LEWISBURG — Lewisburg Village Council member Marsha Jones led the meeting on Thursday, May 4, in Mayor Patrick Putnam’s absence.
Council approved the first reading of a resolution necessary to put a tax levy renewal on the November ballot. The levy is for 2.25 mill and is a Fire/EMS renewal. Lewisburg Law Director Richard Faber informed council they needed two-thirds of their council to waive additional readings, which means five council members would need to be present. Five members were in attendance and they decided to waive additional readings.
Municipal Manager Jeff Sewert reported the Bicentennial Store Front ribbon cutting had taken place. The store front is meant to be both a merchandise store and a Lewisburg museum. Hours will fluctuate depending on when volunteers can work. The Bicentennial Committee is actively looking for volunteers to work the store. More information can be found on the village webpage.
Lewisburg Police Chief Rick McGee brought the resignation of Officer Mick Retman to council for their acceptance. “He had a stroke last year and has not recovered yet. He has just now gotten enough mobility to write a letter or resignation,” Chief McGee said.
Council regretfully approved the resignation and wished Officer Retman well. They resolved to send him a card from council.
McGee added, Retman was the oldest person on the force.
Sewert added, the village is hard at work on their downtown projects, but hopes to get additional funding from Representative Jeff Rezabek.
Council member Dennis Roberts reported he had received a letter from Rezabek indicating the $2 million he had in his district would not go to Lewisburg, but instead would go to Kettering and the University of Dayton.
“The thing with Jeff Rezabek is he shows up in Preble County,” Sewert said. “He treats Lewisburg very well. We will see what happens.”
Roberts replied, “It’s not over until the budget’s done, so you never know, but it’s not looking good. He will keep plugging away, trying to get money in this district. He does a great job with that.”
Lastly, Sewert reported he had the 2017 Water and Sewer Rate Survey, which he said, “Is not bad.” He added, in July, during the budget workshop, they will further discuss the survey.
Under new business, Sewert said, “We are being aggressive with property maintenance issues in and around town. We always did our mowing and our trash and so forth, but we are going the next step about other things. Just letting Council know that’s happening.”
Council member Jones suggested the football team help with maintenance issues, since some people are not physically able. Sewert agreed with the idea.
Jones then reported the historical society has requested a village council representative sit on the Historical Society Board. “I guess they are looking for someone to be assigned a representative for the Historical Society, a liaison between the council and the Historical Society,” she added.
This position would include going to the board or regular meetings and reporting back to council. Council Member Chad Woodworth volunteered for the position.
Law Director Faber clarified it was for a liaison position and not for a position on the board. He said, “The reason I asked for clarification of liaison versus board member is that the Historical Society is a tenant of ours, so I do not want to get into a conflict situation.”
The next Lewisburg Village Council meeting will be held on Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Lewisburg’s Firehouse.
