Port Washington reviews insurance, equipment purchase, zoning updates

Council met April 21 with Mayor Thomas J. Gardner presiding and all members present.

Council approved minutes from the April 7 meeting and voted to pay bills from respective funds.

During the meeting, Ron Maxwell of Whitaker Myers presented the 2026-27 insurance renewal policy for property and liability coverage totaling $9,373, a decrease of $875 from last year due to the elimination of three part-time police department positions.

Eric Reip of the Tuscarawas County Historical Society announced the Zeisberger Heckewelder Awards Banquet will be held June 9 at Union Hill Church in Sugarcreek, where Port Washington resident Jacquie Starcher Price will be honored.

Residents Angela and Mark Albaugh addressed council regarding the village’s animal ordinance banning chickens. Angela Albaugh said she opposes revising the ordinance but emphasized that if changes are made, protections for neighbors should be included, such as spacing requirements, limits on the number of chickens, prohibiting roosters and enforcement measures. Council took no action, and the mayor said police will issue a warning to a resident in violation of the ordinance.

Street Commissioner Tim Bryant reported potholes were patched on Main Street, an alley between Church and Glasgow streets was prepared for paving and a stop sign was installed at High Street and Wolfe. Playground equipment was repaired, and 21 tons of salt were used during the winter season.

Council discussed installing a concrete pad at Belden Park for picnic tables and instructed Bryant to proceed, as the project had been approved previously.

Council also reviewed quotes for a new Bobcat loader and approved moving forward with applying for grant funding. Quotes included $33,385.76 from Advantage Ag & Equipment of Mount Vernon and $32,027.27 from Bobcat of Canton, both including trade-in.

Zoning updates included three amended permits issued for two sheds and one building. Bids for a village sidewalk project are expected to go out in May, and work has begun on the traffic light project at Main Street and the square.

Gardner reported spring cleanup was successful and said the village was contacted about hosting a weekly farmers market, though no action was taken.

Council member Joe Bourne said the annual village yard sale weekend will be May 29-31 and that he will maintain the flower bed at Belden Park.

Council member Brandie Bourne reminded residents that the Delaware Volunteer Fire Department will host a barbecue chicken dinner for Memorial Day.

Council approved a request from Steve Adams to install new spigots in the restrooms at Belden Park.

Council member Jeff McDonald reported a complaint about noise, and the mayor said the village does not have a noise ordinance to enforce.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 5.