UTICA — With the warm weather here to stay, the Village of Utica plans to take advantage of the warm conditions for much-needed outdoor work.
Ordinance 09-007, up for a first reading Monday night at the council meeting, would provide a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Cross Street and Spring Street.
Village Solicitor Sara Light reported that April was a busy month, with a special planning meeting, a hearing on the Buena Vista property, new ordinances, paving bids and a new position created.
Utica Police Chief Robert Curtis reported that residents will be given until the end of the week to act on nuisance letters sent out last month. He also said the ice cream festival is approaching, and that all police officers will be on duty during the event and the parade. He reported that on Wednesday, village officials completed their disaster training.
“For the most part, everything went well,” he said.
Curtis also said there have been speeding problems on North Washington Street; a speed meter will be placed there to monitor the traffic.
Street Committee Chairman Jack Raines informed council the sewer installation is complete on Washington Street; a sign has been made for 180 Stanley St. and will be installed; and a problem at the rear of 617 North St. needs a hidden drive sign. The matter is being looked into, he said. He also reported that bid packages are going out for paving, and the Main Street sidewalk project was discussed.
Chairman John Davison of the Public Service Committee spoke about the $450,000 stimulus grant that was applied for by Curtis, and also the application of a computer grant to supply laptops for police cruisers. Davison said the light bar on the police Blazer was fixed, and a new part-time officer was hired.
Light Committee Chairman Lester Grennell reported that the committee discussed unsafe structures in its last meeting, and spoke of shut-off ordinance.
Village Fiscal Officer Ann Flaherty reported that over $109,000 was collected in April from taxes, bringing the village over $240,000 for the year. Flaherty also said there are some residents who are still making payments for taxes.
Mayor Larry Friesel said the village participated Thursday in the National Day of Prayer. Friesel said the day went well and the event was fairly well attended. On May 22, he said, the veteran’s mobile hospital unit will be in Utica, with a doctor on board, between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“They will be able to disperse medicine to the veterans, and they will have a doctor on board. This an actual hospital from Chalmers P. Wylie [Clinic] in Columbus,” said Friesel.
In other news:
•Council will open bids on June 1 for paving in the village.
•A community garage sale will be held June 20. Village merchants will have a pancake breakfast before the garage sale from 6 to 9 a.m. in the squad house to benefit the merchants.
•Safety City for 4- and 5-year-olds will be held June 22, 23, 24.
Friesel also said the ice cream festival will be held May 23 through 25 on the grounds of Energy Cooperative and Velvet Ice Cream Co. Over 90 artisans will be on display from around Ohio; pony rides, antique gas engines, sheep herding by border collies, a car show, motorcycle show and a magic show are just some of the events scheduled.
