Malvern approves health coverage, discusses village upkeep

Malvern Village Council approved employee health insurance coverage, discussed major infrastructure expenses and continued addressing maintenance concerns during its May 18 meeting.

Council approved providing health insurance for two street department employees through the AultCare 1000B plan, with the village paying 80% of the premium cost and employees paying 20%. The coverage will be single-plan coverage only and will begin July 1.

Insurance agent Quinn Parker called into the meeting to explain the available plans and answer questions from council members before the vote. Council members discussed deductibles, copays and overall affordability before selecting the plan.

Council also approved repairs and rehabilitation work for the village water tower at a cost not to exceed $400,000. Village Administrator Derik Kaltenbaugh said the Ohio EPA inspection determined the tank requires extensive work, including interior and exterior recoating, railing replacement and installation of a bubbler system designed to prevent ice damage. Kaltenbaugh said Ohio EPA regulations also require the tank to be cleaned every five years.

Mayor Bob DeLong said village officials could find no record the tank had previously undergone the required maintenance inspections and coatings.

“We’re going to pretty much have a brand new tank,” Kaltenbaugh said.

Kaltenbaugh reported the village recently repaired a significant water leak beneath Sandy Creek after bringing in leak detection specialists. He thanked Richard Sheets, Mark Manfull and Justin Lucas who came in during the leak and assisted in digging it up as an emergency. He also thanked Aqua Water, village employees, volunteers and everyone involved for assisting during the repair process.

At the start of the meeting, Council President Tom Holmes discussed public comment procedures following several lengthy recent meetings. Holmes said council could limit comments to village-related topics and restrict speakers to three to five minutes. Holmes added he and others had consulted Village Solicitor Chad Murdock regarding public participation rules.

During public comment, several residents again raised concerns about village maintenance, including mowing, potholes, catch basins, curbs and park conditions. Resident Nolan Champer questioned whether the village has a long-term maintenance plan and whether officials remain confident in village staffing.

John Champer criticized conditions at the park and along village streets, pointing to overgrown areas, damaged catch basins and unfinished cleanup work.

Council members and officials said staffing shortages, illness, family emergencies and weather delays have slowed work but noted crews are prioritizing potholes, curbs and Memorial Day preparations.

Councilwoman Marci Hubbard updated council on park improvements, including continued work on the village’s NatureWorks grant application for the walking track.

Council additionally discussed repairs needed at the basketball and tennis courts, including crack filling and resurfacing work.

Holmes said erosion and drainage issues near the basketball court and culvert on Eastern Street need properly addressed rather than simply coated over. Kaltenbaugh agreed, saying the gaps and washout areas are too far apart and the area needs to be filled before any spray coating or additional repairs are completed.

Fiscal Officer Ashley Neading reported the village received a clean audit for 2023 and 2024 with no findings or recommendations.

In other business, council:

—DISCUSSED possible expansion of the village disc golf course after local organizers expressed interest in expanding the course to 18 holes to help attract additional tournaments and visitors. Council members said they would consider future proposals as long as the project would not create major costs for the village.

—HEARD resident Jan Davis inquire about the recycle bins. Hubbard explained it is a township project, but the bins are held up because Frontier Communications still needs to straighten out a leaning pole. Everything is ready to go after the pole is fixed.

—HEARD officials discuss the need for village park advisory committee members and plans to advertise openings again on Facebook and the village website. Any resident interested may submit a letter of interest to the village. Letters can be mailed to PO Box 384, Malvern, Ohio 44644, delivered to Village Hall or left in the drop box at Village Hall.

—HEARD officials discuss deteriorating conditions at a nuisance property and possible legal action if improvements are not completed.

—APPROVED a $100 Grinders gift card for Cliff Burwell in appreciation for assistance during Village Cleanup Day.

—DISCUSSED using Carroll County’s subdivision regulations for future lot splits within the village rather than creating a separate village committee process.

—HELD an executive session for discipline of a public employee or official. No action was taken following the session.