MOUNT VERNON — Monday afternoon, the Knox County Commissioners met with Gary Gallogly, Fredericktown Village administrator, and Harry Winfrey from Richland Engineering Ltd. to discuss ideas for a new water tower for Fredericktown. They were only preliminary talks; much of the discussion concerned specific needs of the village and also funding for the project.
The location for the proposed water tower is something that has not yet been finalized, and a fair amount of the meeting focused on possible locations. It was noted an ideal location for the proposed water tower is on property owned by F.T. Precision, which, according to Gallogly, has not been open to the idea.
“We’ve been willing to work with Fredericktown all along,” said Commissioner Allen Stockberger.
Gallogly said applying for an Ohio Public Works Commission grant was a possible source of funding.
“Typically,” said Stockberger, “OPWC projects are for replacement; however ... they have a provision ... [allowing] a small percentage of the project as new.”
The water tower would be considered new.
Other possible funding sources were discussed, as well as the safety aspect of having an additional water tower if a large fire should break out in the village. Gallogly said the Environmental Protection Agency recommends having a one-day supply of water above ground; the current water system in Fredericktown does not have this available.
The commissioners also met with Paul Mullin, MKC Associates of Powell, to discuss the restoration of the cupola of the Mount Vernon Memorial Theatre. Discussions here were also tentative as dollar figures were not supplied by Mullin. The commissioners and Mullin reviewed construction materials for the restoration, and window manufacturers. A first choice and second choice of materials was decided upon; Mullin will return at a later date with cost estimates, which will eventually lead to bidding for a contract for the restoration.
On Monday morning, the commissioners toured the Imesco facility in Fredericktown.