Cadiz sidewalk project moves closer to construction

The sidewalk project first introduced by former Mayor John Migliori and continued by Mayor R. Kevin Jones is moving closer to construction.

Village Administrator Brandon Ludwig told council during its May 28 meeting that a problem involving an easement had delayed progress, but Village Solicitor Chuck Kidder has resolved the issue.

“There was a business out there that got an easement sent to the wrong department for them,” Ludwig said. “That was the last thing we needed.”

Ludwig said that after discussions with the engineering department and the Ohio Department of Transportation, the project is expected to be bid in July with construction beginning in August. About 90% of the project cost will be covered through an ODOT grant.

“That will be a sidewalk from Stanton Avenue all the way out past Wendy’s, and then there will be a crosswalk over to McDonald’s with pedestrian crossing signals,” Ludwig said.

Ludwig also updated council on the Edgar Hill water storage tank, where long-delayed maintenance work is underway.

“We switched that tank over to drain it on Friday,” Ludwig said. “We had some unexpected issues there with loss of water. I will take the blame for that. We did not expect that. We lost water for about an hour.”

He said the village is currently operating from the Grant Street tank while maintenance continues for approximately another 45 days.

Ludwig said veterans banners were installed over Memorial Day weekend despite poor weather conditions and asked residents for patience if some have not yet been displayed.

“That continues to grow,” Ludwig said. “It looks great in the community, but it’s definitely grown in size and now we continue to do that every year as well as we can.”

An Environmental Protection Agency meeting regarding village wells will be rescheduled, and officials do not expect an update until after that meeting takes place.

Council also revisited discussion on the new basketball and pickleball courts. Officials considered terminating Border Patrol, the contractor, if work on the playing surface does not begin immediately. Council was told the company needs six consecutive days of dry weather and temperatures of at least 60 degrees to complete the work.

Councilwoman Alice Barr proposed setting a deadline for completion.

“I feel that it’s taken a very long time for them to get this done,” Barr said.

Zoning Enforcement Officer John Vermillion suggested a July 1 deadline. Councilman Albert Peters argued the project should be completed immediately.

Councilman Sal Deluca said he understood the frustration but expressed concern about installing the surface under less-than-ideal weather conditions.

“Is waiting two more weeks to get it done a problem?” Deluca asked.

Peters responded that even if rain delayed the work, the courts would still be completed sooner than expected.

“As of right now, for four years, Border Patrol has done nothing but sit here and wait, and wait, and wait,” Peters said.

Councilman Eric Miller said campers frequently ask about the project and he wants to avoid telling them to wait another year.

Council ultimately approved a July 1 deadline, with Peters casting the lone dissenting vote. Council also unanimously agreed to seek another contractor if the deadline is not met.