Robertson Construction Services has been contracted to undertake the development of Prairie Township’s new Road and Cemetery Department maintenance building, located at 6725 Alkire Road.
Robertson, whose construction services have been used by a number of central Ohio townships for the past decade, offered the low bid of $294,700. The contract was subsequently presented to Prairie’s Board of Trustees, who approved it unanimously. The project will begin toward the end of this month, with a completion date tentatively scheduled for November 5.
An update from the Franklin County sheriff brought news that a Prairie Township resident has been arrested for violating the township’s new noise ordinance. As to be expected, the noisy neighbor received multiple warnings before any charges were filled.
The county sheriff, who related that an increase in criminal activity has led to a very busy summer, also stated that a stronger drug presence has been observed recently in the township. Four or five pounds or marijuana, as well as nearly fifty balloons of heroine, were discovered in two separate incidents. The sheriff maintains that felonies of this type are highly unusual for the township.
Concerns over rats were voiced by a Stiles Avenue resident, who related that he has had to care of five rats in less than two weeks time.
“We have received a lot of calls this year about rats,” Zoning Inspector Connie Swisher said in response. Residents are asked to contact the Franklin County Board of Health at 462-3160 for assistance.
Five mowing and trash nuisance cases were heard at Prairie Township’s Wednesday meeting. A property at 728 Academy was declared a nuisance by the board, though the owners have until July 24 to clean up their yard before the township takes action against them.
In other township news, Prairie Township’s Sidewalk Improvement and Assessment Program was kicked off at this week’s meeting. The township offers individual residents the opportunity to have their sidewalks improved or replaced with considerably low interest rates.
“It’s a good deal that a lot of folks have taken advantage of,” township Administrator Tracy Hatmaker remarked. A hearing inviting public comment on the final approval of the sidewalk program has been planned for Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.
Prairie’s next township meeting takes place on Aug. at 7 p.m.
