(Posted April 16, 2018)
By Amanda Ensinger, Staff Writer
On April 9, Mount Sterling council members outlined their plan of attack for addressing properties in need of clean-up.
“The committee has divided the village into sections and is splitting up and walking around the village to look for nuisance properties,” said Tammy Vansickle, council member. “After we review the entire area, we are going to start tackling the worst areas first and then work our way to the rest.”
Vansickle added that Sheriff’s Deputy Jack Dill is still tagging nuisance properties, and residents can report properties, as well.
“Additionally, we have talked about creating flyers to get the word out about cleaning up nuisance properties,” Vansickle said. “Some residents don’t even know there are rules related to this, so educating everyone is really important here.”
Council member Tom Ward wants to see details about the community block watch added to the flyers to raise awareness among residents who don’t have Internet or cell phones.
“The block watch is up and running, and we believe this is going to be a big asset to the village,” Ward said. “It is going to keep people informed, not just for criminal activity, but also for weather emergencies. I really think this organization will be a cornerstone for the village.”
Council is in need of volunteers to fill seats on various boards and commissions serving the village.
“We are looking for community volunteers to be a part of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals,” said Rebecca Burns, council president. “We need five community volunteers, and the only requirement is that you must be a resident of the village.”
According to the village law director Mark Pitstick, experience in building, architecture or engineering would be beneficial, but is required to serve on either board.
Council members discussed the income tax levy on the May 8 ballot for Madison-Plains Local Schools.
“Madison-Plains is in trouble, and we should hear how the tax will be implemented and affect the students,” said Becky Martin, council member. “Most of the kids from Mount Sterling go to Madison-Plains, so this will affect the students here.”
Madison-Plains is asking voters to approve a five-year, 1.25 percent tax on earned income for operating expenses.
“Please remember, strong schools mean a strong community,” Martin said.
The Madison-Plains levy committee is holding question and answer sessions at various locations around the district, including one at 7 p.m. April 18 at First Church of the Nazarene, 226 N. Market St., Mount Sterling.
