CENTERBURG — Village Administrator Teri Wise told village council members the village has had several hiccups with the Jerry Street stormwater project.
Those hiccups involve AEP poles, gas line poles, and a tree.
AEP agreed to move poles in the right-of-way where the village plans to run the line, and the gas company is working with V3 Companies.
“Every time we go around something, it costs us money. And we have a tree that we have to remove. If we don’t remove the tree, to go around it is going to cost an extra $15,000,” Wise said.
Ed Lambert owns the parcel with the tree.
“You take that tree out all you want,” he told Wise. “We don’t need to spend $15,000.”
Wise said resolving those issues enables the village to install the pipe down the right-of-way.
Councilman Greg Myers owns the parcel where the line will exit at the creek.
“There was a little bit of wondering how we’re going to do that,” Wise explained.
Myers talked with V3 about options, and Wise will meet with them on Thursday.
“As soon as that’s done, then I’ll advertise for a bid,” she said.
An Ohio Public Works Commission grant will cover the Jerry Street stormwater project cost.
Knox Public Health
Knox County Health Commissioner Zach Green updated council members on health news and activities.
KPH is working with Centerburg school officials on a $50,000 planning grant for a school-based health center.
“That doesn’t mean we’re going to do a full-blown community health center and do brick-and-mortar, 2,500 square feet,” he said. “It’s trying to align our resources.
“Knox Community Hospital has a brand new facility offering primary care. We have the ability to leverage telehealth, in particular for behavioral health.”
KPH will launch a survey to get community feedback, particularly parents’ thoughts and concerns.
“We want to hear that so we can navigate accordingly,” he told the council.
Green said the survey is a planning opportunity.
“It is for us as a community to collaborate together and identify how we can continue to provide access: To our students, in particular, faculty, and even families that potentially could utilize that.
“It’s not, ‘we’re building a brand new health center and we’re throwing it in there.’ It’s ‘let’s streamline some resources,’” he said.
The $50,000 is through the Ohio Department of Health, with potentially up to $500,000 for implementation. Of the $500,000, $250,000 would be for operations and $250,000 in capital assets.
Green said KPH expects to generate a business plan by the first quarter 2025.
Miscellaneous health news
Centerburg schools recently participated in a full-scale reunification drill with KPH. Knox County Emergency Management Agency, Central Ohio Joint Fire District, and other Knox County schools also participated.
“That’s pivotal, and for Centerburg to step up; they were highly involved in that,” Green said. “Not only did they do an EVAC, but they actually went through the reunification site. So kudos to the school system and continuing to plan.”
Green noted KPH completed its five-year strategic plan, which includes providing additional opportunities in downtown Mount Vernon.
He said that brings access closer to Centerburg rather than residents going to the east side of Mount Vernon. KPH plans to launch a capital campaign in 2026.
He also mentioned the Drive to Succeed program, which offers a grant for driving school for anyone aged 15 to 17 who qualifies for Medicaid or free or reduced lunch.
Green reported over 100 cases of Lyme disease so far this year, which is comparable to 2023.
“The vast majority of individuals are unaware they were even bitten by a tick, but this is not something that’s going to go away,” Green said.
“We are going to continue to see this probably indefinitely, so it’s all about creating education and having those serious conversations with your primary care provider in an effort to mitigate this.”
Legislative action
Council members passed an ordinance increasing sewer rates on third reading. The ordinance passed by a 5 to 1 vote. Councilman Myers voted no.
Council also passed on third reading legislation amending section 917.04 of the codified ordinances relating to billing and payment of wastewater charges.
Council members waived the three readings and adopted two pieces of legislation on their first reading.
One ordinance related to acquiring health insurance coverage for full-time employees. Premiums increased by 0.2% since last year.
The other legislation authorized Wise to apply for a pared-down TAP (Transportation Alternative Program) grant for the downtown streetscape project. Application deadline is Nov. 15.
Reports
Village administrator
Crews are working on leaf pick up, Facebook followers increased, and 112 wastewater treatment plan samples met Ohio EPA parameters. The village had one noncompliance issue relating to ammonia and submitted a report to the OEPA.
Legal
Solicitor Kyle Strough reported Wise is talking with County Administrator Jason Booth about the Hazel Heights contract. After they reach an agreement, legal counsel on both sides will review it.
The village closed on the Interchurch Social Services property in October. Stroh will schedule the closing on the library property.
Council members discussed the AMVETS annexation. Knox Public Health required the organization to hook into the village’s septic system because AMVETS’ system failed. AMVETS is concerned about reapplying for its D4 liquor license if it is annexed into the village.
COJFD
The department contracted with Paul Zeeb, M.D., through MECC (Metropolitan Emergency Communications Center) to serve as medical director. The department’s former medical director, Dr. Orth, passed away.
Fire Chief Mark McCann reports COJFD distributed 150 fire helmets at the Oldtime Farming Festival, renewed its Drug Free Workplace with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, and saw nearly 200 visitors at the open house for Fire Prevention Week.
COJFD cannot conduct a fall smoke detector drive because the Red Cross is deployed in the South due to the hurricanes. However, it will hold its “Chat with the Fire Chief” on Oct. 26 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Additionally, the department and other local medical facilities are having difficulty getting intravenous fluid because North Carolina’s Baxter Healthcare ceased operations due to the hurricanes. Baxter is a significant national supplier.
