Council concerned about obstructed culvert

CRESTON -- Action was taken on various items at last week's council meeting, including addressing concerns surrounding an obstructed culvert.

Solicitor Allan Michelson brought to council a resolution that would request a resident remove an obstruction to water flow.

At the property located at 146 S. Main St., there is a 3-foot culvert blocked, explained maintenance Superintendent Jason Flory. It needs to be unclogged, but there has been trouble completing the task. Michelson said the law states the village can order the resident to correct the problem.

The village board of public affairs recommended council notify the owner of the property that the issue needs to be taken care of, and if it isn't done by a certain deadline, the village will fix the problem and charge the owner.

Michelson said because the obstruction is occurring on a resident's property, it isn't technically the village's problem to fix.

The owner claims the village installed the culvert years ago, but Flory said there is no paperwork in the village's records to show the culvert was paid for by the village.

Flory pointed out there are trees, a fence and a swing set that could all be damaged in the process of trying to clear the blocked culvert.

Michelson said the village would not have to cover the cost of the removal of trees. However, if something such as a fence were to be damaged, it might be the village's responsibility to replace it.

Council voted to pass on emergency a resolution directing the owner to remove the obstruction in the culvert. The next step is to serve the owners with a signed copy of the request.

The Rev. Alice Phillips of the Presbyterian Church in Creston attended the meeting to let council know she is concerned about several car accidents that have occurred near her house over the last several years.

She lives just north of the church on state Route 3. There is a "bad curve" in the road, and Phillips thinks the speed limit should be reduced on that part of the road before a fatal crash occurs. Currently, the speed limit is 40 mph.

Council recommended the village safety committee look into making a change. Since the curve is on a state route, the Ohio Department of Transportation would have to conduct a traffic study.

Flory requested permission to sell a 1978 Ford dump truck on www.govdeals.com. Council voted to approve the sale of the truck.

Another village vehicle, a 1993 Chevrolet truck, was destroyed in a fire two weeks ago. No one was injured, but the truck was a total loss. Flory said they were able to save a few of the tools that were inside the truck.

He will make a list of the tools that were lost for the insurance company. Flory said he will bring price quotes for a new truck to the next village finance meeting.

In a 5-1 vote, council voted to approve closing two alleys. Councilman Keith Studer said the alleys, located at 113 and 125 Burbank St., are not being used now and closing them will not affect anyone. They will be changed to class C alleys, meaning they will be for utility access only. Councilman Marlin Hostettler voted against the motion.

It was announced council will have a vacant seat beginning Jan. 1 due to Councilman Lyle Kalina's decision not to run for council again. Council will accept letters of interest in December.

Other action taken by council included the approval of:

-- A 3 percent raise for mayors court clerk Nancy Bergolc.

-- The purchase of road salt in the amount of $1,500.

-- The changing of the village park rental agreement to state that the park closes at dusk, but those renting a building at the park are permitted to stay until 11 p.m.

Reporter Amanda Gallagher can be reached at 330-287-1635 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @a_gallagherTDR.