Village of Oblong
September 2nd, 2020

The Village of Oblong Board of Trustees met in regular session on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020, in the Activity Center Room of the Municipal Building.

Members Present: Mayor Teresa Fielder, Clerk Ladora Boyd, Trustee Angie Fear, Trustee Jay Haines, Trustee Dave Hasty, Trustee Keith Waldrop, Trustee Jeron Harris and Treasurer Jan Miller.
Absent: Trustee Bill Burke.
Others Present: Public Works Superintendent Gary Lanter, Police Chief Chad Pusey, Joseph Meister, Cory Groves, Stephanie Groves and Caleb McCain.

The meeting was called to order at 5 pm by Mayor Fielder with everyone standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Regular Board Meeting Minutes of August 5th 2020, were approved with a motion by Keith and a second by Jeron. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

There was one addition to the agenda this month Cory Groves came before the Board to make a request that the Board consider putting a Disc (Frisbee) Golf Course out at the Park. Cory brought some handouts for the Board to look at. It was suggested that Cory get with Gary and the Park Committee to look at a couple of areas for the course.

There was one Delinquent Water Bill customer at the meeting this month. Joseph Meister came before the Board to ask for help with his water bill that was extremely high due to a leak. The water bill is billed under Melvin Christine III 209 West Ohio Street.

Jeron stated that the Village had received a clean audit for last fiscal (FY2020).

Motion by Angie, with a second by Jay, to adopt Ordinance 2020-O-614 “An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 25 – Nuisances”. Roll call vote as follows: Angie – Aye, Jay – Aye, Dave – Aye, Keith – Aye, Jeron – Aye; motion carried.

The Village had received a TIF Grant Application from The Hair Connection requesting up to the maximum amount ($3500) for roof repairs. There was some discussion on the amount to award. Motion by Jeron, with a second by Dave, to grant the request in the amount of $3500. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Jeron stated that there have been 2 Revolving Loan Applications turned in. He stated that he will call a Finance Committee Meeting to go over the applications and then bring a recommendation to the next Board Meeting.

Teresa stated that there has been an Application for Manufactured Home Permit from Martha Dennis. Gary has already checked the lot and the square footage is sufficient. Mrs. Dennis is planning to tear down the existing house and move in a brand-new manufactured home. Motion by Keith, with a second by Dave, to issue the Manufactured Home Permit. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Teresa updated the Board on the Lagoon Grant. She stated that the Crawford County Board approved a “Resolution of Support” at the August 13th, 2020 meeting for the Village of Oblong and Village Hutsonville Sewer Projects. The Grant was then sent to the State for approval on August 24th. Oblong amount of the grant is for $465,905.

Mayor’s Comments:

Teresa stated that due to COVID -19 numbers increasing in Crawford County, the Municipal Building has been locked, so customers cannot come into the building to pay their water/sewer bills. The Activity Room and Farley Room will still be open for meetings. If anyone needs to have Public Works notified please call the Public Works Office and set up a time to come in.

Teresa mentioned that Ben Kirk was unable to come this month, but is planning on coming for the October Board meeting.

Teresa stated that the Village has received a letter from Norman T. Richard FOP about the Golf outing on September 26th. If anyone is interested in getting a team together, there is a form at the Municipal Building. Isiah Osborne is in charge of this event.

Teresa mentioned that the Dog Park is being used. She stated that a Grand Opening will be at a later date and will reveal the chosen name for the dog park.

Teresa mentioned that fencing around three sides of the overflow is up and the signage will be up soon.

Teresa mentioned that Fall Clean-Up will be September 24th for all paid up customers in the Village Limits.

Teresa stated that the Ad-Hoc Committee has a list of properties that could help with the slowing down of wildlife havens before winter comes. She stated that she has reached out to the Oblong Ministerial Association to see if they would be interested in heading up this project, but have not heard back yet.

Teresa mentioned that this weekend is Free Camping and with this being Labor Day weekend, it was decided that the whole weekend would be Free Camping.

Teresa stated that she had received an e-mail from Matt Welker (Republic Services Operations Supervisor) that trash pick-up will be Thursday as usual.

Teresa stated that there has been several inquires about Trick or Treat. She felt that the decision should be made after/or with what the Oblong Chamber decides about the Fall Follies. The Chamber will make their announcement about Fall Follies on October 1st.

Porch lights turned on Sunday, September 6th, and Monday, September 7th, in appreciation for first responders, police, EMT’s, fire fighters and businesses being open during COVID-19.

She stated that Oblong High School Ag Teacher/FFA Sponsor Kerry Travis received a Golden Apple Award from WTHI-Channel10.

Reports of Committees:

Police: Jay stated that he had nothing to report this month. Chad stated that he and Gary felt that the Village needs to make the northside the 500 block of West Missouri Street “NO PARKING” The. trustees agreed with the suggestion. Teresa stated that Chad and Ruger last month had helped to find a Flat Rock man, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Chad mention to the Board about an incident that toke place last month where a vehicle had been broken into and items stolen from it. Chad urged everyone to keep their house and autos locked for safety.

Building & Park: Keith stated that the two benches for the Pickle Ball Court are up and that the lighting will soon be ready to go. Keith also stated that he would be getting in contact after Labor Day with the gentleman about the Mural to be painted on the side of the building located at 112 West Main Street.

Sidewalks & Lights: There was nothing to report.

Street & Alley: Angie stated that she had nothing to report this month. Gary stated that in the next 30 days the annual Chip-n-seal will be done.

Water & Sewer: Dave stated that the Water Department was chosen to do a random survey for EPA and was sent a letter with some suggestion of items that need to be inspected and brought up to date. Gary is making a list on scheduled inspection for EPA in answer to their list.

Finance: Jeron stated that he had nothing more to report this month.

Development: There was nothing to report.

Ad Hoc (Dilapidated/Unsafe Buildings & Ordinances): Teresa stated that the next meeting will be September 30th at 3:30 pm.

Motion by Jay, with a second by Jeron, to pay the bills that were on the warranty list and any utility bills, bills that will incur a late charge or reimbursements to employees. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

There were no other items of business this month.

Motion by Jeron, with a second by Angie, to adjourn the meeting at 5:47 pm. Five (5) ayes, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted

 

Ladora Boyd
Clerk