Scio prioritizing demolitions
Kristi Tullis
Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer
SCIO — The meeting of the Scio council, held on Sept. 13, covered several important agenda items and decisions that will impact the village in various ways.
One of the key discussions during the meeting was led by Trish Copeland, who addressed the Regional Planning Commission for 2024. Copeland urged the council to consider a reprioritization of properties slated for demolition, emphasizing the need for a well-defined order of preference for the top five properties. This was essential because there was a total of nine properties in the village requiring demolition.
Copeland also highlighted that Harrison County was set to receive $280,000 for the upcoming spring demolition efforts. Moreover, she mentioned that Scio, Jewett, and Hopedale would have the necessary funds available for the first distribution, indicating a commitment to this vital community initiative. It was agreed that the list of properties slated for demolition would be resubmitted to the commissioner’s office following this discussion, reflecting the council’s commitment to proper planning.
Another significant decision during the meeting was the passage of Ordinance 2023-003, which mandates the annexation of all extraterritorial property receiving municipal water and/or sewer service. This ordinance was passed after its final reading, marking an important step in regulating service expansion within the village.
The meeting also addressed infrastructure projects, with the water-line project for Eastport Road and East Elm Street set to potentially commence in 2024. The project will be funded in part by a $300,000 federal grant, though it was noted that the estimated cost had risen to $945,000 as of Aug. 23. The project had progressed significantly, with 90% of the plans reviewed, including a detailed materials list. Importantly, a PTI (Public Tender Invitation) was deemed unnecessary, and once funding was secured, the bidding process would commence.
On the wastewater front, the sanitation project for Hilltop Drive was discussed, with estimated costs reaching $1,276,720. Final cost projections would be determined after the completion of the PTI process through the Ohio EPA. Village Administrator Jake Tubaugh was working in collaboration with OMEGA, and discussions regarding offsetting tap fees were underway. It was noted that a four-inch sanitary tap would cost $4,500, and a monthly payment plan was suggested as a way to alleviate the upfront financial burden. Due to federal funding, this wastewater project was scheduled to begin in 2024.
A concern regarding the preservation of equipment prompted discussions about tree removal around the East College Street lift station and power lines. It was decided that this removal would take place before October at an estimated cost of $4,000.
To conclude the meeting, Village Administrator Tubaugh announced that the final round of mosquito spraying would be completed on Sept. 20 at dusk. Additionally, it was mentioned that the B & F Dairy Bar would be closing for the year on Sept. 17. These announcements reflected the seasonal changes and the council’s ongoing efforts to address community needs.
