BARNESVILLE — Village-owned buildings in the downtown area were again the main topic of discussion during a council meeting held Monday evening.

Village Administrator Roger Deal informed council that he was still not ready to recommend a bid for the demolition of three village-owned structures on North Chestnut Street that are being razed in order to expand parking for the downtown district.

Deal said that he and Mayor Dale Bunting had met with two more of the contractors who had bid on the project since the May 22 council meeting to help ensure certain details concerning the project are understood, and that it is ultimately completed to everyone’s satisfaction.

“A good contract is fair and equitable to everybody. We want to make sure they don’t get into it and have change orders to add, or that we don’t get what we want either,” Deal said.

Deal also updated council concerning the Barnesville Area Chamber of Commerce renting out spaces for vendors in the village-owned Bohandy Building during the Pumpkin Festival or other downtown events.

He said he had checked with the insurance carrier and been told there were “absolutely no issues with doing that” and that the chamber has its insurance through the same company.

Councilman Steve Hill brought up the idea of the village getting a percentage of what the chamber makes by doing so, similar to the arrangement the village and chamber have at Memorial Park.

Councilman Terry McCort asked that council revisit the idea of having an architect look over that building to provide estimated heating, cooling and renovation costs for those who might want to buy or lease the building.

Council President Les Tickhill, who presided over Monday’s meeting due to the absence of Bunting, said he had some relevant information from a previous inquiry into the building that he could provide.

Deal also commended the village cemetery crew for getting caught up and ready for last week’s Memorial Day observances and expressed his appreciation to Mike and Lori from Burkhart’s Nursery for again donating and planting all the flowers at Veterans Memorial Plaza.

“They never expect any recognition, but just like a lot of other people in town, it’s just what they do,” added Deal.

In response to a question from Councilman Brian Yarnall, Deal said the worst of the leakage from the pool at Memorial Park had been stopped, but that he is awaiting the report from a diver who recently examined the pool for other possible leaks.

Deal also said the village had ordered a new pump for the pool and that crews would try to get that installed during a rainy period so as to not interrupt pool business, He noted there is a possibility of the current pump failing, which would require the pool to be closed until the new one is put in.

Deal said that due to a recent employee departure he is advertising for street department help. He said he would be pushing to hire someone with at least a Class B commercial driver’s license but would prefer someone with a Class A license plus equipment experience.

Police Chief Rocky Sirianni reminded council that he is still having trouble filling two empty roster spots, saying that while he appreciates recent pay increases approved by council the officers’ pay scale is no longer competitive enough to attract the limited number of cadets who are completing their training.

At Sirianni’s request, a work session to discuss possible solutions was scheduled to be held at 6 p.m. June 19 before the council meeting scheduled for that evening at 7 p.m.

Hill informed Sirianni of a complaint about speeding and reckless driving on East Walnut Street. Sirianni said he would inform his officers.

Tickhill announced Mayor’s Court figures for the month of May, saying that the state received $446.50, the county $16.50 and the village $752 for a total of $1,215.

Yarnall and McCort discussed the need to review the village’s various investments, and McCort said he and Fiscal Officer Jeannie Hannahs had a phone meeting set up with the village’s investment firm on June 27 to discuss finding some better rates. Hannahs said any council members who want to listen in are welcome.

Hill requested from Hannahs expenditure information for the Slope Creek Waterline Project, saying that he had understood that the project was “fully funded” but that there were items in the payment listing that were for the project that he had questions about.

Both Yarnall and Hill reported that the annual Barnesville-Bradfield Airport Day, held Saturday, had been “awesome” and that the tickets for taking an airplane or helicopter ride had sold out very quickly.

They thanked Greg Batts for spearheading the event and Joe’s Tires for their sponsorship.

In other business, council approved a building permit for Chad Hunter to construct a new garage at 333 W. South St. and approved paying bills totalling $323,936.73.

Meanwhile, the Barnesville Water Department is planning an emergency water valve repair or replacement on Bond Avenue to begin at 11 p.m. today and continuing into Thursday. The water will be shut off to the entire north side of the village from Euclid Avenue north. Ohio 800 connections will not be affected. Residents will need to draw water for use while the water system is isolated for repairs. Once repairs are completed and water service is restored, there will be a 48-hour precautionary boil order for anyone experiencing a loss in pressure.

This boil advisory will remain in effect for 48 hours once water service is restored. Water should be vigorously boiled for at least one minute prior to human consumption or dental hygiene use. Residents may also notice discoloration and should be cautious with laundry.