Village to consider easement for new eatery

By Nancy Spencer, The Delphos Herald
Published:  Thursday, April 17, 2008 (3 months, 3 weeks ago)
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FORT JENNINGS —Residents here may soon see a new restaurant on Water Street.
Roger Rex asked Fort Jennings Village Council on Tuesday evening for an easement at the front of the restaurant to allow for fencing and bistro tables for patrons to dine outdoors. The easement is 10 feet, six inches and still leaves ample room for pedestrians and a clear view at the intersection of Fourth Street for traffic, according to Rex.
Mayor Jim Smith told Rex council would have to check with Village Solicitor Bill Wildenhaus to make sure the village will not be liable for any damages due to the alcohol that will be served on the premises.
Rex and Jerry Zimmerman are partnering in the endeavor at the location of the former “The Old Fort.” The proposed new name of the establishment is “The Fort.” Work on the inside of the building is being performed and the front entrance will be reopened.
The pair had already talked to neighbors Vetter Lumber, who have given their blessing for the fencing.
Rick Weaver of Poggemeyer Design Group presented council with an alternative proposal for raising points on a Small Government Program Grant for a Fifth Street Relief Storm Sewer project to relieve storm sewer overload in that area.
The initial proposal for the grant submitted in October had the project estimated at $287,650 with a 50/50 split between the village and Ohio Public Works Commission funding. The new proposal estimates the project at $316,525 with the village assuming 80 percent of the cost through a 1-percent loan for 20 years. The new proposal gains the village 20 points on its application, bringing its total points from the first proposal of 50 to 70 points in the new one. Weaver said he believed applications with 66 or more points were being considered. The new proposal includes a $7,589 yearly village payment on the loan.
Council approved the resubmission of the grant application with Weaver’s recommendations. The grants will be awarded in May.
Julie Ward of RCAP was also present and urged council to send a representative to a Small Community Environmental Infrastructure Finance meeting on May 7 in Findlay. She said a representative from Senator George Voinovich’s office would attend the meeting. She added that Voinovich has been stressing rural development in his earmarks to Congress. Weaver said he would also attend the meeting to answer any questions that may arise about the water study.
Police Chief Ethel Vaughn announced she would take H.U.G.S. student to the courthouse today for a tour and to meet the county judges. Vaughn’s H.U.G.S. program coordinates with the county D.A.R.E. program.
She and her officers will find out how much the new radios for the department will cost as well as when they will delivered on Monday.
Newly-hired officer Dennis Rode starts his duties on Friday.
It was learned the Fort Jennings Park Board will not receive grant money this year for a proposed playground system. The equipment was estimated to cost $45,000.
A paving project that was postponed last year due to the weather will be picked up this year by Ward Construction at last year’s bid price. The project consists of rubber crack sealant on various streets and paving at the intersection of First and Railroad streets; Elm Street from Charles to State Route 634; squaring off the intersection of Railroad and Fourth streets; and  a 4-foot patch on Kennedy Street. The paving estimate for Elm Street is $12,275.
The Sidewalk Committee will send out letters in the near future to residents who have yet to install or repair sidewalks as mandated by the village. A deadline will be given and if not met, the village will install or repair the sidewalks at the expense of the homeowner through assessment.
The next meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. May 20.

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