CENTERBURG — As a school bus driver, Centerburg resident Donald James notices things other drivers might not. At Centerburg’s village council meeting on Monday, he related a few of those things to council members.
James noted three specific areas:
•Preston and Main Street
•White Road
•South Hartford Avenue
James said that bus drivers coming from the high school sometimes have difficulty turning onto South Preston because drivers on Preston ignore the stop line and pull too close to Main Street. That leaves no room for the busses to make the turn.
“I’d like to see that a ‘no turn on red,’” he told council. “That might alleviate that problem.”
He noted that many drivers hit speeds of 60 mph in front of his house on White Road and said that a 35 mph speed limit might be more suitable. Pointing out that because the Knox County Sheriff’s deputy typically sits at one of three standard locations, drivers know they “pretty much have carte blanche” in other areas.
“I’d like to see a deputy sit at the cemetery at the hill,” he said.
Relating to South Hartford, he referenced the narrow width of the lanes and residents using the street for long-term parking as reasons for a traffic bottleneck.
“[With the new pavement], this would be an ideal time to put a double yellow line and no parking south of Church Street,” he said.
James also said many of the homes have a driveway and a garage.
“There truly is no reason to be parked out there long term,” he said.
Mayor Greg Sands said council will take James’ suggestions under consideration.
Village Administrator Teri Wise asked council members to approve the purchase of a new vacuum truck to remove leaves on the clarifier at the wastewater treatment plant. The truck can also be used to remove leaves from storm drains and curbs.
Wise said the current truck does not have much suction and creates a safety issue for staff at the wastewater plant as they have to manually remove the leaves. The cost for a truck and trailer is $25,000, which Wise said the village has.
She said that if council approves the purchase, she will prepare formal legislation for the November meeting. She requested verbal approval Monday night because there currently is a nine-week lead time on receiving the truck. Council referred the request to the Service Committee for discussion.
Council did take the following legislative actions:
•Approved as an emergency an ordinance to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation’s free bridge inspection program for an “orphan bridge” on Jerry Street (a bridge ODOT did not know existed). The county inspects the village’s other bridge on White Road.
•Approved as an emergency a mathematical correction to the fiscal officer’s salary
•Approved as an emergency legislation authorizing the village to contract with HP Mechanical LLC as a backup operator for wastewater treatment services
•Approved as an emergency a resolution declaring the village’s intent to get a loan of $46,075 through the Ohio Public Works Commission for the South Hartford Avenue Phase II improvements
•Approved as an emergency legislation to participate in the OPWC state capital improvement and/or local transportation improvement programs
•Approved acquiring health insurance coverage through Medical Mutual for full-time village employees at a 4.87% increase compared to last year
•Adopted a resolution authorizing an agreement with the Mount Vernon City law director for prosecutorial services
•Gave a first reading to a resolution authorizing membership in the Regional Planning Commission at a rate of $422.25.
Reports
Village administrator: Wise joined the county’s Safety Council, which will result in a 2% Bureau of Workers Compensation rebate and help in establishing safety protocols with village staff. She also submitted an application for an OPWC project and a letter of intent to reapply for the TAP grant for downtown streetscape improvements.
Legal: Knox Community Hospital and William Saunders signed the agreement to annex their properties into the village, as did Mayor Greg Sands. Hillier Township and Whistle Stop Properties have not yet signed the agreement. Attorney Josh Plieninger said he is ready to file in Mount Vernon Municipal Court on some properties in violation of code enforcement.
Regional Planning Commission: Councilman Greg Myers reported that Libert, Jefferson, and Hilliar township zoning changes were brought before the commission. Liberty’s changes included adding a section on large-scale solar farms. Jefferson’s changes involved ongoing changes relating to a Vess Road property. Hilliar’s involved PUD zoning (Planned Urban Development).
COJFD: Councilman Tom Stewart reported that the department’s fire rating changed from a Class 5 to a Class 4. The new rating means that homes and businesses within 1,000 feet of a hydrant might see reduced insurance rates. “It’s an honor and a lot of work to get there,” Stewart said.
Steering: Councilwoman Ronda Seligman said the committee will reapply for the TAP grant and that individuals are looking into new playground equipment at Memorial Park. Village businesses have received $65,865 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) money from the Area Development Foundation for facade improvements.
Sidewalks: Councilman Dave Beck said the committee will reconvene in January.
