Gas line work is delaying downtown revitalization
At the July 12 meeting of Dennison Village Council, Mayor Greg DiDonato told council members he has been in conversations with Dominion Energy regarding gas line work that has delayed work on the downtown revitalization project. DiDonato expressed frustration with the gas line work that also is delaying a storm sewer project.
DiDonato said he will meet again with representatives of Dominion and will make it clear there can be no more delays and to determine how much monetary compensation should be given to the village. He expects the storm sewer project to be the first part of August.
DiDonato also provided updates on several ongoing projects in the village including the following:
—The community room has been upgraded to provide wheelchair accessibility. Work on the restrooms should be finished within the next two weeks, and new floors are complete.
—Dudgeon Way paving in the new business park is complete. Grant money covered $25,000 of the approximate $31,900 project.
—The North First Street Project, which includes new sidewalks, is being pushed to spring 2026 due to Dominion’s work replacing gas lines. Grant funds of approximately $300,000 have been earmarked for the work.
Council approved the following expenditures based on recommendation from the finance committee:
—Renewing the contract with Kimble for five years.
—$3,152 to Elite Tire to purchase new tires for the 2014 fire truck, which was still running on the original tires.
—$1,536 to Swiss Valley Fence to install hand rails on both side of the stairs going into Village Hall. A $1,000 grant will be applied to the cost.
—$811 for a set of four tires for the 2017 police cruiser from Northside Auto Repair.
—$3,000 down payment to Cambridge Ice Skating LLC for a shed at the ice skating rink. The remaining $3,000 will be due Nov. 1.
Council also approved a 50% down payment to Verdin Bells and Clocks for the new town clock, subject to receiving a $15,000 grant or alternative funding for the $28,488 project. DiDonato said approximately $5,000 has been raised to date.
In other business
Council passed an ordinance adopting the International Property Maintenance Code for village zoning. The IPMC has been in use in the village for approximately 30 years, according to DiDonato.
Council voted to do the following:
—Renew the appointment of Carl Menapace to the Twin City Water and Sewer Board for a three-year term beginning Sept. 1.
—Hire William Ackerman as an auxiliary police officer.
—Accept the resignation of Caleigh McPeek, a part-time firefighter and EMT, effective June 19.
In other reports
Fire Chief Dave McConnell said the new truck’s pump issues have been corrected, and the truck has been certified.
DiDonato advised all council members of the need to complete anti-fraud training per a new state law.
Council members are invited to attend an open house at Stillwater Crossing men’s residential treatment facility on Thursday, Aug. 22 from 3-5 p.m.
