Council backs volunteer repainting of two steam locomotives; staff to craft safety waivers

Councilmembers directed staff to work with volunteers, the Orville Union High School'area organizations and the donor Better Deal Exchange to repaint two historic locomotives in Huitt Park, after hearing a detailed plan to manage volunteer liability, lead-paint risks and historical accuracy.

Councilmember Weber presented the proposal, saying the locomotives "need a fresh coat of paint" ahead of the park's opening and that the project could support a Safe Grad Night fundraiser. Volunteers and a professional painter offered donated primer and paint; local railroad historian Dave Tamori will advise on lettering and stenciling, the proposal said.

Staff and the school superintendent, Doug Williams, recommended framing the effort as a volunteer initiative (not a school-led student project) to avoid school-district paperwork for minors. Williams said, "My recommendation is to make it be a volunteer effort and not use the word students," advising that volunteers include parents and community organizations rather than the district directly.

Because older paint layers contain lead, the project plan calls for encapsulation only: no sanding or scraping that could create dust, followed by compatible primer and a protective top coat, a method the presenters said is consistent with EPA and National Park Service guidance for non‑disturbing treatment of historic exterior metal.

Councilmembers asked for clarified supervision ratios, confirmed that engines are fenced and keyed, and urged staff to include required waivers and adult supervision rules before paint is applied. If staff encounters legal or safety issues, council asked them to return before work begins.

What happens next: staff will prepare liability waivers and a written public-works oversight plan that incorporates the encapsulation approach, PPE requirements and the adult-supervision rules the council requested.