Council hears development, water‑plant and police operation updates; directs traffic study review

At the Nov. 18 council meeting Administrator Joe Allen and department heads briefed council on infrastructure, development and public‑safety matters and council directed staff to pursue next steps on a traffic study for US‑23.

Allen reported that Day Farm has started phase 2, which will add about 66 homes. He said a new walking path is nearing completion if weather allows and that village staff will not accept the water plant work until pump performance meets quoted specifications. Allen also said Troy Kitsos submitted his notice and the village will begin recruiting to replace him.

Police Chief Sgt. Michael Maynard updated council on law enforcement matters: an ongoing investigation resulted in an arrest and charges; many items from a reported car break‑in were recovered and the stolen car was recovered and is being fingerprinted to develop suspect leads. Maynard said he will attend a grant summit Nov. 19–20 to learn about funding opportunities and noted a Dec. 9 deadline for officers to complete CPTs.

Council asked Allen to investigate the traffic‑study requirements necessary to seek a speed change on US‑23 and unanimously approved the motion directing him to do so. Allen had discussed sidewalk options and an ODOT TAP grant application; council instructed him to pursue grant assistance from CESO Engineering and to prepare materials for a Nov. 26 special meeting to consider a related resolution.

Fiscal officer Alisha Burke noted the Ohio Department of Commerce had sent liquor‑license renewal notices for all village licenses and reminded council it may file written objections and request a hearing before the end of December. Mayor Aaron Thomas announced plans for a retirement dinner for Sgt. Johnny Wells on Dec. 20.

Council approved bills and adjourned at 7:55 p.m.