Alley named after the late Rick Swiger

 At the Aug. 5 meeting of Port Washington Village Council, council members voted to name a previously unnamed alley Rick Swiger Lane. The designation is in honor of the late Rick Swiger, who served as the village street commissioner for 23 years. Swiger passed away suddenly June 25. 

Mayor Tom Gardner presented the family with a signed letter of appreciation and recognition for Swagger's 23 years of service to the village. Gardner also presented them with a duplicate of the Rick Swiger Lane sign. 

The alley is located between 304 and 306 W. Main St. In addition to supervising village street maintenance and repairs, Swiger also maintained Union Cemetery. 

Reports to council

Gardner reported that Mast Tree Service has scheduled tree removal at Union Cemetery for Aug. 29. The cost of the project is $4,600, which includes removal of trees, clean up and stump grinding. Gardner also said an additional spray for mosquitoes was performed by the county Aug. 4.

Street Commissioner Tim Bryant presented a list of supplies needed for the street department, which include an air compressor, floor jack, spade shovel, trouble light, degreaser and other items. 

Village Solicitor Mark Perlaky informed council that a property that is delinquent on real estate taxes must be vacant in order to qualify for the county's Building Demolition and Site Revitalization program. Perlaky will review options for collecting delinquent taxes or acquiring properties. 

Income Tax Administrator Donna Meek said there at 77 village residents who have failed to file tax returns for 2024. Meek will send letters requesting compliance, and if no response is received, she will turn to Perlaky to proceed with charges.

Council President Joe Bourne led a discussion about the State of Ohio's proposed constitutional amendment that, if passed, will eliminate real estate taxes. Bourne said he is watching the measure closely as it would affect funding for first responders and other departments.

Bourne also reported that Newton Asphalt has built a “dam” in front of the Historical Society Building to eliminate water entering the building.

Voting

Council voted to have the village hall's carpet professionally cleaned as requested by Meek. Council also approved the purchase of supplies for the street department as requested by Bryant. 

Port Washington Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.