Village Administrator Kevin Kaser informed Sugarcreek Council at the June 16 meeting that the village received a $347,155 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission. Council voted to accept the grant.
“The grant approved the installation of storm drains and water lines on Beachy Drive to Church Street to Miller Avenue, then to South Broadway to Factory Street,” Kaser said. “The village’s share for the project will be $124,975. The project will begin in the fall of 2026.”
In another matter council authorized Solicitor Doug Frautschy to draw up an ordinance increasing the water rates, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The water rates will increase 3% each year for four years. Council will vote on the ordinance at the July 7 meeting.
Other business
Council heard there are eight applications for the billing clerk position. Council accepted the resignation of Jan Dodge, effective Dec. 1. Council plans to hire a replacement to train before Dodge retires. Interviews have begun.
Council appointed Adam Griguolo, Joel Martin and Travis Barton, Level II firefighters and paramedics; Evan White, Level II firefighter; and Josh Stamper, Level II firefighter and advanced emergency medical technician, volunteers, to the fire department pending all passing a physical and drug test.
Council passed an ordinance, as an emergency, to accept sealed bids for a 2020 Ford Explorer police cruiser with mileage of 105,000. All bids must have the name, address and telephone number and the bid for the cruiser. Sealed bids should be sent to Sealed Bid/Fiscal Officer, Village of Sugarcreek, 410 S. Broadway St., Sugarcreek, OH 44681. The deadline for sealed bids is Friday, July 11 at noon.
Council agreed to leave an alley open from Dover Road, which leads to a parking lot at Garaway Local Schools.
“The school district will improve and maintain the alley. We want to add additional parking,” building and grounds coordinator Michael Maurer said.
Maurer was reminded that there is a sewer line under the alley. The alley will be surveyed, and then council will move forward with the proposal.
Council learned that if during the project the village finds lead water lines into a residence on Maple Street, the village is not permitted to directly connect to lead lines. The village will incur any cost to hook up lines from the street.
Council heard traffic is increasing in the alleys around Maple Street where construction is occurring. Complaints were made about scooters and E-bikes using excessive speed in the alley. Police Chief Kevin Kaser said they can use the alleys.
Council heard it is not the practice of the village to install street lights in the alleys.
Council agreed driveway approaches, if paved, should extend to the roadway, and those with cement driveways need to contact Kaser before any work is completed on asphalt or cement driveways. A permit is needed.
Council passed an ordinance vacating two open alleys in the Andrew C. Miller allotment.
Additional reports
The pickleball courts are open from dawn to dusk. Complaints have been made about the court being used late at night.
The next meeting will be held July 7 at 7 p.m. at 410 S. Broadway. A streets, water and sewer committee meeting will be held before the meeting at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Hillside Drive and sewer line repairs.
