Bellville village council discussed the Streetscape project and grease pits during a quiet meeting on Tuesday. Finishing the Main Street project and mitigating envrionmental health issues are two of the ways the village works to maintain their community.
In his report, Mayor Banks reported that $923.50 had been collected in mayor’s court and a total of $4,213 has been collected to date for the village. The mayor also reported, in regards to the Streetscape project, that paving would be completed this week Banks added that concrete would be put in next; and then the following week, the pavers would be in. The process will be repeated for the opposite side of the street.
Banks suggested the council consider approving a flag pole for the AMVETs Park and the council agreed. Banks said that he would explore pricing. He also reported that flag banners for the Streetscape project were to be ordered. They would be paid for from the Special Parks fund.
Banks presented the administrators’ report that included the suggestion that the village pursue an ordinance to regulate fats, oils and greases, which are currently being discharged into the sewer system. Disposal into the sewer system creates undue strain on the system. The mayor stated that the issues at hand are caused by the large amounts of phosphates and grease from local businesses such as restaurants and car washes that currently do not have proper means of disposal of such toxins.
“No restaurants in town currently have them,” said Banks.
The administrator’s suggestion includes the village working with the Richland County Health Department to combat the problem in the best interest of the village. “They are not cheap,” said Banks regarding the cost of grease pits. “They would have to be grandfathered in.” The council moved to further look into the matter.
In other business, council member David Griffon reported that the lights for the Streetscape project had been ordered. And council member, Steve Beal asked if the council would consider purchasing new Christmas decorations. Fiscal officer Brigette Banks reported that there were funds available.
