Trespassing concerns raised at Mineral City Park construction site

At the April 24 meeting of Mineral City Council, several council members reported having seen people riding dirt bikes, minibikes and scooters in the park construction area.

“They’re racing and jumping the dirt piles,” said Terry Nill, council member.

Council member Beth Nill said she knows people who have called the sheriff and the highway state patrol, but no one has been able to catch people in the act.

Mayor Laurie Green said people going onto the construction site are breaking the law by trespassing. Council decided to place additional signs at the site warning against trespassing while the park is under construction.

In other park news, Rick Cain, parks and recreation chair, said the basketball and pickleball courts are in process.

“Keep in mind that, one, they blacktop it. People will have to stay off of it for 28 days,” Cain said.

Cain said Beth Nill had spoken to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District about obtaining free red and white oak trees in any amount up to 100. Council agreed to ask for 50 trees.

Cain went on to report receiving a price on playground equipment. “It’s roughly $74,000,” he said, adding he wanted to apply for a grant but felt the village needed to pitch in 5% in order to increase the chances of receiving funding.

Cain said the village received an anonymous donation of $1,500, so the amount the village would need to contribute is $2,200. “I don’t feel that it’s a big ask,” Cain said. “We’re asking for $2,200 to possibly attain a $74,000 asset.”

Council voted to approve the request.

Mayor’s report

Green said she will visit the Mineral City Historical Society’s next meeting to update the group on construction at the park and to present a new three-year lease. The village rents the building to the MCHS for $1 per year.

Green also asked council to approve a proclamation participating in the ABATE Ohio annual program by recognizing May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. Council approved the proclamation.

Green also told council she responded to a letter from the Tuscarawas County Health Department confirming village participation in their mosquito control program and reminded council that last year mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus were found in Mineral City.

In other business

Fiscal Officer Becky Carpenter said the village’s property and liability insurance through the Public Entities Pool, which is due in May, has increased by $1,187 since last year when it was $9,931 per year. Now it is $11,118.

Green said cyber liability is causing rates to go up in Ohio since the cities of Cleveland and Columbus were both breached last year. Council approved paying the $11,118 annual insurance bill.

In zoning Beth Nill reported seeing progress with residents responding to cleanup notices, although a residence on Clay Street has not yet responded to the cleanup notice.

In other matters

Cain asked what could be done about a car parked on church property on Methodist Street. He said the minister spoke with the owner a month ago, who said it cannot be moved because it needs a new transmission. Green said because it is on private property, the church can call the sheriff’s department and they would have it towed, but the village can’t get involved in the matter.

Terry Nill presented a check for the village from the Friends of the Library for $438 to cover their portion of the cost of the new security system.

Announcements

The dates for the community garage sale are Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14.

Terry Nill said the pot for the King of Hearts library fundraiser is up to $1,845. Drawings take place every Friday at 5 p.m. at the library.

Mineral City Council meets the second and fourth Thursday each month at 5 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.