Council approves moving pole at High and Third intersection

Carrollton Village Council approved moving a utility pole near the fire station March 23 to improve access for fire trucks, particularly the department’s new ladder truck expected to arrive later this spring.

Carrollton Fire Chief Shane Thomas told council the pole at the corner of High and Third streets has restricted turns for some time and has been hit repeatedly. He said the issue has become more pressing with the department’s newer, longer truck.

“In our case, they’re willing to move it,” Thomas said. “It’s actually a great place to put it. I mean, it’s way out of the way of everything.”

Thomas said American Electric Power originally estimated the cost at $15,000 to $17,000, but after negotiations reduced it to about $5,500. He said the final invoice had not yet arrived, but officials were told the village’s cost would not exceed $6,000 even if additional railroad-related expenses arise. He added that while the cost has been settled with the village, American Electric Power is still negotiating with the railroad company regarding its portion of the work.

The pole, which Thomas noted was installed in 1964, will be moved from its current location to the corner near the police department where the stop sign is located.

Council approved paying to move the pole if the cost stays below $6,000.

In an unrelated matter, Councilwoman Brittany Tangler brought up concerns about data centers, and council discussed public concerns and agreed to have Solicitor Clark Battista prepare an ordinance prohibiting them within village limits.

Council members agreed the proposal was intended to reassure residents amid ongoing discussion about a data center project outside the village. Officials noted the village is not connected to that project other than previous discussions about a possible water source, which the village declined.

Tangler said adopting an ordinance would make residents “feel a lot better” by making clear that data centers would not be permitted in the village.

In other business, council:

—HEARD Thomas report the fire department has responded to 107 calls so far this year, up significantly from the pace of last year, when the department finished with 350 total calls.

—HEARD Police Chief Tim Timberlake’s report, which included 375 calls for service for March, 100 traffic stops and 10 crashes. Patrolman Logan Pope returned to the Carrollton Police Department and is working one week of refresher training before being moved to the midnight shift. Timberlake thanked resident Brittany Thacker for the donation of two large bags of stuffed animals to be placed in cruisers for children.

—HEARD Kiehl report he met with Latimus Communications about improving street department radio service. He said the current radios do not work reliably in some parts of town, and a possible replacement system appears to work well and would cost less than $1,000 per radio, plus a monthly fee.

—HEARD Kiehl report the damaged flagpole was removed March 17. He said an insurance adjuster was scheduled to review storm damage to village property and determine whether full replacement or localized repairs would be recommended.

—HEARD Kiehl and Mayor Bill Stoneman report attending a chamber-sponsored roundtable with county villages and representatives of the oil and gas industry. Kiehl said discussion focused on road damage on state routes passing through village jurisdictions and which entities are responsible for repairs.

—HEARD Councilman Chris Barto thank the fire and police departments for their work during recent severe weather.

—PAID the bills of $188,281.96 in vendors, $62,143.62 in payroll and payment of bills without prior certification in the amount of $5,629.37.