LEWISBURG — Village Council discussed fencing ordinances, Fire Department funding and Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act expenditures during a pair of regular public meetings last month.
Council approved a resolution creating the Lewisburg CARES Act Nonprofit Grant Program during its Nov. 5 meeting. The resolution allows Municipal Manager Jeff Sewert to receive applications from, and execute awards to, local nonprofits. The funds can be used to pay rent, mortgage or utility fees which may be in arrears due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic shutdowns.
The village received “close to $100,000” in CARES funding, according to Sewert. Approximately $5,000 will be devoted to the nonprofit grant program, with individual groups eligible to apply for up to $3,000.
Council also discussed the purchase of a new fire truck during the Nov. 5 meeting. The village will pursue a $500,000 loan from LCNB Bank to fund the purchase of the new truck, according to Sewert. He claimed the Fire Department’s current two vehicles are 26 and 31 years old, respectively, and that both are “nearing the end of their life and having mechanical issues.”
Sewert also brought up needed repairs to the village Fire House.
“It’s starting to show some wear and tear on the brick on the outside,” Sewert said of the historic building which currently houses the Fire Department.
The village will consult with local civil engineering firm Mote & Associates to refurbish the building. Council voted unanimously to authorize Sewert to apply for grant monies to fund the repairs.
The village also received a $25,000 donation from Harrison Township. The donation was used to purchase new Fire and EMS equipment.
Council once again discussed amending fencing ordinances in the village to protect residents and their pets from improperly secured dogs.
Council previously discussed the fencing issue in September. Two residents whose pets had been mauled spoke before council; one claimed she’d been walking her dog near W. Twin St. and Horn when two pit bulls slipped under a nearby fence and attacked, resulting in injuries to her pet that required four stitches.
A second woman claimed her dog had been “ripped at and torn apart” in front of her two young daughters. Under current animal safety ordinances, the dogs responsible are considered “at large,” rather than dangerous or vicious, unless they kill or seriously injure a human being rather than another dog.
Sewert indicated he would likely present council with a draft of a new fencing ordinance sometime after the first of the year.
Village Council meetings take place the first and third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Lewisburg Community Center, located at 6400 Knapke Ln.
