By Jan H. Kennedy
FPS Correspondent
July 27, 2010
The heat of summer is taking its toll, but don’t get in more hot water with the village of Minerva by buying a cool pool.
Service Director Steve Jackson told village council at its July 13 meeting that he is seeing a lot of store bought swimming pools set up in the village. Many are bought from Wal Mart and other stores, he said. He is concerned about neighborhood safety and village rules.
A village ordinance requires all pools to be installed in back yards only, and any pool at least 18 inches high must have a 4-foot fence around it, said Administrator David Harp. One part of the ordinance specifies the fence is required around any pool, and another section calls for the fence when the pool is installed 18 inches below the ground.
Village Law Director Clark Battista told council his interpretation includes any pool 18 inches high. Council may take another look at the ordinance, said Mayor James Waller.
Council agreed to purchase new hardware for the village computer through Software Solutions, a company the village has used in the past for computer work. Harp said updates over the years have taken up much of the computer’s memory space, causing it to operate slowly. It also will be limited in accepting further updates in the future. Harp said he is satisfied with the service from Software Solutions in the past, and he will contract with Software Solutions for new computer hardware at a cost of $21,000.
Harp has the 2011 budget ready for review before sending it to the Stark County Budget Commission. Council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 in Village Hall for residents to read and comment on before any revisions are made and the document is sent north. It must be passed by Sept. 1.
The audit of the village’s funds was finished two weeks ago and a report should come from the state auditor’s office soon. “Everything went smoothly,” Harp said. “I expect to receive a smooth audit.”
Council authorized Harp to apply to the Ohio Public Works Commission for financial assistance through the state’s Issue 2 program.
“We have to determine how much we ask for, but first we need to see how much money we have available for matching money,” Harp said.
Harp said some possible projects could include: curb, gutter and sidewalks for Phase 2 of the Murray Avenue project; paving approximately 400 feet of Knox Court, which is all broken up concrete now; and improvements to Jackson Street, with gutters, sidewalks, curbs and storm sewer.
Harp will execute a $175,000 grant from the same organization for money for the fourth phase of the Valley Street project. It would include installing water lines, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and storm sewer in some areas.
A plastic storm line is being installed by village workers along the Chestnut Street Extension, Jackson said. The old line was a mishmash of different sizes and composition, including a 9-inch line inside a 12-inch
Council meets next at 7:30 p.m. July 27, immediately following the 7 p.m. public hearing regarding the 2011 budget. |
