MARTINSBURG — Martinsburg Village Council wrestled with the problem of potholes on Chestnut Alley on Monday evening.
“We’re looking at great big bundles of money to repair that road, which we don’t have,” said Mayor J.R. St. Clair.
Although new information was not available, council rehashed the problem they discussed in July. Knox County Engineer Jim Henry is working on a proposal to excavate the water-plagued alley and install a 2-foot deep pipe to drain it, gravel the roadway and let the gravel settle for a year, then pave it.
St. Clair told council the cost of repaving the alley as is, without new drainage, will be $6,568.39, but said that paving would last only a year, possibly less, and the alley would need repaving every year. The roadbed retains moisture, which causes potholes, and the alley was not designed to bear up to the heavy truck traffic that uses it to deliver goods to the Marathon station.
“The village can’t afford to waste money like that,” said Council member Stacy Swanson said.
The others agreed. St. Clair noted that grant money will be required to repair the alley correctly, and that research will have to be done first. Fiscal Officer Dedra Kidwell volunteered to research possible grants with the county commissioners office.
St. Clair said closing the alley until it could be repaired is not an option.
“I’m pretty confident we’re taking on at least two years of this drainage and repaving project,” he said.
Council tabled the matter until it receives Henry’s proposal.
Tammy Cline of the Water Board reported that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency sent a letter requesting several minor changes, such as a yard stick taped to the chlorine container; these changes have been made. She said the EPA also recommended the village have its wells cleaned, and Cline is requesting bids and inquiring to the county commissioners about possible grants.
Cline asked Village Solicitor John Ryerson if the Water Department could legally place door hangers indicating to residents that water had been shut off, a number to call and the amount past due. After confirming the hangars would be placed after two months of past due bills and attempts to collect, as well as after termination of service, Ryerson said there should not be a problem with using the hangars.
In old business, council again discussed the matter of the Knox County Emergency Management Association changing many Martinsburg house and building numbers about five years ago. A new twist was the announcement by St. Clair that EMA staff members now claim their organization did not want or request the renumbering, and are considering whether or not it was legal to do so.
Ryerson will research the matter, but all present agreed that EMA requested the changes, because emergency services could sometimes not find houses. It was reported that former mayor Steve Kidwell stated recently that he never would have undertaken such changes unless officially requested by EMA. Swanson said the changes were to eliminate north and south street listings, as well as buildings bearing addresses with “rear,” “half,” “down” or “up.”
St. Clair said his wife obtained copies of the former and current addresses and will distribute them to the local fire departments for cross-referencing.
Council member Virginia Davis and St. Clair noted that the July 26 National Day of the American Cowboy parade was successful, with 24 horses, two mules and one miniature horse, vendors and demonstrations and roast pork for dinner.
St. Clair and council member Matilda Neighbarger reported meeting with a representative of Woodward Ramps and Rails, who proposed installing component skateboard ramps for the new skateboard park that could be added onto over the years. The representative also told St. Clair she could help downsize the area of the park and its cost.
To help fund the park, an aluminum can collection will take place Aug. 23 and 24. Cans can be left at 42 Market St. or 18 S. East St. on those days.
In more old business, St. Clair told council he found an “unbelievable deal” on a like-new commercial lawn mower offered by a seller who wanted to help the village obtain a new mower. Swanson said she received a written estimate from Mark Muston, owner of Muston Mowing in Bladensburg, who proposed to mow the community center yard for $35 each time and the town hall yard for $20 each time, including cutting weeds. Muston will purchase gas and use his equipment. Shrubbery trimming can be done on request, at $10 per hour. Council voted unanimously to hire Muston and to inquire about a three-year contract for his services.
Swanson reported on her project of updating personnel files and incident reports. Updating has begun and will continue until the next council meeting.
Swanson also researched prices for a commercially produced “No Engine Braking” sign and a corporation limit sign, to replace those missing from the St. Louisville Road entrance to the village. Village Treasurer Maxine Robison noted the county sign shop may manufacture such signs at a lower price; Swanson will research this before action is taken.
St. Clair reminded council that burning is not allowed anywhere in the village, except for occasional small recreational campfires that use 2-foot pieces of firewood. He reminded council that homeowners and building owners are responsible for maintenance of the “tree lawns” between their sidewalk and the street, as well as culverts on their property.
There being no new business, council adjourned after setting the next meeting date for Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., due to Labor Day falling on Sept. 1.
