Jennings hoping to cash in on stimulus dollars

By Nancy Spencer, The Delphos Herald
Published:  Thursday, June 18, 2009 (7 months, 3 weeks ago)
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FORT JENNINGS — The village of Fort Jennings hopes to cash in on additional federal stimulus dollars through an Ohio Public Works grant.
Mayor Jim Smith told council members Tuesday evening that a grant the village had been turned down for last year had received additional stimulus funds and with their permission, he would submit an application for the paving of  village roadways including Fifth Street from Main to Charles Street; Charles Street from Oak to Fifth Street; St. Joseph Street; and Park Street including parking areas.
The projects are estimated at $141,600 with the village providing a 50-percent match.
Smith added that if the village felt the $70,800 match was too much for the village to take on, they could bow out.
A bill for the recent construction of a Fifth Street Storm Sewer Relief Project is under question. According to Project Manager Dave Gasser, Poggemeyer Design Group gave an incorrect measurement for paving and concrete in one area, making the estimate for that portion of the project approximately $7,500 lower than the actual work. Smith said he would talk to the village solicitor, stating he felt if the mistake was on the design firm, he didn’t feel the village should have to pay for it.
The project is also behind schedule with seeding at the school and rocks needed placed at the end of the storm sewer line at the Auglaize River.
The Fort Jennings Police Department is the new owner of used audio/video camera. The department purchased the equipment from the Spencerville Department. The department was replacing it with digital equipment.
Fritchie Asphalt and Paving won the bid for paving K&K Drive and an alley between Fifth and Sixth streets. Fritchie bid $6,585. A bid from Ward Construction out of Leipsic was also received for $6,500. Council agreed to go with the Fritchie bid because the company had been in the village recently and they were pleased with their work.
Council reviewed plans for Motor Madness Weekend Aug. 14 and 15. Smith relayed his concerns with the annual burnout and what liability the village has.
Council agreed to installing more barricades as well as hay bales and broadening the area for the burnout, keeping spectators farther away from the event.
The weekend also includes the Four Deuces Car Club Show and Duck Races on Friday and a corn hole tournament, dodge ball, kiddie rides, a lawn mower poker run, lawn mower races and music be Double Deed & Blind Ambition Saturday.
Fort Jennings Park Board member Jerry Siefker finalized plans for the Rally in the Road set for 6-9 p.m. Friday in downtown Fort Jennings. Food and beverages will be available and Boom Swang will provide the entertainment. The public is welcome.
Maintenenace Supervisor Paul Kramer reported he has installed the fencing at the back of the municipal building and several items are already being stored there.
He also reported the new sprayer was working well and the trees at the village lagoon were doing well.
He also references a hole in the pavement near the sidewalk at the village fire department. Gasser and Kramer are waiting for a trench box so the hole can be repaired safely. According to Kramer, when repairing anything nine feet or deeper in the ground, it is the law that a trench box be used for the safety of the workers.
The next meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 21.