At the September 21 meeting, Holland Village Council wrapped up final concerns about this summer’s Holloway and Hamilton road improvement projects.
Tim Bock, engineer with Poggemeyer Design Group, noted that both are “substantially complete,” although a few change orders may be submitted and will actually reduce the overall cost.
He will verify the final costs and return to council. In the meantime, “they [the contractor] will be back to re-seed in mid-October.”
Mayor Lee Irons noted, “the whole project went smoothly.”
Council President Ryan Spangler raised a concern about the “sloppy painting” for the railroad crossing pavement markings.
“It stuck out to me right away,” he said.
Mr. Bock will discuss their dissatisfaction with the contractor, and the village can ask for a reduced price or an extended warranty.
Looking to next year, the engineer said Hall Street will be worked on. He would like to bid the project early so it can be started as soon as the school year ends.
That project will be a “mill and fill” plus sidewalk improvements at the first intersection where students cross the street.
Mr. Bock also advised council that 2023 projects need to be selected because state grant funding applications are due the first week of November.
Mayor Irons asked all the councilmen to reflect on which roads they would like to see added to the list.
“With Hamilton Drive, all the roads have been done,” he said.
Councilman Mike Bettinger said streets in the Whisperwood subdivision could be done next, but they also will need to address problems with trees and the roots damaging sidewalks there.
Several councilmen said they would like to see a list of priorities established for five to 10 years of needed road work.
They will decide on the roads for 2023 at their next meeting.
New American Legion Sign
Council approved an easement for the American Legion post to install an electronic sign in front of its building at 1074 Clarion Avenue.
Council President Spangler explained that the new LED digital sign will replace an old pole sign but will be located in the public right-of-way.
“It sets back as far as they could get it,” he said. “The planning commission reviewed it and liked what was brought forward.”
Village solicitor Paul Skaff wrote up a right-of-way agreement, which the Legion officers approved.
Mr. Spangler noted that the veterans organization will incur the costs if village utilities need to be installed under the sign.
Mayor Irons is pleased with the new sign.
“I think it’s really a nice improvement,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Approved the purchase of a salt spreader for the village’s dump truck, at a cost of $5,700, from Kalida Truck of Walbridge.
Mr. Bettinger said the cost was already part of this year’s budget.
•Heard from Councilman Scott Brown that the police chief has completed interviews for a lieutenant position, and he hopes to bring a recommendation to council in October.
•Learned that Mayor Irons recently attended a meeting of the Lucas County 9-1-1 council of governments board.
He said county officials were asking for approval of an annual budget, but the board members only authorized a six month budget.
The board will meet again Wednesday, October 13 to continue the discussion.
“The county is working hard to get the system moving,” the mayor said.
•Authorized the payment of $259,607 in bills.
Council’s next meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, at the village hall, 1245 Clarion Avenue. The meeting is open to the public.
