The combination of power outages due to a violent storm early Tuesday morning, a weeklong heatwave and rising electric prices have most of us looking for ways to ease the stress of what’s gearing up to be a pricey summer.
With that in mind, the West Liberty Village Council discussed the possibility of a municipal aggregate with Bob Snavely from Palmer Energy Company out of Toledo at their regular meeting Monday night.
Basically, municipal aggregation allows a town to combine the electric and gas of all the residents and small commercial businesses who choose to opt in. They then negotiate a rate with a competitive energy supplier to provide the gas and electric to the community.
“We need to strategize how to best help our residents in the quickest way possible,” said West Liberty Mayor Jill McKelvey. “We’re trying to save (people] money, but they’re always free to leave (the aggregate).”
Ultimately, the council needs to decide whether to put the issue on the November ballot. If they do, voters will have the final say. In the meantime, you can find out more by attending a meeting tonight, Thursday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Green Hills Foundation Hall, 6557 S. U.S. Route 68, West Liberty.
The council is also gearing up for two major town-wide events this month. The first is a summer street market and fireworks on Saturday, June 25.
This year’s summer street market will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 25. It will feature vendors, food trucks, live entertainment along with a car, bikes and quarter midget show, which will give first-, second- and third-place trophies. Fireworks will light the sky at dusk at Lions Park.
June’s second big event centers around commemorating the 60th anniversary of Marshal Sherman Ricketts’ death, and will begin at 3:30 a.m. on June 29. At that time, a vigil will be conducted in front of the West Liberty Presbyterian Church to remember the exact time and place of Marshal Ricketts’ ultimate sacrifice. Ricketts was killed protecting the West Liberty community in 1962, while investigating a break-in on the northwest part of town.
The Sherman Ricketts Memorial Park was dedicated in his honor in May 2021. Since then, they’ve added a new shelter house, a water-bottle filling machine and a bicycle fix-it station.
A law enforcement procession will begin at the West Liberty Police Department at 2 p.m., then continue west on Runkle Street to the park.
Once they reach Ricketts Park, a ceremony to remember the slain officer will include the presentation of the flag to Ricketts’ grandchildren, a 21-gun salute from the Logan County Honor Guard, and the playing of “Taps.” Guest speakers will share stories about their experiences with Marshal Ricketts. Those who wish to attend are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In other council action Monday night:
- Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor has been named the July Business of the Month, which will be awarded on June 30 at 5:30 p.m. at the Parlor. “We’ve had great reception of this award,” McKelvey said.
- Member Patricia Kauffman asked the council to table the discussion on allowing homeowners to raise chickens, citing a need for further investigation due to recent salmonella outbreaks and the town’s continued problems with raccoons and black vultures. Still, council member Jeanette Zerkle pointed out, “Since we were approached, we need to consider it.” The council agreed but decided to wait until they had more information.
- According to council member Jayne Griffith, the official 2023 West Liberty calendar is “coming together nicely” and should be ready for purchase by the end of August. The calendars will sell for $10 with half of the money going toward the Columbus Street bridge project. T-shirts will be available around the same time.
- The council is looking into hiring an arborist to take care of trees that need attention. One company, Ahlum and Arbor Tree Preservation in Columbus, charges $200 an hour. Council member Joanna Hostetler said they will find out more about what that entails and look for cheaper options.
- Though the village has issued 20 junk vehicle ordinance violations within the last week, it’s not working, and the council discussed other options. Under the ordinance, violators have 15 days to respond or correct the issue; after that, they can face fines of up to $100 a day until it’s taken care of. They’ve given the vehicle owners options even to the point of offering cash for the junk cars, but, Griffith added, “We’ve got to have teeth in it.”
- Two ordinances related to Lion’s Park were passed: 2022-R8, a resolution for Choice One to submit a grant to NatureWorks, and 2022-13, which amends Lions Park appropriations to include donations received.
- The council also discussed two changes to the Splash Pad—the need for cameras because of vandalism, and the possibility of selling concessions there to raise funds. Council member Trent Spriggs is also looking into placing additional security cameras around town.
- McKelvey once again returned to the danger of the intersection at SR 245 and US Route 68, stating she and her husband were almost hit while crossing the street. The council discussed adding a large sign reminding drivers they need to yield to pedestrians, who have the right of way.
- The village is accepting nominations—residential and commercial/civic—for their beautification awards until 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1. Make sure to include before and after photos of the transformation. Voting will take place at the mywestliberty.com website between Aug. 15 and 29. Winners will be announced at the Labor Day Festival on Saturday, Sept. 3, at noon, then recognized by the council at their Sept. 12 meeting.
- Mayor McKelvey referred to recent vandalism in Jackson Center, where minors damaged cars after midnight, when she announced a strict enforcement of the town’s curfew—11 p.m. on weeknights; 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. “We won’t tolerate kids out after curfew,” she stated.
The next West Liberty Village Council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, June 27.