(Posted Jan. 23, 2019)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The village of West Jefferson is buying new software to keep up with permits and paperwork related to building and zoning.
Several development projects are in the works around town, and starting this year the village’s building department will handle permits for the village of Plain City.
The software will allow the village to put all of the documents into a searchable, electronic format.
“With the things we have going on, on a bigger scale, we need a way to better catalogue everything,” said Mayor Ray Martin.
On Jan. 21, council approved a $16,500 contract with BS&A Software out of Michigan to purchase the new software.
Before the vote, council member Howard Wade Jr. asked if the purchase was put out to bid and why an out-of-state company was selected. Council President Steve Johnston said bids were not required because the purchase was under the $50,000 threshold at which bids are required. Johnston also said that when it comes to software, the village wants to go with the best option, no matter where the company is located.
Council member Doug Eakins asked if the village had accounted for the software purchase in the 2019 budget. Johnston said it had not, but that the purchase was necessary in anticipation of the increase in work the building and zoning department can expect this year.
Council voted unanimously to approve the contract.
In other action, council:
* approved a contract with Buckeye Fence Builders to install new fencing around the village swimming pool. Privacy fencing will be used everywhere except at the entrance where decorative fencing is planned. The cost is not to exceed $35,000.
* authorized a $3,000 donation to the West Jefferson Youth Athletic Association to defray program costs, a donation the village makes every year.
* reappointed Sandy Boucher to the planning and zoning board for another three-year term.
* approved the plat map for the Medline Industries property, located on the south side of U.S. Route 40, across from the Ace Hardware distribution center. Medline, a maker and distributor of medical supplies and equipment, plans to build a facility at the site.
