Mayor urges residents to observe burn ban
At the Sept. 17 meeting of Port Washington Village Council, Mayor Tom Gardner reminded residents a burn ban is still in effect and must be observed until further notice. The ban was initially issued by the Ohio State Fire Marshal on Sept. 6.
According to the Ohio Department of Commerce website, if any part of a county is identified as being in the extreme drought or exceptional drought categories, the entire county is included in the burn ban.
Under the ban, any open burning of trash, debris, waste, combustibles, leaf piles or similar vegetation is prohibited. This includes the following:
—Throwing matches, cigarettes and other lit or smoldering material onto the ground.
—Discharging fireworks.
—Live-fire training events.
—Flame effects for displays or exhibitions including sky lanterns and cold spark machines.
—Using any spark- or heat-producing devices for recreational purposes.
Gardner also told council the village has acquired additional property from the Ruth Stocker Family Trust to expand the cemetery. The cemetery board will cover the expense of the survey needed for the property transfer.
In other reports
Joe Bourne, council president and street committee chair, said the village will widen the alley beside the fire station by approximately 3-4 feet in the next several days. Bourne also said the new heating system at the street department building has been completely installed, propane has been delivered and everything is in working order.
Street Supervisor Rick Swiger reported adding mulch to the playground area in the village park and that he has been instructed to repaint the railroad crossing markings now that repaving of the road has been completed there.
DJ Meek, the mayor’s administrative assistant, said he has approved the release of funds for the sidewalk project grant. He also reported receiving a call inquiring about zoning requirements for the empty lot on Main Street previously owned by Fran Burcher.
Fiscal officer Darissa Lute distributed a proposed budget for 2025. After review, council voted to approve the proposed budget for submission to the county auditor with no changes. Budget year expenditures are as follows: General Fund, $357,025; Street Construction Fund, $49,200; and Cemetery Fund, $9,000.
Legislation
Council passed an emergency resolution accepting the alternate formula for distribution of Local Government Revenue Assistance Funds as proposed by the Tuscarawas County Budget Commission. Lute said, according to the formula established by the state, townships receive 20%, villages receive 11.5%, cities receive 33.5% and the county receives 35%.
Council also passed an emergency resolution accepting the annual agreement with the Tuscarawas County Court in Uhrichsville for indigent defense services through the Ohio Public Defender’s Office. The approved cost is $1,200 per year.
Port Washington Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.