Altizer requested council to vacate the portion of Spring Alley behind 52 Washington St. and transfer both halves of the alley to the property owner at 70 Washington St. The owners of 52 Washington St. agree with the transfer. VA Wise said the village must retain an easement to access storm and water lines in the alley.
•Chief McCann reviewed the status of the gas leak at the Shell station.
•A local Brownie Troop bought, decorated, and donated three barrels to the village to use at the farmers market.
•Ohio Plan Risk Management reviewed the village’s policies and procedures to identify potential liability issues. The company recommended two action items:
–confirm that existing sign inspection protocols meet ODOT requirements for sign reflectivity or update protocols to meet requirements
–annually review motor vehicle records for each employee who operates a village vehicle
•Councilman Hardwick said there will not be a parade for USA Days, but some committee members are planning an activity at the high school. Because the high school is in the village limits, the committee must obtain the proper permits from the village, COJFD, and Knox Public Health.
•The farmers market starts June 6 at Bell Park.
•COJFD’s annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale runs May 9-10. Proceeds benefit Honor Flight.
