Continental Village Council met in regular session on June 25, 2024 with Mayor Miller presiding. Members present were Varner, Williamson, Smith, Armey, Streicher and Sullivan. Also, present were Mayor Miller, Solicitor Welch, Administrator Prowant and Fiscal Officer Darby. Visitors: None The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance.
Varner made a motion and Streicher seconded to approve minutes of previous meeting, six yeas, motion carried. Streicher made a motion to pay all the bills, Smith seconded, six yeas, motion carried. Streicher made a motion and Armey seconded to approve the receipts since the last meeting, four yeas, motion carried. Then & Now Purchase Orders over $3,000: none.
Old Business
EPA Water System Upgrade Grants: Mayor Miller spoke to Ms. Hayden from the EPA concerning the availability of grants for water system repairs and upgrades. He was referred to her by our EPA Monitor, Blake Hubbard, after Miller questioned him during the annual walk through. Ms. Hayden stated there are not any grants available but there are loans with possible principle forgiveness.
Tower Mixer Update: The mixer itself, is covered by warranty but the labor was only covered for one year, so the Village is trying to find someone to install the mixer. It is not as labor intensive as first thought, however the electrician will have to climb the tower. The electrician we currently use for most of our repairs is afraid of heights so we are looking within Sidney Electric and outside of the area to find a qualified person to replace it. Tom Armey suggested to firms for the Administrator to contact.
Town Clean-Up: The Village clean-up used 3-40-yard dumpsters provided by Niese Hauling. Everything seemed to run smoothly and they were very easy to work with.
Sparling Park: Armey would like to get a leaf blower to store in storage closet at the park for routine cleaning. He is checking around for prices. Smith suggested getting the same brand name as the battery-operated tools the maintenance department already uses so if a battery fails, another is available. Armey will check with them. More checking has been done on putting an internet camera in the park. To cover the whole park and to get internet signal the camera will have to be placed high above, so options are being discussed.
Capital Budget Update: Mayor Miller received a phone call from Representative Roy Klopfenstein concerning our application for grant funding for upgrades at Buckeye Park. If should pass in the State House and Senate and go to the Governor for his signature by the beginning of July.
July Meeting Changes: Historically, the Village has problems getting a quorum for the first meeting of the month so it was suggested to have one meeting mid-month to July 16 at 7 pm. There will also be a Finance Committee meeting on Wednesday, July 10 at 2 pm to review the Budget and a Public Budget Hearing on Monday, July 15 at 2 p.m.
Commercial Water Leak: Administrator Prowant received a request for a one-time reduction to an average bill of $135 from Modern Eyecare. They had a leak that was draining into a field tile, which made it difficult to find. Streicher moved to approve the reduction and Sullivan seconded, six yeas, motion carried.
Street Paving Updates: The Village received two quotes for some paving, after some clarifying of what was included with each quote, they were presented to council to consider.
Property/Casualty & Liability Insurance Renewal: The Village has updated the coverages for the village and has received a quote for $ 41,757 for the year. Armey moved to approve and Smith seconded. Six yeas, motion carried.
Sidewalk Reimbursement: A resident has applied for reimbursement for installing sidewalks on the village right-of-way. The Ordinance has set procedures on how to qualify for the reimbursement of $2. Per square foot of public sidewalk replaced. Darby asked if she can issue a check to the homeowner for the work they have completed. Smith moved to issue the reimbursement check and Streicher seconded. Six yeas, motion carried.
Levy Renewals: Second Reading of Resolution 05-2024 Request for Certificate from County Auditor for a 1.2 Mill Street Lighting Levy- Armey made a motion to approve and Smith seconded. Roll call vote: Williamson – Yea; Smith – Yea; Varner – Yes; Armey – Yea; Sullivan – Yea; and Streicher – Yea. Six yeas, motion carried.
Second read of Resolution 06-2024 Request for Certificate from County Auditor for a 3.0 Mill Police Protection Levy- Streicher made a motion to approve and Williamson seconded. Roll call vote: Williamson – Yea; Smith – Yea; Varner – Yes; Armey – Yea; Sullivan – Yea; and Streicher – Yea. Six yeas, motion carried.
First read of Resolution 07-2024 Request for Certificate from County Auditor for a .5 Mill Street Construction & Maintenance Levy- Smith made a motion to approve and Sullivan seconded. Roll call vote: Williamson – Yea; Smith – Yea; Varner – Yea; Armey – Yea; Sullivan – Yea; and Streicher – Yea. Six yeas, motion carried.
Contracting Excavating Work: Mayor Miller has contracted with a local excavating contractor to clean-up, grade, level and plant grass seed the property at Fourth & Grove. He will also get a quote to cleaning out the old foundation, level and plant grass seed at the property on North Main Street and Armey suggested also do some leveling and remove the fruit trees south of Sparling Park.
Police Chief Search: Interviews were held prior to the council meeting today.
Executive Session: Smith made a motion to go into executive session to discuss certain personnel matters pertaining to hiring or appointment of a public employee. Armey seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Williamson – Yea; Smith – Yea; Varner – Yea; Armey – Yea; Sullivan – Yea; and Streicher – Yea. Six yeas, motion carried.
Smith made a motion to come out of executive session and Sullivan seconded, six yeas, motion carried. Let the record show no action was taken in executive session.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, July 16 at 7 pm. There will only be one Regular Session meeting in July.
With no other business for the good of the village, Varner made a motion to adjourn and Williamson seconded. Six yeas, motion carried.
