Malvern council discusses park and street priorities

Malvern Village Council voted March 2 to move excess village funds into a new interest-earning sweep account, discussed park maintenance priorities and heard public comment from resident and business owner John Champer, who urged the village to tighten oversight and make better use of its resources.

Fiscal Officer Ashley Neading said she spoke with Consumers National Bank about a public fund sweep account for government entities. Under the plan, money above a required minimum balance would automatically move overnight into FDIC-insured investments and return to the village account the next morning.

Neading said the current rate offered was 3.2%, with an annual percentage yield of 3.25%, allowing the village to earn interest without transferring funds or locking money into a term deposit.

Councilman Mike McCort made a motion to enter into the sweep account agreement. The motion passed with one no vote from Councilman Justin Wadsworth.

Champer, speaking during public comment, said he was motivated by concern for the village and did not want meetings to become a recurring spectacle.

“I’m not doing this to get my name in the paper. I care about Malvern,” Champer said.

Champer said he has received feedback from residents and believes the village should be run more like a business, with clearer supervision and leadership present in town. He said Malvern needs “a working street superintendent” who lives in Malvern.

He spoke prior to the sweep account vote and suggested the village consider short-term investments, including certificates of deposit, for part of its general fund balance.

“You guys need to look at short-term CDs,” Champer said, suggesting the village could invest funds for six months rather than “sitting on a pot of gold.”

Council also reviewed an information packet outlining the steps required to establish zoning, including forming a zoning board and hiring an inspector. Champer said zoning could help address certain property and business-use concerns.

During the park report, Councilwoman and park committee member Marci Hubbard said an outdated park sign will be removed and improvements are planned for the volleyball court. Plans include removing old sand, adding a weed barrier and new sand and installing edging to better contain the area. Members also discussed removing the net after rental season.

Neading said the Monday.com system is active during a free trial period to track maintenance projects.

Council also considered a quote from Lemon Stump Removal for grinding stumps in canal and park areas. Neading said the estimate identified 57 stumps in the unmowed canal area near the football field, 14 in the mowed canal area and five in other park locations, totaling $3,775.

Councilman Justin Wadsworth made a motion to proceed with stump grinding not to exceed $4,000. The motion passed.

Neading said she planned to meet with Vasco at 10 a.m. March 3 in the park to discuss the walking track and obtain quotes needed for grant applications. Additional fencing quotes are also being gathered.

In other business, council:

—HEARD and granted a request from volunteer Amy Mays to begin mulching on the hill by Dairy Queen as part of a beautification effort, with donated mulch required to be treated.

—HEARD Councilman Justin Wadsworth report the road committee met March 2 to discuss road maintenance priorities beyond pothole patching.

—HEARD Wadsworth discuss stop-sign safety options, including industrial-grade flashing stop sign systems estimated at $1,400 to $2,000 per sign depending on size, as well as a lower-cost solar blinking light option. Council agreed to try the lower-cost option first to see how effective it is.

—AGREED to rent a paint sprayer from Sunbelt Rentals for $350 per week rather than purchase new equipment, noting rental costs would be significantly lower.

—HEARD Village Administrator Derik Kaltenbaugh report on pothole patching, water leaks, low-pressure complaints, underground wiring and electrical box issues near the bridge and the need to replace an aging plow.

—HEARD Councilman Mike McCort report on bridge lighting concerns after speaking with Union Metal Industries in Canton regarding vibration issues and possible equipment upgrades, and that he will seek bids for each option.

—PAID the village bills from the appropriate funds for $1,851.77 approved by the Finance Committee Feb. 28 and $1,178.35 on March 2; biweekly payrolls of $6,165.75 paid Feb. 26 and monthly payrolls of $12,549 paid Feb. 27.

—HELD two executive sessions, one for economic development confidential information lasting 12 minutes and one for sale of property for public purposes lasting eight minutes. No action was taken following either session.