Mariemont council reviews capital projects: pergola, pool flooring, sidewalks and LED conversion

At its Sept. 8 meeting, the Village of Mariemont council ran through its permanent-improvement priorities and smaller operational projects, clarifying what will move forward in 2025 and what will be deferred to subsequent budgets.

Staff reported the survey and title work for the connector/pergola project is complete and that the library paid half of the $8,000 survey cost. The large construction component remains separate and was previously discussed at an estimated order‑of‑magnitude above $90,000; staff said construction dollars are likely not needed until the next calendar year unless ODOT accelerates bidding. A purchase order for a pergola project issued in 2024 was carried forward into the 2025 planning discussions; staff indicated it may be carried into 2026 depending on project timing.

The pool commission requested $22,000 to replace bathhouse flooring and recommended completing work in September rather than next May so contractors do not have to interrupt the pool season. Council members discussed whether replacing fixtures later would conflict with new flooring and were told updated plumbing fixtures would not require removing a new floor.

The Park Advisory Board reported successful bench restoration and recommended suspending new bench purchases for 2025–2026 and harvesting parts from severely deteriorated benches. Council also confirmed a corrected inventory showing about 15 additional streetlights requiring LED conversion; Vanstone moved and the committee recommended spending roughly $5,925 to convert those lights, contingent on funds in the Permanent Improvement (PI) Fund. Kelly Rankin said she will report the exact PI fund balance at the council meeting.

Finally, staff said sidewalk grinding and small curb/repair items had been approved and that leaf collection will begin Oct. 14. Council emphasized careful prioritization when multiple small capital needs arise in a single year.