Sugarcreek council reviews fire station expansion, tax concerns and Maple Street progress

Sugarcreek Mayor Walt Wilson spoke about the updates at the Sugarcreek Fire Department during the Nov. 17 village council meeting. He said contractors are working toward installing the electricity and plumbing; however, the work has not yet been approved.

Fire Chief John Meek said the fire station is being expanded to include living quarters, much like a house.

“There will be a kitchen, living area, two bedrooms and two bathrooms,” he said. “We have a firefighter on duty during the night at all times.”

Council discussed adopting a possible resolution not to support a movement to eliminate property taxes. Wilson said if the issue is placed on a ballot and approved by voters, the village would lose $650,000 in state funding.

Council member Matt Miller said the village would struggle and many services offered to residents would no longer be offered. Council agreed to have the finance committee review the issue after Jan. 1.

Council also did the following:

—Learned Maple Street will have a base coat of asphalt applied Nov. 19, weather permitting. Wilson said the street can be used, and snow can be plowed. In the spring, sidewalks, waterlines and a final coat of asphalt will be applied.

—Heard there are bricks from Maple Street located behind Village Hall. Residents are permitted to take a couple as remembrances but not entire truckloads.

—Passed an ordinance accepting the application for annexation of territory owned by Skyline Meadows School. Solicitor Doug Frautschy said the annexation will be completed in several days, and the school has been constructed and students are attending.

—Passed an ordinance clarifying, updating and adopting employment policies for employees of the village.

—Adopted an amended ordinance to the zoning code of the village to address short-term rentals.

Other information

Light-up Sugarcreek will be held Dec. 6 from 4-7 p.m. in the downtown area. There will be sleigh rides, a caricature artist, a model train display, crafts, live music, free hot dogs, s’mores, cookies and hot chocolate. Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

A parade will be held at 4:30 p.m. and will march down West Main Street. The 2025 Organization of the Year and honorary candle lighter will be introduced.

The next council meeting will be held Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at 410 S. Broadway St. in Sugarcreek.