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Resident urges Gambier to seek alternatives to road salt and consider pedestrian barrier on Chase Avenue
Summary
During public comment Jan. 5, resident Matt Bonaudi raised concerns that the village's road salt harms plants and animals and suggested beet brine as an alternative; he also asked whether a wooden barrier could be added along the shared-use path on Chase Avenue to protect pedestrians.
At the Village of Gambier’s Jan. 5 council meeting, resident Matt Bonaudi spoke during public comment about the environmental and pet‑safety impacts of the road salt the village currently uses on winter streets. He suggested beet‑brine as a possible alternative and said he appreciated the wooden fence on Route 308 to 229, asking whether a similar barrier could be added along Chase Avenue (Route 308) near the water tower to improve pedestrian safety where there are no curbs.
Councilmembers discussed options including sand (which Councilmember Alec Wood suggested) and cautioned that sand can still irritate animals’ paws (Councilmember Calvin Murphy). Mayor Kessler suggested asking MORPC (Mid‑Ohio Regional Planning Commission) for alternatives, and Councilmember Alison Furlong raised the possibility of grant funding to help cover switching costs given the nearby scenic river. Village Administrator Courtney DeCosky agreed to research alternative products, shared procurement with nearby municipalities and possible grant sources.
No policy change was adopted at the meeting; staff were directed to research options and report back.
