West Lafayette council adopts sewer-rate ordinance, seeks state conservation grant for park improvements

The West Lafayette village council adopted ordinance 2024-35, updating sewer rates and related regulations, on its third and final reading and declared the measure an emergency so it can take effect immediately. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote with one member absent.

The action came as council members reviewed several items on the agenda, including a proposal to submit an application to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support improvements at Waterworks Park and nearby nature trails. A council member identified in the transcript as Sammy said the village administrator will prepare and submit the LWCF application and that the application deadline is Nov. 15; the council is seeking an emergency declaration so the application can proceed through readings. “The application is due November 15th which is the need for the Emergency pass,” the speaker said. If the grant is awarded, Sammy said the funds would be used for design and improvements at Waterworks Park, the Plain Hill nature trails and related amenities, with the final scope dependent on the award amount.

Council members also noted that the village received the second half of its park levy payment, roughly $1,500, which was deposited that day.

On finances, the council listed resolution 2024-37 on second reading, which would add $290,000 to the 2024 appropriations to fund design work for the initial phase of the Safe Rosta School project. That resolution was presented as a second reading in emergency and will return for further action.

On enforcement and maintenance, Sammy reported follow-up on prior property-code notices: staff issued several junk-vehicle reminder notices, most residents complied or asked for additional time, and one high-grass property on Main Street remains scheduled for mowing the following day. "I issued a few junk vehicle reminder notices... I've had good response from those notices," the speaker said.

Committee reports flagged building maintenance concerns: members reported mold problems in village buildings and said testing is underway to determine remediation needs. Public safety officials said they are reviewing quotes to improve security at the administration office and surrounding public building.

Procedural items recorded on the agenda included a motion to approve the Sept. 9, 2024 meeting minutes and other routine motions; roll call and voice votes were taken through the meeting. The clerk announced ordinances and resolutions on the agenda, including ordinance 2024-36 (second reading) to authorize the mayor and the fire chief to sign certain contracts with local townships for 2025.

The meeting closed after final bill votes and a motion to adjourn.