*EDITOR’S NOTE: In this story it WAS stated “Current estimated cost of demolition is $4 million.” When, in fact it is supposed to be $4 million to save the old school; and about $200k to demolish it.
Chickens and vultures—bringing in the first while getting rid of the second—were two major topics of conversation at Monday night’s West Liberty Village Council meeting.
Jeff Stillings brought the idea of allowing residents to raise chickens in town to the council’s attention at their May 23, 2022, meeting. Since then, it has been addressed several times as members consider the pros and cons to having the birds in their backyards.
When Mayor Jill McKelvey attended a mayors’ meeting in July, she made a pertinent discovery—“They all have chickens, and none have problems,” she said. “Mechanicsburg even has goats.”
She also learned several of these towns don’t have specific livestock ordinances but use current ordinances to keep the chickens in check. Councilwoman Jeanette Zerkle liked the idea, responding, “Not everything in the village needs to be legislated.”
“I think this deserves some consideration,” fellow councilmember Jayne Griffith said, and Zerkle added, “Our biggest concern is enforcing it. What do we do if there’s a problem?”
The council will continue to research the possibility and talk with people in areas that have allowed chickens successfully.
A second ongoing bird issue centers around the vultures living in the dilapidated elementary school. Because black vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the village is limited in what they can do about this problem. According to Griffith, they must exhaust all nonlethal methods of removal before they can look into other options. “We can’t live trap them,” she added. “We can’t even take the eggs.”
One of the more unusual and rather gruesome nonlethal suggestions was to purchase a dead vulture effigy and hang it upside down on the building. The only problem there would be finding someone willing to go close enough to the site with a fake dead bird.
When McKelvey asked if they wanted to order one, Griffith said, “I think we should; I just don’t know who would want to do that.”
Besides exhausting nonlethal methods, the council must document any destruction caused by the creatures—something they can’t do since the structure is already destroyed. They are also thwarted by the third requirement of owning the building since it belongs to Logan County. With that in mind, having the county take care of it was another possibility.
The council expects to receive a bid for destruction soon and, McKelvey said, that means “the timeline for demolition is accelerated.” She added, “If we pass on this demolition grant we might not get another.”
Current estimated cost of demolition is $4 million*.
In other council action Monday night:
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Though countywide Trick-or-Treat will be Saturday, October 29, McKelvey reminded the council West Liberty will enjoy the costumed fun on Thursday, October 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sweetie Pie’s Baked Goods and Coffee Shop has offered to head up the evening’s activities for the West Liberty Business Association (WLBA).
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Logan County Commissioners have pledged $30,000 toward the West Columbus Street Bridge project. Adding that to the $100,000 from the village will get them halfway to the funds needed to reopen the bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Toward that goal, councilwoman Griffith suggested An Evening with the McKelveys fundraiser. Interested participants would be able to buy tickets to win dinner with the mayor and her husband; food provided by The Flying Pepper Cantina. More details will be given as they become available. -
McKelvey spoke openly about the issue of registering contractors in an effort to keep unlicensed businesses and individuals from soliciting in the village. She shared her own experience with a shady paving company and other incidences that led to members of the community being defrauded. Businesses would have to prove they are bonded, licensed and insured before paying a registration fee, with a homeowner’s exemption.
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The council is working to clear out the space above the library. Deciding it’s not a good idea to use volunteers for the project, they’re looking into hiring Miami Valley Junk Removal to take care of it. Once that’s done, McKelvey believes it would make a nice Airbnb or apartment.
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To support their local businesses, the council discussed splitting a Logan County Visitors Bureau ad with the WLBA. “Our businesses are struggling,” McKelvey said, pointing out the difficulty in getting people to shop locally. They hope by finding ways to collaborate they can help these businesses and continue to build a good working relationship.
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A junk vehicle ordinance will be presented at the next council meeting.
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The foot-deep sinkhole on Baird Street has been repaired thanks to the State Highway Improvement Fund. It still needs to be black-topped.
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Voting on the Beautification Awards begins Monday, Aug 15, and goes through the Aug. 29.
Residential nominees: 323 North Street, 207 E. Columbus, 901 Runkle, 233 White, 202 W. Columbus and 241 Leonard
Business nominees: Sweetie Pie’s, TDH Law Office, Country Friends and Elle A Design -
In response to a letter from the Daughters of the American Revolution, West Liberty will recognize Sept. 17-23 as Constitution Week. A bell-ringing ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 17 at Freedom Grove Memorial Park in Urbana. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bell.
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Councilman Trent Spriggs suggested offering a Citizen of the Year award to residents who go above and beyond. The council liked the idea and possible rewards included a certificate, a local-business gift basket and/or a plaque. Spriggs will look into it as something to potentially start this fall.
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Lions Park recently received a $10,000 electricity upgrade.
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Discussions are underway regarding whether to allow camping in West Liberty parks during the 2023 eclipse.
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The council also talked about spraying for mosquitoes for the Labor Day weekend activities. Some felt it wouldn’t be necessary while one council member said the mosquitoes are so bad, “when the sun goes down, you should go in.” As a result, the parks and recreation committee will get a quote on the cost.
The next West Liberty Village Council meeting will be Monday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m. in the townhall. Logan County Health Commissioner Travis Irvan will be in attendance to explain the health levy.