DANVILLE — The village of Danville has been getting its ducks in a row in case federal money becomes available for projects.
Mayor Bob Dile, village administrator Robert Shipley and representatives from the village’s engineering firm, Bird & Bull, recently outlined some shovel-ready projects after the village received word there exists the possibility of some economic stimulus assistance.
“Basically, this gets us in the game as far as asking for money. We have some projects that we think qualify under the economic stimulus for 2009,” said Dile. “This is a non-obligation type of thing. We’re just saying we have some projects outlined that we think would be good candidates for stimulus money.”
The proposed stimulus package will be broken down into wastewater, water and roads/bridges, with wastewater projects expected to get the money first.
The lift station, which was installed in 1993, the enclosure at the pond and manhole covers in the sewer lines were some of the projects discussed by the trio. The life expectancy of the lift station is about 10 to 15 years, and Shipley would like to have that addressed before the issue becomes too expensive for the village.
“Those are some things we need to address now. We need to do some proactive work,” Shipley said. “My primary objective is to define the problems, then spend our money wisely. We want to get the best bang for our buck.”
It’s not yet known when the money might become available to villages like Danville.
In other news, Dile said the state of the village is “guarded.” He said the village has done a good job the last couple of years watching its finances.
“The past couple of years have been challenging,” Dile said. “We’re slowly crawling back into the game. I don’t want to sound the alarm, but I also don’t want to jump for joy financially. You guys (council) have kept a good eye on the budget, you’re very frugal with the budget.”
Trash and potholes were also on the minds of council members.
Five properties were discussed as being nuisances in the village. Tires, junk, trash and other things have been spotted at five residences in the village. Council discussed how to go about getting the residences cleaned. Village Solicitor Noel Alden said there are three things a property can violate to be described as a nuisance: zoning, the health code or criminal. He said right now the health department has more ability to have something done with the properties, because most of them violate the health code.
A dilapidated building committee was one idea to help with the problem; another was to discuss the issue with surrounding villages to see what they do that is successful in getting the properties cleaned.
Even though winter is still in full swing, potholes are starting to emerge on village roads. Ways of getting the potholes fixed, including cold patches, were discussed.
In other news:
•Council adopted the Ohio Basic Code 2009 edition.
•Council gave a second reading to the permanent appropriations ordinance.
•Danville Police Sgt. Tom Looney announced the K-9 will take his state test on drugs on March 10 and will be able to hit the road soon after.
•Shipley commended the work of village employees during the water leaks that have happened this winter. “We’ve had a number of water leaks and the guys have been real good about being there and taking care of some bad situations, including one where it was 20 below. They deserve a lot of praise,” he said.
Council adjourned at 8:45 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. at the municipal building.