JACKSON CENTER — During its meeting, Feb. 26, Jackson Center Village Council passed a resolution to support House Bill 163 and Senate Bill 72 to exempt political subdivisions (villages and cities) from the requirements of the prevailing wage law.
Prevailing wage is defined by Wikipedia as “the hourly wage, usual benefits and overtime, paid to the majority of workers, laborers and mechanics within a particular area. Prevailing wages are established by regulatory agencies for each trade and occupation employed in the performance of public work, as well as by State Departments of Labor or their equivalents.” Mayor Scott Klopfenstein asked village Administrator Bruce Metz what his general opinion was concerning the issue and if he had contacted other local municipalities concerning their stand. Metz noted he had talked with several local officials in area villages and felt they were on the same page.
“The bottom line is we can make our money go farther creating more opportunities for our town in the way we use our resources; we’ll be getting more ‘bang for our buck’ if we are not required to pay for inflated wages, and it gives small local businesses a better chance when bidding for contracts,” Metz said. Before the vote, Councilman Ken Gloyeske pointed out that prevailing wage requirements are a burden to the taxpayers and that an exemption was favorable overall.
In other new business, council passed an ordinance providing for the issuance of $1,300,000 worth of bond notes for the purpose of paying for certain real estate for future growth of the village. Council passed two ordinances at a special meeting, Feb. 22: one to purchase approximately 40 acres of property west of Jackson Center owned by Joyce L. Regula and another to purchase 10 acres, more or less, from Rita J. Hollenbacher. Both properties border state Route 274 and will be used for public purpose and village expansion.
Council also gave the green light to purchase a new police cruiser for the village. The 2018 Ford Interceptor will be purchased from Buckeye Ford in Sidney. The cost of the new vehicle is $27,200. With upgrades to outfit it for police work, the total will be $49,000. Council approved the purchase to replace the cruiser currently being used, which had required a number of repairs in recent months.
Before hearing the administrator’s report, council gave third reading to an ordinance adopting rates, terms and conditions for electric service provided by the village of Jackson Center.
Metz then shared information on a variety of projects in progress around the village, including the installation of a new storm water drain along Ohio Street. Metz also reported on the progress of a new substation to be built later this year.
“Things are shaping up, and we are finalizing plans for the substation. We hope to begin advertising for bids by mid-March and expect to begin construction no later than early July,” Metz said.
Metz also reported the village expects the delivery of a new lawn tractor and “gator” utility vehicle this week. The much-needed equipment will be outfitted and ready for mowing and spraying in the upcoming spring. Currently the village mows nearly 60 acres of grass and the new equipment was necessary to keep up, since the addition of the new village park and soccer complex.
Metz also reported on the progress of applications for grant monies to build new bathrooms and a concession stand at the new park. Furthermore, Metz said he received notification from the state of Ohio on funding still available from a Geo-Fund grant that was previously approved for village use. He said, “We hope to get an additional $22,843 for solar lights for the park walkway and entrance sign as well as funding for some solar educational workshops at our school.”
Klopfenstein noted the park is coming along nicely and he anticipates a lot of people using it, saying, “We have already seen a lot of people using the walking path and look to see a lot more as the weather gets nicer.”
Before going into executive session for the purpose of discussing the purchase or sale of real estate, Metz noted preparations for the swimming pool are already underway and that the village will be posting information on how to apply for summer work at the pool. Anyone interested can call 937-596-6314.
