CENTERBURG — The village will apply for the next round of Ohio Public Works Commission funding for two projects sorely in need of attention.
The first is roadway and stormwater repairs on Landrum Avenue; the second is fixing the failing stormwater line on South Hartford.
Village Administrator Richard Dzik said the 100-year-old South Hartford line has likely collapsed. The village lacks easements across roughly 30 properties needed to replace it.
Dzik said the village plans to continue stormwater work upstream from the Jerry Street project. The work would include the Dally/Preston Street area and a full repaving of Dally Street.
“The reason it’s two projects and not one is because one big project is less likely to be funded than two smaller ones.
“Or at least we would get one of the two projects funded, probably,” he said.
The village’s share is $154,000 for the Preston/Dally streets project and just under $100,000 for the Landrum project. Dzik said the village will devote its entire 2027 street fund budget to the projects.
Council members waived the three readings and passed legislation to apply for OPWC funding.
The village received a $1.8 million TAP grant last year for downtown improvements, including sidewalks. However, surveys revealed right-of-way issues the village must resolve.
If the village needs to acquire new right-of-ways, the cost is $5,500 per property/parcel. Council members approved Dzik’s plan to spend $16,000 on a right-of-way analysis to determine whether an improved design can avoid acquiring most, if not all, additional new right-of-ways.
Council members also discussed single-hauler trash service from two bidders: Rumpke and Evergreen.
Mayor Greg Myers swore in new council member Alex Park.
Council discusses proposed e-bike ordinance
Council members gave a second reading to legislation regarding e-bikes. The proposed ordinance includes speed limits modeled on those in Westerville.
Council members said enforcement could prove difficult because many e-bikes look alike.
Sheriff’s Deputy Austin Albanes said he would and could enforce the ordinance.
“I am as concerned about speed as I am about safety and following traffic rules and having correct courtesy on our trails,” Dzik said.
“More than anything, operating your e-bike under motor on a village sidewalk; that’s probably my one of my bigger concerns, so I think at least we’re addressing the issue.”
Dzik said the village should not wait for the state to act and doubted any state law would override the local ordinance.
Council members Julie Pruett-Bishop suggested a spring safety program at both elementary school buildings.
Planning commission vacancy
A seat on the planning commission will soon open, and officials have struggled to find a village resident to fill it. The commission canceled a meeting this month for lack of a quorum.
To fix that, council members suspended the rules and adopted an ordinance appointing Councilwoman Saundra Dove as an alternate to the commission.
Dove will fill the vacated seat until a resident steps up. She then will serve as an alternate to ensure a quorum.
The commission has five members: three residents, the mayor and one council appointee.
Upcoming special meetings involve comprehensive planning, sustainable growth
Council will hold a special work session at 6 p.m. Monday. Teri Wise of V3 will review the preliminary comprehensive plan and research on agricultural preservation. The session should last about two hours.
Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. Hicks Partners will start a community discussion series on sustainable growth at the high school. Dzik anticipates holding six sessions. The second is likely the week of Dec. 10. Dzik said he hopes to finish the comprehensive plan by spring.
“The earlier we can have these discussions, the better,” he said.
Dzik said although no new developers or industries have approached the village, it was better to talk before a developer proposes something such as a steel plant.
December agenda
Council will hold a public hearing in December on Schlabach’s Croton Road development. The planning commission recommended it with modifications.
The planning commission will meet again Dec. 16. Dzik expects a rezoning request from M/I Homes this week for a subdivision behind Whitey’s Car Wash on Columbus Road.
