Seneca Regional Planning's director attends Attica council

ATTICA — Seneca Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Charlene Watkins attended Attica's council meeting Thursday night to share grant opportunities for the village. During her last visit, council members expressed their priority was to deal with the abandoned Eagles' building. While researching opportunities, Watkins learned up to $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant set-aside funding is available for neighborhood revitalization projects. Watkins was told the Eagles' project could be funded, up to $100,000. To apply, the village needs to have two accompanying projects in close proximity that would benefit low- to moderate-income residents. Income surveys to assist with the application need to be done in the village again. Officials want residents to know the surveys are sent directly to Seneca Regional Planning Commission and not viewed by the village. Because the Eagles building belongs to the county, the plan would be to raze the building, grade the ground and plant grass. It is a competitive grant and there are no guarantees the village will be successful. The two projects approved for the application are additional lighting and sidewalks around the property. If the project is completed, ownership of the property probably would go to the village. Resident Paula Karr thanked Watkins for her efforts in eliminating a safety hazard in the village. Police Chief Keith Turner warned citizens that an individual has been visiting households, churches and businesses collecting funds claiming to be down on her luck but he said it is a scam. He urges citizens to contact the sheriff's office or local police department if this individual visits them. Village Administrator Greg Martin said a semi truck traveled through the village on side streets, causing damage in several locations. A paving contractor has viewed the damage and is compiling an estimate for the trucking company's insurance carrier. He also noted the village has received the new lead and copper pipe regulations from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and have until March 9 to be in compliance. Fiscal Officer Pat Krebs reported $834,778.14 in all funds. She announced amounts owed for Veterans' Memorial Park property taxes and ditch assessments. The village expects to make the park property tax-exempt. Resident Lance Drummond presented council with 24-inch by 30-inch framed copies of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights to be displayed in the municipal building. Council entered into executive session to discuss the Blue Line contract for automated speed enforcement program. Upon returning, Solicitor Rick Palau explained changes made to the contract. Council approved those changes and heard the second reading of the ordinance with changes adopting the program and establishing civil penalties for violations. In other action, council: • Noted council minutes will be available on the village website. • Heard the second reading of an ordinance amending a 2009 ordinance raising the surcharge fee to $4.65 on the monthly water billing toward financing of capital improvements for village water acquisition and passed the ordinance, waiving the three-reading rule. The vote was 5-1 with Kirk Stanfield opposed. • Announced the Seneca Regional Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Green Springs VFW. • Approved a resolution requesting a $20,000 advance of funds from the Seneca County auditor for the police department, waiving the three-reading rule. Council meets at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9.