Historical Society presents archival 1957 sewer story; council hears recreation, cemetery and infrastructure updates

The Village of Northfield council heard a series of community and departmental updates on May 22, including a presentation from the Historical Society of Old Northfield, project updates from engineering staff, upcoming recreation events, and citizen‑facing concerns about park parking and an invasive insect.

Ellen Bertel of the Historical Society showed council a 1957 newspaper headline from the museum archives describing a then‑$385,000 sewer project and noting a $16,000 federal grant related to that work. Bertel invited the public to a museum open house on Memorial Day from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. before the parade, said volunteers have planted a pollinator garden, and presented the Village with a 2007 150th anniversary medallion bearing the Village name.

Engineer Daniel Collins reported that the Cambridge Drive, Stratford Drive and portion of Huntington Drive reconstruction project is under way; the contractor is working on the main storm sewer line and Collins said he was satisfied with current progress. He estimated the pavement and curb phase will take about two months once reached.

Service Department Superintendent Jason Walters noted he had submitted his report earlier in the week. Councilmember Gary Vojtush asked about a Village front‑end loader being driven on Rt. 8; Walters said he believed the equipment was being moved between Village facilities by the most direct route and agreed to investigate and report back on whether future trips could avoid Rt. 8.

Mayor Jenn Domzalski and Recreation Board members said the first movie in the park (Super Mario Brothers) is scheduled for June 15 and the second annual Party in the Park and cornhole tournament will be held Aug. 17 with food trucks and family activities; the mayor said she expects attendance to increase substantially over last year.

Councilmember Renell Noack reported that the Cemetery Board reviewed its budget, which she emailed to council, and requested a liability‑release agreement be drafted so historic quilts can be stored at the fire station without exposing the Village to responsibility for damage; Law Director Brad Bryan was asked to prepare that agreement.

Kevin Lewis thanked Police and Fire for a quick response to a recent incident at his home and alerted residents that spotted lanternflies have been detected in Ohio; he urged reporting sightings to the Ohio State School of Agriculture and described host trees and egg‑laying behavior. Parking problems at the ballfield were also raised; the mayor warned the field may not be available next year to a rental group if parking and cleanup rules are not enforced.

The meeting then moved to legislative business and adjourned at 8:05 p.m.