Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
Coldwater council plans to buy land at edge of village
Recreation, well field considered
By Georgia Rindler
COLDWATER - Village officials are taking the first steps to purchase more than 30 acres of land adjacent to the village's southern edge.
Council members on Monday heard first reading of an ordinance authorizing the purchase. The 30.244 acres are owned by William J. Kramer and Murph Knapke.
The property would be purchased for $485,000 ($16,036 per acre). The village secured a Nature's Work Grant for $50,000 and a Clean Ohio Grant for $310,400. A land acquisition note will cover $69,600 and the remaining $55,000 will be paid from the Boost the Park Fund.
The purchase would protect the village's existing water wells and secure ground for future well sites, provide additional stormwater detention areas and provide for future recreation and greenspace areas, according to village officials.
Council members also approved an emergency ordinance to issue and sell a land acquisition note not to exceed $529,000 for land the village purchased about two years ago in Butler Township, village administrator/engineer Eric Thomas said this morning. The notes would be in anticipation of issuing bonds on the debt from the purchase of 34.8 acres of land in unincorporated Butler Township.
Council members also learned the village will receive a $40,000 Bureau of Workers Compensation grant, which will be used to help purchase a $76,000 vacuum excavation system. Crews will use the system to clean catch basins, handle water line breaks, expose underground utilities and repair shutoff valves. This will speed up water line repairs and eliminate some digging by hand.
The storm sewer fund, water fund and street department fund will split the remaining cost.
Council members also,
• scheduled a finance committee meeting for 6 p.m. Sept. 29.
• went into executive session for 11 minutes to discuss land. No action was taken
• learned the next limb pickup will be Sept. 6.
