Malvern Council discusses park improvements, funding frustrations

Malvern Village Council met with Malvern Brown Local Schools representatives, including Superintendent Danielle Hawk, board members Kimberly Engle and Jordan Wade and former board member Ron Ruegg, who is assisting with the project, during its April 20 meeting to discuss ongoing improvements at Malvern Village Park and efforts to secure funding for a long-discussed parking lot project.

School officials participated in the discussion as the village and district continue working together on park-related improvements, particularly those impacting shared use of the property.

A Carroll County commissioner had been expected to attend the meeting but was unable to do so.

Village Administrator Derik Kaltenbaugh and council members expressed frustration with a lack of progress from county officials regarding potential grant funding and said they may attend a Carroll County commissioners meeting to push for answers.

“We’ve been working on this and trying to get answers, and it just hasn’t gone anywhere,” Kaltenbaugh said.

Council members emphasized the importance of the park to the community and said improvements, particularly to the parking lot and drainage, remain a priority.

“This is something that needs to get done,” Kaltenbaugh said during discussion. “I am going to say the commissioners are looking into it, I just wish they would be a little more vocal and let us know what is going on.”

“We’d like to see the parking area expanded,” said Ruegg. “But this will be a good start.”

Estimates discussed during the meeting placed the cost of the project in the range of several hundred thousand dollars, depending on the scope of work.

Officials said they will continue working with the school and explore additional grant opportunities, including through the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association.

In other business, council:

HEARD crosswalk poles and a solar-powered pedestrian sign have been installed at the park entrance near the playground. Officials said the sign features flashing lights activated by a push button to improve visibility and safety for pedestrians, and thanked the Malvern Community Development Fund for its donation.

HEARD resident Jan Davis recommend the village look into dura-patching which is sprayed in a pothole to harden and lasts for several months. Council is looking into options and pricing.

ACCEPTED the resignation of Jeff Burgess and approved hiring him back in a part-time role, working up to 24 hours per week at $19.50 per hour. This followed an 11-minute executive session for the demotion of a public employee or official.

HEARD Kaltenbaugh report that hot mix asphalt is expected to become available soon, allowing for longer-lasting pothole repairs compared to cold patch.

“We’re waiting on the hot mix so we can start doing more permanent fixes,” he said.

HEARD updates on downtown lighting repairs, with crews continuing to replace wiring and conduit. Kaltenbaugh said most of the work is nearing completion and new bulbs have been ordered.

DISCUSSED forming a park board or committee to improve coordination between the village, school and community on park-related projects.

REVIEWED park updates, including plans for mulch work in early May, continued improvements to the volleyball court and updated fencing quotes.

HEARD the village’s Facebook page titled “Village of Malvern” is being used to share updates and has seen strong engagement from residents. Fiscal Officer Ashley Neading said the photo is of the clock and the banner is the Malvern mural for those looking for it.

ADDRESSED nuisance property concerns, ongoing water system issues including a leak at a local trailer park and preparations for upcoming paving projects.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for May 4.