JACKSON CENTER — Jackson Center Council heard reports about the major accomplishments in 2019, tying up the loose ends of last year’s affairs as well getting started on several new projects during its Monday, Jan. 13, meeting.
During the organizational portion of the meeting, Scott Klopfenstein was sworn in to serve another four year term as mayor. Karen Woodruff and Ken Gloyeske were also recently re-elected and they took the oath of office administered by JC Village Solicitor Michael Burton.After the officials were sworn in Gloyeske was chosen to serve as president pro-tem and will preside over any council meetings if or when Klopfenstein is absent.
Council heard the first reading of an ordinance which will maintain the employment of Burton as legal counsel for the village for 2020.
Declaring an emergency council passed an ordinance authorizing certain adjustments in the annual appropriations for 2019. The emergency measure permits the village to secure a new loan to continue making paying installments on the land the village purchased in 2018; the land was the chosen location for the new Airstream Inc. manufacturing facility on the west side of the village. The amount remaining to be paid is $1,000,105. This annual authorization insures the village payment of $100,000 plus interest per month for 12 months and is re-established at the beginning of every year.
Council heard a report on the bids submitted to renovate the village swimming pool. The contract was awarded to Westerheide Construction of Sidney, who submitted a bid of $700,600. One of the other bids submitted was slightly lower in cost but the contractor wanted to edit the contract to change the finish date from the end of May 2020 to July 1 which village administrator Bruce Metz deemed the reqest unacceptable.
“If we stretched out the renovation until the first of July we may as well figure we’ve lost another pool season. The folks at Westerheide have insured us that weather permitting they will get the job finished before the regularly scheduled opening date around Memorial Day. I’m asking council to approve this measure so we can get started ASAP. One of the new features of the renovation is a water slide that needs to be ordered soon so as to have it ready to go when we need to install it. As for the amount of money needed we can go for less funding now and drag it out longer but it will cost a lot more money over time and result in a lot of headaches down the road so I suggest we move ahead now,” Metz said.
The resolution was unanimously approved by council and work will begin immediately after the contract is signed.
In Committee Reports Leisha Elchert Chairwoman of the Safety Committee stated there were 62 fire runs in 2019.
In Departmental Reports Police Chief Chuck Wirick reported the police department and Jackson Center Schools will receive and share a donation of $3,000 from Casey’s General Store, 307 W. Pike St. in Jackson Center. Casey’s received the funds from the Ohio Lottery Commission for their part in selling a large winning ticket.
Metz reminded those present that the Jackson Center Branch of the Amos Memorial Library will hold an open house Jan. 22, 2020, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The event will showcase the new light fixtures and computers donated to the library by members of the local community.
Metz also gave council an update on a meeting with the Anna Rescue Squad that took place in mid-December at the Jackson Township building in Jackson Center.
“The meeting was short and to the point but there was not enough information to answer all our question so there will be another meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. at the Palazzo 309 S. Main St. in Botkins, Ohio. Hopefully Anna Rescue and representatives from their district who depend on their services can come to some kind of agreement on providing the much needed funds for maintenance and new equipment and for eventually constructing a new centralized squad building to serve the surrounding area,” Metz said.
Before going into an executive session for the purpose of the purchase or sale of property for a public purpose, Metz presented a brief report on the several projects underway around the village noting that due to favorable weather conditions things were going well with street reconstruction on Buchanan, West College, and Clay Streets. He also commended Electrical Superintendent Dave Overman and Lineman Benn Shuster on a job well done for their part in Jackson Center receiving a Platinum RP3 Rating from the American Public Power Association for being a reliable public power provider.
“We are very proud to announce that our village will enjoy another three-year designation as a top electrical provider. This is our third time to apply and we are consistently moving upward. We received a score of 93 out of 100 points and are just a few point away from the highest honor available. Our first score was 66 in 2014-16, then a 91.5 in 2017-19, and now 93 for 2020-22. Hats off to Dave, Ben, and everyone else who contributed to this effort, thank you!” Metz said.
The next regularly scheduled JC Council meeting will be held Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. in the village council chambers.
