Sugarcreek fire station faces structural concerns

Sugarcreek Mayor Walt Wilson told village council at its March 2 meeting some ceiling tiles came down in the fire station, and fire personnel were concerned about further damage.

Medical Director Dr. Kevin Miller spoke to council about the concerns.

“I think it is time to think about a new building,” Miller said.

Village Administrator Kevin Kaser will contact a structural engineer to inspect the building. He has contacted MEB to give a report on the condition of the roof. The two reports will be presented to council prior to any decision being made. The construction of living quarters has been placed on hold pending the results of the inspections. The mayor and council agreed the fire station building must be safe.

Councilman Josh Jarvis reminded council a study was done on the fire station in 2023. Council tried to find a new location for a building, and the estimated cost, at that time, was $5.4 million. Fire Chief John Meek will look at grants and what a local match would be. Wilson reminded council of the aging infrastructure in the village, and the abolishing of property tax may be on the November ballot.

Councilman Tony Martine said the village has fewer than 3,000 residents, and a levy could be a burden.

In another matter, council held a discussion about customers receiving exceptionally high or low water bills. Fiscal Officer Connie Goddard will look at the billing process. Village officials also met with employees to review the process. Jeff Smith of Smith-Varns Funeral Home thanked Utility Clerk Holly Hutchison for informing him of a higher water bill.

Council also did the following:

—Agreed to have the water tower at the football field painted with Garaway school colors at a cost of $8,500. The school district has agreed to pay 50% of the cost. They discussed making the flag painted on the water tower larger; however, no decision was made.

—Heard police officer Michael Sherry has been with the department for 5 1/2 years and meets the criteria for promotion to sergeant. He will take on additional responsibilities with the promotion. Council agreed to the request.

—Approved a list of 54 items the fire department wants to sell online.

—Heard a list of streets for the 2026 paving will be complete for the March 16 meeting.

—Heard GloFiber has started to install fiber internet and expects the work to be completed in about 100 days. A new furnace has been installed at the water treatment plant, and the expansion of the WTP is expected to be completed by April 30.

—Held the first reading of an ordinance for the fiscal officer to advertise for bids for Maple and Church streets for the waterline and storm sewer project in the village.

—Agreed to contribute 50% of the cost to improve the B-1 baseball field. The estimate is $4,520. The cost will be split between the village and Garaway Youth Baseball.

—Passed, as an emergency, authorizing the mayor and fiscal officer to sell a 2007 Chevrolet 2500 truck.

—Denied a request for Walnut Drive to be opened due to safety issues.

—Approved a request from Carter Lumber for permission to use Orange Drive near the business.

—Thanked Police Chief Kaser for his extra effort in dealing with unwelcome solicitors in the village.

Other information

The recent spaghetti dinner fundraiser held by the fire department served 430 meals.

The next meeting is at 7 p.m. March 16 at 410 S. Broadway St., Sugarcreek. The streets, water and sewer committee will meet at 6 p.m. prior to council.