Cadiz Council works towards public safety

Cadiz Village Council convened Thursday, May 2, for their semi-monthly meeting under the leadership of Mayor R. Kevin Jones. The meeting proceeded with customary order, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and discussions on ongoing municipal affairs.

Autumn Famal, President of the Harrison County Women’s Club, addressed the council with initiatives aimed at fostering community bonds and supporting local causes. The club, a revival of the Jewett Women’s Club, emphasized its commitment to the community by planning donations to local food pantries and other nonprofits. Famal outlined the club’s aspiration to establish a scholarship fund and announced a forthcoming fall fashion show as a major fundraising event. The council unanimously agreed to support the event by donating the use of Wallace Lodge. The meetings for the Harrison County Women’s Club are held on the third Thursday of every month at the Jewett United Methodist church at 6 p.m. All women that reside or own businesses in the county are welcome to attend and become a member.

Brandon Ludwig gave the administrative report which highlighted efforts to secure grant funding for water infrastructure improvements, including the replacement of a deteriorating section of water line on Charleston Street. Edgar Hill water tank is being cleaned; they are moving to clean the Grant Street water tank next. Additionally, the village is working to launch a mobile app in the future, “Connect to Cadiz,” offering residents access to city information, upcoming events, and local businesses. Campers at Campsite B have raised concerns over persistent congestion and traffic jams, urging authorities to consider implementing a single lane road on the back side of the site. The current situation, characterized by narrow pathways between campers and children playing in the area, has prompted calls for action to improve safety and traffic flow. In response to these concerns, council has advised the Park Board to deliberate on the feasibility of such a measure. Once a comprehensive plan is devised, it will be presented to council for further consideration. Meanwhile, Ludwig has publicly praised the dedication and hard work of village employees, acknowledging their readiness to tackle unforeseen challenges at a moment’s notice.

In the realm of public safety, Eric Miller reported plans to monitor properties violating village ordinances and collaborate with the village solicitor and the judge to come up with a consequence of failure to comply after so many citations are given. The expiration of a contract for an officer stationed at the Harrison Career Center prompts the Cadiz Police Department to reevaluate staffing strategies. Cadiz Police Department is undergoing firearm training, and they are working to bring in another K9 for night shift, due to the success of the K9 they acquired early last year. They briefly spoke about properly licensed and plated UTVs being allowed on the roadways, which is an ongoing discussion within council.

Discussion ensued regarding recreational facilities and municipal projects. The closure of an alley, pending utility reservations, and renovations at Cadiz Union Cemetery were among the topics addressed. Derek Sefsick’s report on youth and recreation highlighted the success of recent community events, such as the “Night at the Races.”

Transitioning to existing projects, council noted plans to commence dam repairs at Sally Buffalo this fall, which in turn means there will be no beach for the 2024 season. Progress has been reported on the basketball court and it should be open soon. The village has anticipated openings of new businesses. Dollar Tree slated to open at the end of this month or early June is a call for excitement. Word has it that Dunkin Donuts hopes to open sometime in August.

In new business, council members deliberated on infrastructure upgrades, contemplating the replacement of electrical wiring at Sally Buffalo campgrounds to mitigate fire risks and risks to camper’s property. They will start pricing different electrical companies and hope to start working towards a solution come fall. Future plans include an auction to clear surplus equipment. There will be big items, from trucks to large equipment. There have been ongoing discussions on sidewalk enhancements that will take place throughout the village over the next few years.

The meeting concluded with readings of proposed ordinances, reflecting the council’s commitment to governance and community development. In summary, the Cadiz council meeting showcased a collaborative effort to address municipal needs, support community initiatives, and plan for the village’s future growth and safety.