Garaway building and grounds coordinator Michael Maurer approached village council Monday to discuss vacating an unopened alley off Dover Road to make space for a school parking lot. The request is in the preliminary discussion stage.
“RLA Excavating will begin demolishing a house owned by the school district located on Dover Road,” Maurer said. “The demolition will begin next week.”
Glen and Karen Scheetz, who own a neighboring business, must agree to close the alley. The couple is still considering the proposal.
“If there is an agreement with the Scheetz family, a survey will need to be completed, and both property owners would sign off since each owns half of the unopened alley,” Solicitor Doug Frautschy said. “The proposal will be brought back to council.”
Nearby property owners also will be contacted about the potential closure.
Council also did the following:
—Accepted the resignation of market administrator Lynn Dessecker, effective June 2.
—Learned billing clerk Jan Dodge plans to retire Dec. 1. Council intends to hire a replacement in advance to allow time for training.
—Heard signs have been installed at the pickleball courts, which are now open to the public.
—Held a brief discussion about repairing or replacing driveway approaches. The matter was referred to the street, water and sewer committee for further review.
—Was informed Maple Street will close starting June 9 for waterline replacement. Sewer work will begin at Church Street and proceed one block at a time.
—Learned the fire department will hire part-time staff for summer coverage.
—Held a second reading of legislation to vacate two unopened alleys in the Andrew Miller allotment.
Council also extended congratulations to the Garaway girls softball team for advancing to the state tournament in Akron.
The next council meeting will be held Monday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at 410 S. Broadway. Committee meetings will begin at 6 p.m. to discuss water rates, followed by a 6:30 p.m. session on streetlights and driveway approaches.
