Continental Village Council met in regular session on March 8, 2022 with Mayor Miller presiding. Members present were Varner, Bartley, Armey, Knipp, Streicher and Sullivan. Also, present were Mayor Miller, Administrator Prowant and Fiscal Officer Darby. Solicitor Welch was absent. Visitors were: a village resident and two students. The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance.
Council approved the previous meeting minutes and the payments & receipts that have occurred since Feb. 22, 22. Then & Now Purchase Orders over $3,000: Water Equipment for purchase of a new pump, $6403 was approved as well. Management Reports presented, approved by signature.
HEARING OF THE PUBLIC: Resident asked for a status update on a condemned house. This is addressed in the Review Board update.
OLD BUSINESS
Water Tower Update: The water tower is online. The bacteria testing came back negative for any contaminates and the pressure testing was good. We have begun to drain the old tower down slowly because of the weather fluctuations so we can maintain water pressure in the system. Caldwell Tank has asked if their contractor can move the work trailer behind the Town Hall in preparation for the demolition of the old tower.
Greensand Filter – The work has begun on filter three.
Internet: Mayor Miller received an email from Brightnet concerning an upgrade and a move to the new water tower. They would like to install equipment to be able to offer 50 M service but they want at least a 5-year contract with exclusivity on the water tower. They are also in contact with a phone company about installing fiber optic within the village as well. They want to meet with the Mayor to discuss further.
Vacate Alley: Darby took the paperwork to the Engineer’s Office to get the okay to record and found that the survey that was completed prior to the request to vacate needs additional information. The property owner has been notified and is working with the surveyor.
Review Board Update: The letters that were reviewed at the last meeting were edited and sent to the owners of three properties by certified mail. The Village has not received the return cards as of today. If they do not sign for the letters, the postal service will return them to the Village. Council would like the Police Chief to hand deliver the letters this week. The Council reviewed the property on Fourth Street and would still like the area graded to fill in the vacant crawl space.
Salt Contract with Trailer Court: Welch has reviewed and finalized the contract and we just need to get the contract signed before any salt will be spread within the trailer court.
Old Sewer Plant: After the last meeting the Village found there is an easement through the property dated from the 1950s. The easement allows the farmer to access his land behind the sewer plant. Mayor Miller met with the farmer and Welch has reviewed the property deed to see what is involved. Discussion on possible alternatives is ongoing, while the Baseball/Softball Association continues to work on funding possibilities.
NEW BUSINESS
Building Permit: Council approved a building permit for a resident on Sixth Street for some work to include siding, doors and porch remodel.
Summer Help: Mayor Miller asked Council if they want to hire a high school student as a part-time seasonal helper for the summer. Council agreed that more help is needed.
Mayor Miller let Council know that Becky Leader of the Putnam County Sentinel has retired. She wanted to stay on until our Water Tower Project was completed. Her last request is for a photo of the project with as many of Council that can make it prior to our next meeting. Congratulations Becky on your well-deserved retirement and thank you for all you did for the Village!
The next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
Council adjourned with no further business.
