WESTON – Council gave a first reading to an ordinance which prohibits the riding of bicycles, skateboards
and roller blades on sidewalks in the downtown area.
Solicitor Tom Bamburowski presented the proposed ordinance, and the four members present agreed to give
it the first of three readings.
The ordinance does allow bikes, skateboards and roller blades on other village sidewalks, providing
riders respect pedestrians and alert them they want to pass.
Members discussed how to educate youth about the rule, considering a year ago the prohibition was painted
on the downtown sidewalks and was ignored.
"Cite a few of them, and word gets out," observed Bamburowski.
When approved, the ordinance will be posted at the post office, library and village hall. The solicitor
suggested churches might be willing to help with notification, and Fiscal Officer Sarah Schroeder
offered Tim and Tom’s Hardware Store as a posting site.
"Maybe we need a town crier," quipped Bamburowski.
During a discussion of possibly annexing two houses between the small trailer park on Center Street and
Weston Cemetery, suggestions were offered to sweeten the deal for the property owners, such as
sidewalks, unlimited pick-up and leaf and brush collection.
Because council members were unsure how much of the cemetery to request annexing, also, they tabled the
issue until more research is done.
Referencing a two-year stalemate with Weston Township, not having a contract in place for the sharing of
fire and EMS bills, Councilman Mark Sheffer suggested the village offer $1,000 a month for costs and
split major bills 50/50. The village currently shares the costs at 55 percent, compared to the
township’s 45 percent, plus pays all utilities at the new fire/EMS hall.
"I think it’ll be fair for both sets of residents," stated Sheffer. He noted the village
donated the land on which the new building was constructed. "Our people are being taxed at the same
rate as township people. Yes, the village owns and operates the ambulances. They were gracious to
include those in the building."
"I think it sounds like a good plan," stated Councilwoman Tammy McClellan.
"This has been sitting, stalled," said Sheffer. He urged Bamburowski to take the former
contract, put the new numbers in and give it to Schroeder to be discussed at the Sept. 21 meeting.
Sheffer also suggested the village make an offer on four parcels of graveled land directly behind the
library, which is still owned by Central Oil Asphalt Company in Cleveland. He noted the area would
provide extra parking for both the library and downtown businesses.
The issue was referred to the administrator. Bamburowski urged consideration that any offer made include
EPA site evaluations, a guaranteed title, etc.
Administrator Chris Douglas was given authorization to pursue the purchase of a 1998 Ford dump truck with
a diesel engine to replace the village’s 1991 gasoline engine vehicle for $23,605. The truck has a new
bed and exhaust, and the frame will be sandblasted, primed and painted black. The village’s current snow
plow and salt spreader will fit on it.
Schroeder announced the Wood County commissioners will hold a half-hour meeting at the village hall on
Nov. 2 to answer residents’ questions and concerns. It will begin at 6:30 p.m., following by council’s
regular meeting.