GAMBIER — At the October Gambier Village Council meeting, members acted on one resolution and approved five expenditures.
The resolution authorized the village administrator to enter into a contract with West Roofing Systems Inc. for resurfacing of the Community Center roof.
“They have been maintaining the roof for about two years,” explained Mayor Kirk Emmert. “We are very satisfied with their work.”
Council approved $41,000 to West Roofing Systems Inc. to resurface the roof.
Kenyon College business manager Mark Kohlman reported to council that work on the geothermal wells that will service the new art gallery is just about complete.
“Within the week the drilling will be done,” he said. “Then they will tear up the road, lay the trenches to the [art] center and then start pressure testing.”
Kohlman also reported work on the Ernst Center site was almost complete, with grading and seeding yet to be done.
Emmert reported the village tree commission is planning an inventory of trees located on village property. The commission anticipates asking council to purchase some computer software to facilitate the inventory. A report on the project will be made at the November council meeting.
Regarding warning lights and signs, Emmert said a flashing warning light would be directed toward traffic coming up Ohio 308 warning of pedestrian traffic at the crosswalks at Chase avenue, Middle Path and Gaskin Avenue. Emmert said placement of a sign would likely be across from the Kenyon Inn. The sign would warn motorists of the crosswalks at Ward Street, Gaskin Avenue, Middle Path and Chase Avenue, where there is heavy student pedestrian traffic.
The other two signs would be used in the crosswalks themselves and would be similar to ones previously purchased. Emmert said these signs would be better because they can be bolted to the road.
Council approved $3,275 to Lepley Electric for the installation of a 24-hour flashing light on Ohio 308, and $675 to Hall Signs for crosswalk signs.
Emmert reported Kohlman will convene the sustainability group this year. The group is comprised of representatives of Kenyon, residents of the village and township, merchants and local members of government. The group is largely concerned with commercial development, walking and biking issues, and village housing. The group will hold several public meeting throughout the year; anyone with suggestions is encouraged to contact Kohlman or anyone else in the group.
Village Administrator Suzanne Hopkins was not in attendance, but Emmert read her report to council. The report stated the village took delivery of its new police cruiser in September. The cruiser has been outfitted with all of the required equipment. The report noted the village was the first in the county to purchase a Dodge Charger to be used as a police cruiser.
Flu shots will be given by the Knox County Health Dept. on Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Gambier Community Center.
Hopkins’ report reminded residents there will be a public hearing on two requests by Kenyon College to rezone a portion of Meadow Lane and the Morgan apartments.
Gambier’s Fall Dumpster Day will be held Nov. 7 at the Gambier maintenance barn on Meadow Lane from 8 a.m. to noon, and is open to residents of Gambier and College Township. Some form of ID with an address on it is required to participate.
Council also approved $500 for a Halloween party.
