Port Washington Council hears updates on sidewalk, traffic light projects

Members of Port Washington Village Council discussed several projects and improvements to be made around town at the Feb. 17 meeting.

Mayor Tom Gardner’s assistant, DJ Meek said construction is set to begin on the sidewalk project June 15 and is estimated to be complete by Oct. 31.

The $977,000 project is being funded with an Ohio Department of Transportation Safe Sidewalk to School grant as part of its Transportation Alternatives Program.

Meek told council he contacted the Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District regarding an ongoing issue with slow and plugged drains at Village Hall and the fire department. He said the county checked all the lines for which they are responsible and told him the lines were clear.

Council voted to contact McDonnell Excavating and ask them to check the sewer lines that are the responsibility of the village.

Meek also reported that work on the traffic light project at the town square will most likely begin as soon as the weather clears. The project will tie the traffic light on state Route 36/Main Street to a generator at the fire station so the light will continue to work if there is a power outage.

In other reports

Gardner presented council with a quote from Yoder Roofing for $1,450 to reinstall a down spout at the Historical Society building. Meek stated he believes the village may be able to handle the repair without having to hire outside help.

Street Supervisor Tim Bryant told council two windows have been repaired on one of the buildings at Belden Park. He also reported the village dump truck will need to be scheduled for service due to a recall.

Council President Joe Bourne asked if the tenants in the village-owned property on East Main Street had vacated in compliance with a Feb. 12 deadline. Gardner will contact Village Solicitor Mark Perlaky to determine the status.

Fire department news

Council member Brandie Bourne reminded council the 10th annual spaghetti dinner will be held March 15 from noon to 3 p.m., at the Delaware Valley Joint Fire District. Bourne said dinners will be available for a donation.

Bourne said the department is currently holding a gun raffle, and tickets can be purchased from any firefighter. In May, the department will hold its annual Memorial Day barbecue chicken dinner.

Proposed legislation

Council heard the first reading of an ordinance establishing a social media policy for village employees, council members and other representatives of the village. The purpose of the ordinance is to establish standards for the use of social media and to provide guidance regarding information sharing.

Village personnel may express themselves as private citizens on social media as long as their comments do not negatively affect the public perception of the village. The ordinance seeks to regulate only comments and posts made on village-owned websites or social media pages.

The ordinance will be held for three readings before council will vote on the matter.

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.