CENTERBURG — Centerburg Village Council agreed to pave a public parking lot as well as the bridge in the Hess addition of town during its monthly meeting Monday night.
Two bids to Mid-Ohio Paving Inc. were approved for the projects. The first, for $6,125, is for the paving of a 5,800-square-foot public parking lot on the corner of Main and Clayton streets. The second is for the paving of the 14-by-50-foot bridge in the Hess addition, for $3,528. Discussion was held as to whether to chip and seal the bridge or use asphalt. Council concluded the ideal situation would be to use asphalt, as plans are to pave the roads in that area in 2010.
A resolution was passed allowing the village clerk/treasurer to “transfer interest credited to the general fund from interest earned on all village funds.”
Terri James, village clerk, said the measure just adds an extra step to how the village previously credited interest paid, specifically to the police and water and sewer funds. She asked that council wave the three required readings and pass the resolution Monday, as this was part of the village’s corrections from a recent audit.
The passage of an amended ordinance specified that those receiving payment from the village of Centerburg could not earn payment from two groups for the same meeting. The example set forth by Village Solicitor Kyle Stroh was that the council member who also sits on the fire board could not be paid by council and the fire board. This action was also waived of the three readings, and was encouraged after an audit.
Mayor George Shaw reported that Trick or Treat Night went well.
“The town was packed. It really looked like it was a success,” Shaw said. “There was a problem with electric in the gazebo. [The lights] would get bright and then go dim. We’ll have to check that out and see what kind of electrical problems are there.”
Members of council discussed whether or not to rejoin the Area Development Foundation.
“The business association asked if being in [ADF] for a year would help with the empty store fronts,” council member Aimee Humphry said.
The largest concern with council about rejoining ADF was the $1,000 minimum application fee required, and whether any benefit could come to the village from those funds. The group agreed to revisit the discussion at the December meeting, when more facts regarding the village’s past with ADF could be examined.
Other action or announcements from the council meeting include:
•Leaf pickup in the village will be Nov. 10 and 17. Residents are to have leaves bagged and sitting by the curb.
•Bids are being accepted through noon on Nov. 18 for the village’s 2000 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.
•A first reading was given to a resolution to establish membership to the Knox County Regional Planning Commission.
•Council agreed to pay $448.75 to Hawk’s Plumbing to repair water lines at the home of Terry and Tami Hook; the problems were caused by dirt and rocks in the line.
•Approving an emergency amended ordinance to accept changes on village bonds to reflect a 365-day basis for interest instead of the 360-day basis originally used.
•Accepting supplemental appropriates for the ramp and step replacement at the village town hall as well as police operating expenses that largely includes fuel costs.
Council then went into executive session to discuss the village’s contract with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, personnel and land acquisition. Following the executive session, council passed a motion to authorize the village administrator to negotiate a land easement and agreement for a water line project. The agreement is not to exceed $12,000.
