UNION CITY, Ohio - Village council members Monday supported the ongoing efforts to foster economic development in the community with the approval a major financial commitment at Commerce Park and an increase in the cost of another project.
Council members approved village administrator Jim Arndt proceeding with a proposed project to complete the roadway and extension of the storm sewer to the west edge of lot three within Commerce Park.
The estimated cost to complete the roadway and storm sewer extension is $342,984. "When finished, the project will complete the development of the infrastructure at the park," Arndt said.
While this project is being completed as a result the Armstrong Wood Products upcoming location at the site, it also will allow for future economic development in Commerce Park.
Arndt said he will be attempting to reduce the cost by requesting financial assistance from other entities. However, the amount of the assistance, if any, in unknown, he said.
Council members also approved an increase in the cost of its share of funding a joint Web site for the village, the city of Union City, Ind., the Union City Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Committee.
The agreement for the site has been signed and the data submission is under way, but there are some concerns regarding the equality of payment for it, Arndt told council members.
Initially, the four involved entities were to pay $4,220 each for development of the site and an annual fee of $207 for its maintenance. However, Arndt said, Union City, Ind., wishes to maintain its current site, which will be linked to the joint one under development.
As a result, the cost of development of the site will increase to $5,368.34 for the three remaining entities and the maintenance fee now will be $276.57 per year.
"There are only three instead of four; however, all four are participating," Arndt said. "I really hope we can keep them all on board. We want to keep that unified appearance on economic development."
Arndt also reported he had met with Mike Gray of Time Warner Cable regarding the status of live broadcasts of council meeting on KISS-TV. Outdated equipment and other problems have resulted in council meetings not being televised for the past several months.
Arndt said any costs associated with replacing the equipment, repairs and other expenses will have to be paid by local entities.
"It's kind of what I expected," he said. "Time Warner is going to want some money to broadcast the meetings. We have to purchase the equipment and pay a monthly service charge for the feed."
He said the change came about when the state took control of cable television franchising, resulting in the loss of local franchise fee revenue for the village and input in the forging of an agreement. However, the village will still receive a percentage of the revenue from the state for the franchising fee.
"We can use the money from the percentage of the franchise fees to fund the infrastructure," he added. Arndt said he hopes to be contacted by a Time Warner business representative regarding the cost the get the council meetings back on the air.
Mayor Scott Stahl read a letter from David Yount, director of transportation, stating that he would be retiring effective Oct. 31. However, Yount requested the opportunity to reapply for a position with the village after Dec. 31. In order to not have his retirement income reduced, Yount must wait at least 60 days after retirement before seeking re-employment with the village.
"Davey has been a tremendous asset to our village," the mayor said.
Yount was a longtime employee of the water department before being named transportation director. Stahl said the position has been posted.
Council members also learned Ptl, Kenneth Hatch has resigned from the police department effective Aug. 31, citing that obligations with his job as a truck driver made it impossible for him to be recertified. To be recertified, police officers must physically attend the class because it is not offered online.
"We certainly appreciate Kenny's dedication to our village," the mayor said.
Steve Spence was presented with a Neighborhood Kindness Award for beautifying the Union City community.
"On his own initiative, he got mulch and put it around the trees on Main Street," the mayor explained. "This in the second time he's done it." Stahl also expressed appreciation to Frank MIller Lumber Co. for donating the mulch.
Citations of Community Pride were awarded to Jim Bretz, 631 E. Elm St., and Darrin and Kimberly Keagy, 348 N. Walnut St. Buckeye Beer and Wine, a new business which opened about a month ago, was named business of the month.
Stahl also noted that an issue seeking to allow Sunday alcohol sales in the village will be on the November general election ballot. He also said the Union City, Ohio, Community Improvement Corp. (CIC) will be sponsoring"Take a Tour" from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at Sidetracks Restaurant. The CIC will be sponsoring finger foods and non-alcoholic beverages.
The next regular village council meeting will be Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
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