Regular session of the Village of Continental council meeting was held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 in the fire department meeting room. Present were: Mr. Armey, Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Knipp, Mr. Varner, Mr. Streicher and Mr. Bartley. Also in attendance were Mayor Miller, Administrator Prowant and Fiscal Officer Darby. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the last meeting, Bills & Receipts received since the last meeting were approved.
Old Business: None
New Business:
–Mayor informed council that the Putnam County CIC banquet has been cancelled, as well as County-wide recycling.
–The Mayor encouraged all residents to please complete their 2020 Census while they are under stay at home orders. This is important for the Village as it determines our eligibility for funding for future projects.
–Council was notified that the Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC) had met on March 10th to review the Village of Continental’s tax incentive agreement with H & K Chevy-Buick, Inc. It was the TIRC’s recommendation to continue the agreement as is. Council approved a motion to accept the TIRC Board’s recommendation.
–Council was also informed that all the liquor permits in the village will expire on June 1, 2020 and Liquor Control gave notice that if the Village Council wanted to object to any of the permits they must do so in writing. Council approved a motion to not object to any of the liquor permits.
–Chief Hardy has been purchasing Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the police department and the fire department. Council approved a motion to pay for all of the PPE through the General Fund instead of the fire department accounts or the police fund.
–Maintenance Department Update: The meter reads went very well. The maintenance employees are working on cleaning the shop and tearing down as well as rebuilding some of the valves.
–Mayor Miller asked council what their opinion was on waiving the late fees on the April 2020 water/sewer billing and allowing the residents to make payments during this time where some may reduce income. Council approved a motion to waive the late fees on the April 2020 billing. The Village asks that anyone wanting to make payments to please make arrangements with the Water/Sewer Clerk (419-596-3822).
–Mayor Miller has received emails from several county agencies informing him that they may be scaling back services during the current Covid-19 outbreak. He expressed the desire to offer limited delivery services to the elderly and shut-in population during the Stay-at-Home Order. He suggested that elderly/shut-in residents who cannot get to the local store or the pharmacy IN CONTINENTAL and have no means available to help them, call the Village Office at 419-596-3206 for assistance. Police Chief Hardy or one of the Maintenance Employees could pick up the items and leave them at their doors. The resident will be responsible for paying for the items.
–Since it is unknown at this time how long the Stay-at-Home Order will be in effect, Mayor Miller asked for permission to allow the Fiscal Officer to pay any regular bills up to $5,000, any bills with open purchase orders and payroll in the event that we have to cancel the next council meeting which is scheduled for April 14th. Council granted permission.
Council adjourned.
Susan Darby, Fiscal Officer
Village of Continental
Village Administrator Kathy Prowant said, “Even though the Village Hall doors are locked, residents may still call the office. For water/Sewer questions or problems please call 419-596-3822 and for other Village issues call 419-596-3206.” She also reminded residents that, “You may pay your water/sewer payments by mail at PO Box 429, Continental, OH 45831 or place your payment, invoice stub in an envelope and put them in the drop box by the front door of the Village Hall. Payments are being processed daily and the late fee is still on the invoice but it will be waived.”
Mayor Miller stated, “I think the most important thing right now is to take care of one another. This pandemic is impacting everyone at every level like nothing many of us have seen before. No matter one’s politics, position, or stance on what is happening we must keep sight of what truly is vital which is why we took some of the steps we did to let our residents know we do understand that things are tough currently. Governor DeWine’s request to have Ohioans fly their flags as a symbolic sign of unity embodies that sentiment.”
