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Local News

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Council agrees to begin next 'streetscape' phase
Burns Electric - Tiffin
By JIM MAURER

Staff Writer

CAREY -- The next phase of the downtown improvement "streetscape" project on Vance Street will continue, Carey Council decided Monday night.

The state Department of Transportation has earmarked $2.5 million for the project, which includes underground utilities, new street lights, curbs, brick pavers, street resurfacing, benches, trash receptacles and street furniture.

Once completed the area will resemble Findlay Street, which was recently renovated.

The village's share of the project cost is about $500,000.

Village Administrator Roy Johnson said an application for a $250,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission would fund the installation of new water lines, bringing the village's share down to about $250,000.

With Findlay Street done and $90,000 already spent on engineering costs, Council decided the project should continue.

Johnson said the state is in its first of three reviews of the project and Council can still back out.

The state will submit an ordinance to accept the project before construction, and Council could turn down the proposal then, too, he said.

Wastewater Treatment Plant and water Superintendent Doug Keller asked about skipping the pavers on Vance Street because the state has said the snow brush machine cannot be used on the surface.

He also said there are more urgent water lines which need to be replaced in the village other than Vance Street.

On another street issue, Council tabled action to enact a "snow emergency" when there is at least a 2-inch snowfall.

The designation would restrict parking on certain streets until the snow is cleared.

After a lengthy discussion, Council asked Johnson, Police Chief Dan Walter and Law Director Laurie Scheck to discuss the issue further.

Council did agree the ordinance should include a $100 fine for not moving a vehicle after a snow emergency is designated.

The penalty would increase to $250 for a second offense and the vehicle would be towed on a third offense.

The tabled ordinance included Vance, South, Findlay and Patterson streets as roads to be included in the emergency. But the list is expected to be expanded to include at least the streets around Our Lady of Consolation School, too.

Council will discuss the ordinance at its Oct. 19 meeting.

Separately, Council approved an Emerald Ash Borer management plan, with Councilman Tony Wenzinger voted against it.

He said he does not thinking cutting down the trees is always necessary.

The village's tree commission developed the plan which was reviewed by the county forester.

Mayor John Rymer urged residents to report any non-village residents who utilize the yard waste transfer station on the northern edge of town.

He said he has noticed out-of-county license plates and people dropping off shingles and construction materials at the site.

Residents can contact the administration offices or the police department to report improper use of the site.

Separately, Council changed the time of Trick or Treat from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. That is 30 minute earlier starting and ending times that Council previously announced.

Village resident Judy Jenot requested the change so there would be more daylight for the youngsters' safety.

Recyclables will be collected on the regular schedule next week despite Columbus Day on Monday.

The village will hold a fall cleanup of unwanted items on Oct. 28 west of Vance Street and Oct. 29 east of Vance Street.

Residents can put out a maximum of three clear plastic bags.

Resident Sue Blair requested school crossing signs be placed at intersections around the school.

Johnson said the village had to wait until the Findlay Street streetscape project was done and approved by the state Department of Transportation.

The signs will be ordered and installed as soon as possible, he said.

Maurer: 419-427-8420,

Send an e-mail to Jim Maurer
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News Briefs Work scheduled on Findlay streets
Findlay's Main Street, northbound, will be reduced at times to one lane between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for waterline connection.

Main Street will not be accessible from East Lincoln Street. Lincoln Street will be closed to through traffic from South Main Street to South Blanchard Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for continued improvement work. Access to local businesses and residents only will be maintained.

Recount planned in trustee's race
OTTAWA -- After certifying election results on Wednesday, the Putnam County Board of Elections has announced a recount will be required for the Union Township trustee race, according to Deputy Director Shelly Burkhart.

The recount will be completed on Wednesday at the county elections board office, 336 E. Main Street, Ottawa.

Incumbent Daniel R. Ellerbrock has secured his position on the board, earning 685 votes. However the remaining trustee spot will require a recount as Gery P. Wurth earned 598 votes and Mark J. Kahle collected 601 votes, according to official results.

An automatic recount is necessary if the margin is within one-half of 1 percent of total votes cast, according to state law.

Road to be closed
Forest Lake Drive, between Marion Township 237 and Indian Lake Drive/Forest Lane, will be closed today for a pipe installation.

The road is expected to open by 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Motorists are advised to use Township 242.