By Alixandria Wells-Good
Contributing writer
MECHANICSBURG – The Mechanicsburg Village Council gathered on Monday, Aug. 19 for a regularly scheduled meeting in the municipal building.
Mechanicsburg resident Jeanette Wibright was present at the meeting to discuss several topics she had concerns about. Wibright shared that after hearing the board’s decisions about food trucks, she was concerned that if the village keeps “saying no to things, we’re not going to grow.” As a property/business owner downtown, she also raised concerns of alleyways and other areas outside of the buildings in the village, especially downtown, not being maintained properly and looking in dismay.
Wibright also asked council to consider the village’s possible responsibility regarding repairs to the parking lot downtown. Wibright and her husband, council member Chip Wibright, recently purchased the property located at 15 South Main street in Mechanicsburg, as well as the parking lot next door to it. The alley between 11 S. Main St and 13 S. Main St. was vacated by the village in July of 2022.
Wibright’s concerns are that while they purchased the parking lot and knew of the disrepair, the village had a contract with the previous owner which allowed the village to use the parking lot as public parking, and the village in return was responsible for upkeep. She feels that the village did not uphold their end of that contract with the previous owner in regards to upkeep of the lot.
Wibright asked who was now liable for the approach and sidewalk coming into the parking lot. It was clarified that as with all properties in the village, responsibility for sidewalks is the property owner’s. Lengthy discussion was had regarding responsibility, work and repairs that need done, and conflict of interest due to the owner being a council member. Discussion was also had regarding the possibility of at some point entering some kind of agreement with the village to still be able to use the lot for public parking. The owners of the parking lot (the Wibrights) were not ready to discuss a lease with the village for use of the lot at this time. No decisions were made at this time regarding the parking lot repairs.
A village resident that identified herself as Mrs. Elliott brought several concerns to council. She inquired about what could be done about overgrown weeds that she felt were a fire hazard in her neighborhood. Elliott also inquired if there were any rules regarding “obnoxious smells” coming from properties within the village. After discussion, it was suggested to Mrs. Elliott that she contact the county health district about her particular issue regarding smells.
New village resident David Byas introduced himself to the council. He stated that he is in the process of opening a tattoo shop and leather goods store in the village. He went on to inquire about rules about signage in business windows and on buildings.
Village Administrator Roger Brake presented the administrator’s report. He shared with the council that the “punch list” of final items has been completed and that the water project is now done. He also stated that he is in the process of obtaining quotes for the new salt building.
Brake then went on to request approval to award the contract of resurfacing Walnut Street to Fillmore Construction LLC. Their base bid price is $87,976, and two potential alternatives (based on possible obstacles that may occur during the project) bringing the total bid of $140,776. Approval was given by council.
Zoning Officer Dusty Hurst shared that along with the tattoo/leather business previously discussed, there is also an insurance business opening soon in town.
Hurst then shared that a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting will be held soon to discuss the demolition of a grain bin at Heritage and the construction of a new bin after that. Tentatively the meeting is scheduled for Sept. 11, 2024 at 6 p.m., however due to that also being the date of the homecoming parade, the meeting date and/or time may change.
Mechanicsburg Police Chief David Patrick shared the most up to date citation list. He went on to say that the entire department has completed the most up-to-date taser training. Patrick also shared that the department has also completed their firearms qualifications.
Patrick then discussed with council getting approval for retention bonuses out of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) OCJS (Ohio Offices of Criminal Justice Services) grant funds. The funds from this grant can be used for only certain things, retention bonuses being one of them. The funds also expire at the end of the year. Patrick passionately believes that the retention bonus from this fund could be really helpful in keeping officers employed at the village. Council ultimately decided to further discuss the matter in executive session at an upcoming meeting.
Assistant Fire Chief Steve Castle informed the council that the new fire truck has arrived, and should be in service by the end of August.
The village council will meet next on Monday, Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal building. Village council meetings are open to the public.
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