Ely honored during recent Sugarcreek council meeting

During the July 15 Sugarcreek Village Council meeting, Police Chief Kevin Kaser presented an award to Dave Ely, a police officer who retired in April 2024. Kaser said he appreciated Ely for his dedication and service of 48 years to the village. Ely served as a county sheriff deputy, worked in the police station, donated property and worked at the festivals held in the village.

Public speaks

Jeff Schrock, an Alpine Museum board member, asked council to consider donating funds to help install an elevator at the museum. He said the project began about 18 months ago, and they collected $94,000 in grants. The cost to install a new elevator is about $250,000. He said visitors who are handicapped or need assistance can only visit the first floor as they have no access to the other floors. Becky Detweiler, museum curator, said the museum operates by donations, and people don’t understand there is no way to view items on the other floors or in the basement unless they can walk.

Council adds comments

Mayor Walt Wilson said the museum is important to the downtown area and is considered an attraction for visitors.

Council member Sam Beachy, also on the museum board, said the museum is part of the village’s heritage. He suggested the village purchase the building, and with those funds, an elevator could be installed.

The finance, personnel and audit committee will meet Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m. before the council meeting.

Council also did the following:

—Heard there are several items the county health department wants the village to consider to improve Winklepleck Grove. Wilson met with a county health official about the inspections. Items discussed were campers bringing pets, the east lot being marked, well water being tested and is good, a first aid kit being placed by the fire extinguisher, placing a sign indicating the location of the nearest telephone, and applying for a waiver for a dump station for campers.

—Heard Wilson give an update on the square project. The plan is to install a pavilion, lighting and a fan. Kaser said costs were lower due to many donations for the project.

—Discussed the Maple Street project and agreed inflation has increased the cost to install storm sewers. Plans are for the village employees to do some of the work.

—Approved the preliminary plat for the Pirate Cove housing development on Miller Avenue. Plans are to construct single family houses and condominiums.

—Agreed to seek a second quote for fencing at the new pickleball park.

—Held the first reading of an ordinance restating rates for water tap and connection fees and sewer tap fees for the village.

The next meeting will be held Aug. 5 at 7 p.m. at 410 S. Broadway in Sugarcreek.