DANVILLE — Topics surrounding village operational improvements and beautification were the main business discussed at the Danville council meeting Monday night.
The Knox County Board of Commissioners is working with the village to apply for a $300,000 community distress grant from the Ohio Department of Development. The funds may be used for water and sewer improvements, storm drainage improvements, park and recreation facilities, side walks and various other community development projects.
Village Administrator Robert Shipley received approval from council to switch from a gas chlorine to a liquid chlorine injection system when treating the village’s water. According to Shipley, new safety requirements call for the use of respirators by personnel to use the gas.
“Switching to liquid chlorine is not only safer for employees, it would also mean a cost savings for the village,” he said.
At council’s request, Village Treasurer Laurie Vess is looking into competitive rates for workers’ compensation insurance for both village employees and the police force.
Construction on public well No. 6 is tentatively scheduled for today, north of Rodmick Street. The work is expected to be completed in about 10 days.
Council recommended that Shipley contact the Ohio Department of Transportation regarding storm drainage problems on south Market Street, near the village limits. According the Shipley, he has received complaints from affected residents, who said the problem has been ongoing for a number of years.
The storm sewer on North Street has been replaced; Center Street is next on the list of the replacement sewer projects.
Councilman Jim Stuller announced that a grant application has been submitted for funding for the police force through 2007.
Twisted Spokes, a youth bicycle club conducted by Danville police, will meet May 6 at 9 a.m. at the entrance of the Kokosing bike trail. Youth ages 7 to 14 are eligible to participate. The club will meet weekly through September, weather permitting. According to Police Chief Monte Vance, about 30 youths participated last year.
Council took a first look at a draft of the amended 2006 Ohio Basic Code 95.06 regarding storing of inoperable vehicles within village limit. The amendment provides more comprehensive language defining inoperable vehicles, storage of such vehicles out of public view, authority given to the zoning inspector and chief of police to enforce the code, and the penalty of violation being a fourth-degree misdemeanor.
Councilman Gary Moreland reported three property owners responded to requests for cleanup of their property, said the annual spring cleanup day resulted in three large bins of trash being collected at Memorial Park, and reminded residents to begin mowing properties,.
Sandy Ridgway, chairwoman of the Parks Committee, asked for suggestions on what to do with the volleyball court at Memorial Park. She said if was going to used as a volleyball court, then improvements need to be made, including new sand. Shipley said he would get costs for replacement sand. Council tabled further discussion until those numbers become available.
Councilman Todd Didinger is preparing a list of streets to be considered for resurfacing this year. He will present the list at the next council meeting. He also presented photos for resident lawns and public areas that are in need of reseeding as a result of sewer projects conducted on or near their properties. Shipley will investigate and contact the vendor involved in those projects.