(Posted May 3, 2017)
By Amanda Ensinger, Staff Writer
The completion date for Mount Sterling’s water treatment plant likely will be this fall, rather than in July as originally planned.
John Martin, Mount Sterling village administrator, provided an update on the project’s progress at the April 24 village council meeting.
“It could possibly be complete in September now,” Martin said. “(However, we do have the) interior walls mostly drywalled and will be covered up on the second side as soon as the final wiring and plumbing is installed.”
Crews broke ground on the $6.7 million project last April. The plant is being built on the west side of State Route 207, across from the Wingate Place subdivision.
Martin also talked about maintenance and updates taking place at Mason Park, 16040 State Rte. 207.
“We have started to rehab the ball diamonds and cut grass,” he said. “The drainage ditches have been dressed and seeded.”
Martin said much work will be going on at the park throughout the summer.
“We also have the new playground equipment scheduled for installation in May,” he said.
Martin thanked Madison-Plains High School’s senior class for taking time on Earth Day to clean up around Mount Sterling Community Center, the center of town, and at the village gazebo.
Under new business, council selected a different member to represent the village at Pleasant Township meetings.
“Diane (Spradlin) has asked to be relieved of representing the council at these meetings because of health issues,” said Mayor Lowell Anderson. “Jim Davis will be replacing her at these meetings.”
Council approved the hiring of a new collections clerk for the water department at $20 an hour for 29 hours a week. They also entered into an employment agreement with Cindy Miller for the position of account consultant and with Courtney Bricker for the position of fiscal officer.
Council decided not to move forward with a resolution temporarily prohibiting pay increases for township employees, saying more discussion is needed before action is taken.
The village is looking into joining Ohio’s Online Checkbook, a website initiated by State Treasurer Josh Mandel that allows local governments and schools to post their financials online for the public to see. The site is located at www.ohiocheckbook.com.
“I had a good conversation with the state treasurer, and I would love to talk about how we can join this program,” said council member Rebecca Burns. “We will be able to show taxpayers how their money is being spent and have 100 percent transparency.”
The parks and recreation department is preparing for the James Cotton Youth Football Fun Camp, set to take place July 1 at Veterans Field, 24 N. High St., Mount Sterling. Former members of the Ohio State University football program and the National Football League will lead instruction in life skills, football fundamentals, position specific drills, and the “heads-up program.” Every participant receives a t-shirt. The entire camp is free of charge.
“It is going to be a great event again this year, so please sign up your children on the website,” Burns said.
Go to www.mtsterling.org and click the “Fun Camp” icon in the top right corner of the home page for more information.
