Wintersville council considers designated outdoor refreshment area and sanitation services expansion

The Village of Wintersville Council convened on July 10, 2025, to address several key issues affecting the community. The meeting began with a motion to authorize GoBus to utilize the Still Valley Center for their operations, with proposed arrival times set for 12:15 PM and 1:40 PM.

Mayor's report highlighted the collaborative efforts of various departments, commending their work on ongoing projects. He announced that the council would soon review an agreement with Purple Land Management and a scent energy company, aimed at leasing land to generate additional revenue for the village. The mayor also introduced the concept of a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), which would allow for specific areas to be exempt from certain open container laws, particularly during events like "Wednesdays in Wintersville."

Administrator Jesse provided updates on several projects, including a car show scheduled for the following day, which was organized by local youth groups. He reported that the Caddis Road project had officially commenced, with a budget of approximately $1.9 million, and that the timeline for bidding would be communicated soon. Additionally, he noted that roof replacements at the village building were nearing completion.

The sanitation department's spring cleanup was deemed a success, collecting over 57 tons of waste, and Jesse mentioned ongoing discussions about expanding sanitation services to areas outside the village, responding to requests from residents. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of logistics and pricing for any potential expansion.

In terms of staffing, Jesse reported on the hiring process for a part-time fiscal officer, recommending candidate Zach Choisy, whose background check returned positively. The council discussed the need for a finance meeting to finalize the candidate's pay scale.

The meeting concluded with updates on the sale of surplus vehicles, which had generated revenue for the village, and a reminder that the new water meter system was revealing discrepancies in service data, prompting a review of sanitation service compliance among local businesses.

Overall, the council meeting addressed significant community projects, potential revenue opportunities, and staffing updates, setting the stage for future developments in Wintersville.