At their regular Monday meeting, the West Liberty Village Council noted several upcoming events, passed a couple long-discussed ordinances and recognized town members for their contributions to the area.
Town Clerk Cindee Boyd updated the council regarding Thursday night’s Paint LoCo Pink event at the West Liberty town hall, starting at 7:30 p.m Oct. 29. Residents may have already noticed the pink lights and decorations around town, including ribbons on trees, a pink-festooned gazebo and 154 donated pink lightbulbs.
As of Monday night, 13 survivors had signed up to participate and 14 pink flags had been sponsored. Contact the town clerk to find out how you can be involved.
And on Monday, Oct. 3, the council will meet at Solomon’s Garage at 10 a.m. to present them with the October Business of the Month award.
In other action Monday night:
• The council passed the registration of contractors ordinance on its third reading. Intended to keep unlicensed businesses and individuals from soliciting in the village, this will require them to prove they’re bonded, licensed and insured before paying a registration fee. The law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
• A junk vehicles ordinance was also passed on its third reading.
• Council member Jeanette Zerkle attended the recent Logan County safety meeting, which is required of the council to save 3 percent on their Bureau of Workman’s Comp costs. Zerkle reported on the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) program. Presented by Shannon Maier, this program works with area organizations to help families and children with mental and emotional issues and is offered to groups or individuals at any age. McKelvey said, “That’s so essential right now with what’s going on.”
• After additional discussion, the council agreed to pay $12,600 for a stronger safety surface at the Splash Pad. The current paper-thin surface has already shown significant wear after only three summers. Though more costly, this new surface is expected to last over a decade. They accepted a locked-in price to pay half now for materials and the rest in 2023.
• In new business, the council gladly accepted the offer of the West Liberty Business Association to split the cost of all downtown flowers as well as those around town hall and the new gazebo at the cost of $400. The work will be taken care of by Jake Vitt with Logan Landscaping.
• The finance committee considered three proposals for elected officials insurance and chose to stick with Weichert Insurance, which was the middle bid, cost-wise. However, the other offers were pooling plans that seemed to have hidden membership fees. “We’ve been with Weichert,” council member Jayne Griffith concluded, “and we know they’re reliable.”
• Several requests have been made to council members to present a kinder tone in messages regarding cars being towed when they’re required to be moved off the street. “Maybe add a smiley face or ‘have a nice day,’” one council member suggested, “as long as it’s not condescending.”
• Jeremy LeVan spoke to the parks and recreation department about making the playground at Lions Park handicap accessible. He would work with the Logan County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which would cover most of the cost, to create an all-inclusive fun space.
• The council nominated three companies for November Business of the Month: Griffith recommended Jeremy LeVan with LeVan’s Excavating, Inc., saying, “He does and does and does for this community at his expense.” Mayor McKelvey wanted to nominate Marie’s Candies again for always going “above and beyond.” The final nominee, who was also praised for her generosity to West Liberty, was Malia Hughes with Fathom Realty.
• Information regarding the Oct. 11 meeting to discuss chickens in the village will be sent with the month’s water bills.
• Trick-or-Treat will only be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27, in West Liberty.
The next West Liberty Village Council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10.