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Covington administrator outlines bridge proposal, downtown planning and grant efforts; splash pad set to winterize in October
Summary
Village Administrator Jordan Hodges reported a second proposal to remove the N. Main bridge that requires power-line relocation, described downtown planning work with Small Nations, noted ongoing grant-seeking and an Access Engineering 5–10-year plan, and said the splash pad will likely be winterized in early October.
Village Administrator Jordan Hodges updated the Covington Village Council on Sept. 2 about a series of infrastructure and planning items shaping downtown development and near-term operations.
Hodges said the village has received a second proposal to remove the bridge on North Main Street, but work cannot proceed until power lines beneath the structure are removed. He said the DRD (development-related initiative) is moving forward and that he and Council member Amy Welborn met with representatives from an organization called Small Nations in Bellefontaine to discuss plans for downtown development.
Hodges told council the village is working with Access Engineering to develop a 5–10-year plan that will account for replacement of underground utilities; the village is applying for grants and budgeting but has not yet provided specific cost figures. He also reported the Hometown Christmas Committee has begun meeting (next meeting Sept. 29) and that the Planning Commission will meet Sept. 16 at 7:00 p.m.
On operations, Hodges said the splash pad is anticipated to close and be winterized at the beginning of October unless cold weather prompts an earlier shutdown. Regarding the Sellman building owned by the village, Hodges said the village may pursue a Brownfield grant to remove the structure but the grant opportunity will not be available until 2027.
The minutes do not record extensive debate on these items; council members asked procedural or clarifying questions but did not take formal votes related to the bridge, grants or the 5–10-year plan. Hodges indicated staff will continue advancing engineering and grant work and will bring more detailed figures to council when available.
