City improvements were front and center at the Bellville Council meeting Tuesday evening. The nearly complete Streetscape Project, Safe Routes to School and improvements in the use and sale of cemetery lots were all items on the table.
Town Solicitor Jeff Mussman brought forth a motion to draft an ordinance which would allow the Cemetery committee to better manage ownership records of lots and to better distinguish those unwanted. The system would not affect lots already purchased, though it would improve and update record keeping.
“It’s been proven reliable for townships to reclaim unused, unwanted lots,” Mussman said. Mussman noted the ordinance would provide a source of revenue for the village if the committee were able to reclaim and resell unwanted lots. In coordination with the Ohio Revised Code, the township would have the ability to draw up contracts with updated contact information and a record keeping system that would automatically send out a letter per the contact information requesting the verification of ownership and intent of use.
Council member Bruce Snyder commented,”I think it’s a good idea.” Snyder recommended Mussman contact the Cemetery trustees with the proposal. Mussman replied he had been in contact with them and was bringing the matter forward to council in hopes an agreement to take action would be implemented. ”There are a number of ways to proceed, he added, there is no rush.”
Mayor Darrell Banks made a motion to move the matter forward, stating, “We will look into what needs to be done to get started.”
Banks noted the streetscape project was progressing. “The sidewalks are about done and the lights will be in around mid-August.” the mayor said, “There will be oak trees north of Ogle Street and pear trees south of Ogle Street,” said Banks.
The mayor informed the council members the Safe Routes to School plans have been revised and a request to modify had been submitted. The mayor mentioned the possibility of a grant for signs, and that he would keep the council informed.
Mussman requested an ordinance over grass and weeds. The ordinance was sparked by complaints of property not being properly maintained and would give the village authority to declare a property out of control. Under the ordinance, the village would have the ability to request action be taken in the event of a complaint. In the event that no action was taken and the ordinance enforced, the village would have the right to take action and hire the work done and in turn send notice with a bill for the services rendered to the proper individual.
The council members agreed it would be in the best interest of the village to further look into the matter.
At 7:27 p.m. council went into executive session to discuss legal matters. No action was taken and the meeting adjourned.
