88 acres annexed east of village;
Sugarcreek Village Council passed an ordinance on Monday accepting an application to annex 88 acres of land east of the village.
Sugarcreek Village Council passed an ordinance on Monday accepting an application to annex 88 acres of land east of the village. The territory is owned by Dutchman Hospitality Group, Perry W. Chupp and Mary J. Chupp, William M. Deetz Family LTD, BVI Realty LTD, and Sugarcreek Dewatering LLC.
Village administrator Kevin Kaser said Miller Septic is ready to open its new dewatering plant. Council agreed owner Seth Miller can begin the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency testing. The ordinance becomes effective in 30 days.
Pastor Barb DeBord of the Shanesville Lutheran Church, located at the intersection of U.S. 39 and Ohio 93, asked if three parking places could be installed in front of the church for handicapped members to exit from their vehicles more easily. DeBord said the elevator is located in front of the church for the members to use.
Kaser said when the Ohio Department of Transportation paved the road, it was determined to remove the parking spots so traffic could flow more smoothly. Council said handicapped members can put on their four-way signals and exit their vehicles at the front of the church and then someone can park their vehicles in the parking lot.
Councilman Jason Hamsher said the parishioners also can use his business parking lot on Sunday. John Harstine, a church member, questioned why the village issued a permit for an elevator if they could not park in front of the church. Council said the permit was issued many years ago, and none of the present administration were in village government.
Discussion
At a previous meeting, council agreed it cannot justify spending funds to install a new elevator at Alpine Hills Museum, located on Main Street. If museum officials are not able to raise the necessary funds to install a new elevator, the current elevator will have to be closed.
In other business
Council did the following:
—Approved an estimate for power washing the roof at the fire station from Triad of Strasburg for $6,240.
—Learned the bandstand at Winklepleck Grove should have the foundation repaired. No action was taken.
—Heard repair for the Cuckoo Clock is $200. A purchase order was established so all costs for the Cuckoo Clock are paid through the village and not out of pocket by a resident.
—Heard the village received an estimate of $450,960 from the county engineer for paving in the village. Councilman Mick Fanning, street, water and sewer committee chairman, said several streets were removed from the list, and the estimated cost will be about $266,090 for paving in the village.
—Set a public meeting for April 18 at 2 p.m. at Village Hall concerning the railroad crossing on Route 39 near Belden Brick. The village is expected to have the railroad crossing at Camp 4 Belden to be exempt between the plants. The exempt status means signs will be posted that anyone who is required by law to stop at railroad crossings such as school buses or trucks will not need to stop.
—Learned the waterline east of the village is being completed and hydrants have been installed.
—Agreed to remove several trees in the village and at Winklepleck Grove at a cost of $13,400.
—Passed an ordinance approving 2023 permanent appropriations of $11,156,216.
Other information
Residents are reminded the bins at Village Hall are for compost only. Trash and garbage are being placed in the bins.
Council held an executive session to discuss possible discipline and action of a public employee for gross and unethical action. The executive session lasted one hour and 35 minutes; however, no action was taken.
The next council meeting will be held March 20 at 7 p.m. in Village Hall.