UTICA — Brian Savage, a representative of Ohio Insurance Service Agency Inc., spoke about health and dental insurance with village officials at Monday night’s council meeting. The village is looking into other health coverage proposals because the contracts come up for renewal this fall.
He highlighted some of the benefits offered by his company and asked council members to review the benefit information package given, as well as fill out a questionnaire.
Mayor Larry Friesel asked Savage to get back with the village the first week in August.
The council meeting continued, with members discussing Ordinance 09-007, an ordinance providing for a three-way stop intersection at Cross Street and Spring Street. Friesel asked three times what the council wished to do concerning the ordinance. The ordinance was left with no action taken, and therefore became dead.
Village Administrator Jud Brechler reported to the council that paving is completed in the north end of the village.
Street Commitee Chairman Jack Raines said the fire department had problems with hydrants at two recent fires. The hydrants need to be flushed and the caps need a lubricant; this matter is being looked into by the fire department, said Raines. The stoplight at U.S. 62 and Ohio 13 has new LED bulbs; all other lights have been updated except the light at the intersection of Wells Avenue and U.S. 62.
He also reported that a bid for replacing sections of the sidewalk between U.S. 62 and Blacksnake Road, in front of the old Red Head Station, the Hufford House and Mane’s Beauty Shop, as well as the curb repair on Mill Street, was given by Yoder Concrete for approximately $11,000. The bid was approved by council.
Raines discussed the committee’s talk with Dottie Kiger on the reopening of New Street, and said the matter is being further looked into. He also told the council it was agreed to place no parking signs at Miller Park along New Street, and that Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be in town on Aug. 6 to check the street, water and wastewater facilities.
Chairman John Davison of the Public Service Committee reported the Safety City program was a success, with about 26 participants. He also said the police department sent out 37 nuisance letters; most residents have addressed the concerns, and 10 have been issued court notices.
“The speed trailer has been out and we are trying to use several different locations to make things affective,” said Davison. “We have received our DARE grant for $10,685.87. ... I did want to note that the July meeting for the Public Service Committee is canceled.
The mayor said part of the paving project might be in limbo until the discussion with the Ohio Department of Transportation is complete.
“But we can go ahead and get started with the project,” he said.
Friesel addressed the council in regard to the Utica Planning Commission. He said that there will be a lot split that has not been proposed as of yet, but the issue has been discussed with the commission. More information will be given at a later date.
Anna Flaherty, village fiscal officer, reported plans for a capital planning meeting in September, and in October, work will start on the 2010 budget. She also said other quotes on health coverage will be presented before the renewal date.
Friesel said four council positions are on the ballot this year.
“And I would encourage all of you to run again,” he told the council members. “We have a council that works well together and have a common goal for the good of the village.”
The deadline to submit information and 50 signatures to the board of election is Aug. 20 at 4 p.m.
Friesel also reported:
•A letter was received from ODOT on bridge inspections, two on U.S. 62 and one on Ohio 13.
•Utica Homecoming is Sept. 30 through Oct. 3.
•The new village Web site is up and can be visited at www.villageofutica.com.
•Councilman Lester Grennell will be setting up a meeting for all interested in planning the village bicentennial celebration for 2010.
