EATON — According to Eaton City Manager Brad Collins, discussion and planning continues regarding a proposed dog park at Water Works Park.
The project was proposed during the August city council meeting, with the idea the new park within the existing park would deter some unwanted activity.
Collins brought the topic back up during council’s meeting on Monday, Sept. 18.
“We visited with Lewisburg and looked at their facility — we took a few pictures,” he said. “We also spoke with our insurance carrier. It doesn’t seem to be a very big deal. There are some requirements and signage that is needed. We would also like to take a couple pictures of Oxford’s dog park.
“We plan to lay some general concepts and ideas out and see if it is something that [council] would be interested in pursuing. I thought we could lay it out before we got the quote, but we are thinking around the $30,000 range.”
Council reminded Collins that years ago there was discussion of fencing off the bottom of Water Works Park where the actual water plant facility is. Mayor David Kirsch said it wasn’t a bad idea to consider that again. He asked Collins to get quotes and present them at a later date.
Resident Robin Eck commented, “I appreciate you guys doing this. I don’t have a dog, but I know there is a need for it. Plus, I am involved with some groups who seek to make Preble County better, because we know about the problems down at Water Works Park. I believe that [a dog park] will help a lot.”
Collins also updated council on the status of various projects:
•Work is continuing on the Nation Avenue project.
•TimkenSteel recently held a ribbon cutting for a 7,000 square foot expansion of the production line, which added 15 new full-time jobs. They are currently hiring.
•Local industry Silfex recently announced they are going to be adding a new facility in the Springfield area. This will not be replacing the Eaton site, but rather will be an additional building to keep up with demands and to keep the company growing.
•Gillman Home Center will soon be opening their doors for a soft opening.
Building Inspector Jim Ankrom also used his time to update council on projects. However, unlike Collins, his projects have been completed.
•TimkenSteel finished a 12,000 square foot addition for the manufacturing facility in late June.
•Kettering Health Network installed an imaging room. This was always planned for, as this part of the project was construction as a shell when the building was built. They knew they would eventually install the MRI equipment. That is now in place.
•Imagination Station did a small expansion project on the existing daycare center. This was completed in late August.
•KFC did a complete renovation which was completed in late August.
Council also approved a resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the county auditor. The council must approve a resolution to this nature every year in order to set the next fiscal years budget.
Eaton City Council will meet for their next meeting on Monday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the City Building.
