The waste water treatment plant project (WWTP), including water testing, was one of the topics discussed at the Bellville village council meeting Tuesday night. Bids for street resurfacing projects was also discussed, as well as possible replacement of the fire alarm system located in the office of Fiscal Officer Brigette Banks. There was additional discussion in regards to the curbing/sidewalk project currently under way on Main Street.
Bids were opened June 13 for the street resurfacing project. The lowest bidder was Shelly & Sands at $92,222. While $105,000 had already been appropriated for the project the bid came in 14 percent lower than the original engineer’s estimate. In response, Mayor Darrell Banks asked council member Bruce Snyder to amend the Shelly & Sands bid to include, “as many alleys” as funds were available. “We have the money,” said Banks. Fiscal officer Banks stated that the change would “have to be approved by ODOT” before the release of any contingency money for any projects.
Mayor Banks reported an estimated completion date for the west side of Main Street to be “one week from Friday.” “They can complete approximately 1500 feet of sidewalk per day,”Banks said.
The mayor also reported the new street in the cemetery was done, creating additional space for graves and cremations.
Brigette Banks reported the malfunction of the fire alarm system located in her office. “It just doesn’t work,” said Brigette. “It was struck by lightening.”
Discussion ensued with three options available to resolve the matter. Replacement of the dialer only would result in a cost of $600, a system upgrade would cost $2,025. The third option would be a complete upgrade and replacement of the entire system including new dialer, new detectors and poles at a cost of $4,793.
Council member David Griffon made a motion to move up the testing of the village water system in order to move forward with the WWTP improvement project. “It is in our best interest to proceed on the situation,” Griffon said.
In new business, council member Bruce Snyder made a request on behalf of the American Legion. The American Legion recently experienced a water leak that resulted in a $665 water bill. Snyder reported that the leak has been fixed and the bill paid. They requested the council consider ‘helping’ with the bill in any amount, which would be greatly appreciated.
Banks asked,”Did they pay sewage on the bill?” Snyder replied that he was simply informed that the bill was paid. Council will consider the request.
Bellville resident Paula Kunkle asked council to consider action regarding the population of stray and or feral cats roaming in the Highland Avenue area. In response, Banks said that he would contact the Humane Society and the Dog Warden to discuss the matter.