Leesville council completes sinkhole repair

At the June 9 meeting of the Leesville Village Council Mayor Mara Malterer updated those in attendance on the recent sinkhole issue in the village.

An emergency meeting had been held June 1 after Malterer had been alerted of the situation by a property owner, the sinkhole was on a village right-of-way off West Green Street.

An emergency ordinance was passed June 1 to approve the expenditure of $11,321.42 to Kinsey Excavating for repair of the sinkhole, to be done immediately. Council unanimously approved the expense, as an emergency measure, which included replacement of three catch basins.

Malterer reported at the regular June meeting the work was completed and that the cost was expected to be less than originally approved. She said that the Village of Bowerston had assisted in the repair and that only 40 feet of the anticipated 60 feet of piping was needed.

Malterer explained she had reviewed the area after the completion of the work and believes that it will need some gravel to look cosmetically complete. She asked council if they agreed to the use of leftover funds for this expense, should the property owner request further work after they had an opportunity to review. Council unanimously agreed.

In other discussion Malterer told council there is an increasing issue of items being deposited in the recycling bin that are not recyclable. She said the village participates in the recycling program through the Carroll-Columbia-Harrison Solid Waste District and if the violations continue the village may lose its eligibility.

Malterer reported she has been working with Fiscal Office Kaley Knapp to devise a plan and create an ordinance to put an end to the disposal of unauthorized rubbish, one of those being the placement of cameras at the bin. Council discussed the matter and agreed to the placement of cameras, along with a notice that the area was being electronically monitored.

Malterer advised that Ordinance 3-2026 established a fine of $500 and up to six months jail time for any disposal violations. Council heard the first reading of this ordinance.

Lastly Malterer reported she has had multiple parties reach out to her regarding the possibility of putting a camper or trailer on a property on the village’s circle where recent building demolition took place. She said she felt the village’s current ordinance regarding the governing of mobile homes needs to be reviewed.

Regarding the issue of mobile and tiny homes in the village, Malterer reported no action has been taken by the owner of a tiny home on Pigeon Alley were notification of the necessity of a foundation has been issued, multiple times. Malterer inquired of council how they would like to proceed.

A discussion took place regarding the matter, Malterer advised the May 20 deadline for the property owner to resolve the issue had come and gone without any further advice. Council member Mikah Sullivan said she feels the village “has been as lenient as possible” with Councilman Carl Palmer stating the owner has “been given chance after chance” and they feel it’s time to act.

Malter said that according to the current legislation in the village a $100 misdemeanor fine is applicable. Solicitor Luke Brand said he “will need to review the village’s ordinance” and contact the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department to inquire about enforcement, should a fine be issued.

Other action:

— Heard an update on the village’s wastewater plant from operator Jerry Bowser and briefly discussed the proposed maintenance plan.

— Heard a utility billing status report from Knapp.

— Discussed mowed properties in the village and learned Brand will review current ordinances before issuing a letter of violation.

— Learned Orange Township has contacted the mayor to advise that they will replace sidewalks damaged in the recent building demolition.

— Discussed CDBG grant project possibilities and was advised by the mayor she would like residents’ input for ideas.

— Approved an estimate from Smitty’s Tree Service in the amount of $2,200 for the removal of two trees, limb removal on one tree and clean up costs.

— Discussed the possibility of borrowing a street sweeper from the Village of Sherrodsville and was advised by Brand he would investigate the legality of having another entity’s property hauled on a private trailer.

— Heard a street department report from Councilman Bruce Palmer and learned there are currently two streetlights out in the village. The fiscal officer will file a report with AEP for repair.

— Heard receipts reported at $8,733.21 and approved expenses totaling $16,616.85 and was advised $10,000 of the expenses was a grant payout to the village’s volunteer fire department.

— Approved the fiscal officer to attend a training conference in Dayton and the expenditure of $220 plus mileage reimbursement for the event.

— Appointed the fiscal officer as the village’s public records designee.

— Discussed partnering with Archive.org to upload village ordinances for public review and learned Brand will research the guidelines further.

— Passed Resolution 2026-5 to move money within the general fund to cover OPERS and payroll withholding taxes.

The next meeting of the Leesville Village Council will be held Tuesday, July 14 at 7 p.m. in the village hall.