Port Washington council reminds residents: no dumping grass or weeds at Union Cemetery

 At the Sept. 2 meeting of Port Washington Village Council, Fire Chief John Bourne addressed council concerning brush dumping at Union Cemetery. Bourne said the brush pile there is to be used only for inclement weather that produces fallen limbs and brush. He also said dumping grass clippings and weeds is not permitted.  

“This is not a landfill for dumping or normal yard cleanup disposal,” said Bourne. “It is to be used only for the emergency disposal of brush from inclement weather mishaps.”

Reports to council

Patrolman Kyle Lawver said he has ramped up patrolling in the evening hours to focus on slowing down traffic. 

Mayor Tom Gardner presented the August police department report on behalf of Chief Rocky Dusenberry, which included making 15 traffic stops, issuing five speeding tickets and responding to a car fire, a trespassing complaint, a store theft and an identity theft.

Income Tax Administrator Donna Meek said 25 of the 77 non-filers for 2024 have responded to the letters received from the village.

For the street department, it was reported that Street Commissioner Tim Bryant will trim back trees to provide better visibility for drivers. The sign for Church Street needs to be replaced and that Bates Metal is working on stencils for the railroad crossing, as well as a method for installing a ladder on the village dump truck.

Gardner reported the county coroner is reminding villages and cities to budget for indigent burials for the budget year 2026. The Ohio Revised Code places the responsibility for burying indigent individuals on the villages, townships and municipalities of residency.

Council President Joe Bourne presented the August Delaware Fire Department report. The department responded to seven calls, which included two auto fires, two car accidents, one carbon monoxide investigation and two calls for assistance by the Newcomerstown Fire Department. 

Council member Nate Penrod asked whether the stop sign at Canal Street should be placed closer to the intersection. Bryant will examine the issue. Penrod also said berm work is needed on multiple streets.

Public comments

Ed Conaway reported that members of the historical society recently visited the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 to view the traveling memorial, “Remembering the Fallen.” The memorial features 34 tribute towers displaying military and personal photos of nearly 5,400 service members who died from wounds sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan between Sept. 11, 2001 and Aug. 30, 2021. 

Conaway also said a Korean War uniform worn by village resident Jim Pfeiffer has been donated and was placed on the third floor of the historical society building. 

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.