Osgood Town Board hears from fire chief
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Osgood Fire Chief Chris Lemen gave a progress report to the Osgood Town Board on the improvements to the fire station at their May 18, regular meeting held at the town hall.

Lemen noted that the outside of the building has been painted. He requested the $5,015 to re-patch the asphalt be rolled out of the contract and used for painting the inside of the building. He had a quote from Force out of Columbus for $4,975. Force painted the outside of the building and they were pleased with the job they did. The board asked that another quote be obtained for comparison. Lemen stated that he was not pleased with the quality of the concrete work on the project and said that he considered it to be "poor workmanship."

Tony Wood, wastewater superintendent, reported the automatic bar screen has been delivered. He expressed his thanks to the Reynolds Foundation for purchasing the screen. He said it would do a lot of good. All the sewer lines have been "televised" except for Highway 350. A cap has been put on the sewer line at the lot on Leslie Street. There is still standing water on the property and it is in violation of standing water ordinance. There have also been reports that water from a washing machine is being emptied onto the property. This could be in violation of the town's sewer use ordinance.

Steve Wilhoit, street superintendent, reported he is sending out letters for grass mowing. However, the billing process isn't working out very well. One property owner owes the town $400. Attorney Mary Ann Gay advised a lien could be put on the property after the mowing season is over. Wilhoit said that $700 worth of manhole grates have been stolen off the town's property. The street department is ready to start cleaning around the railroad tracks. The gas department has 17 leaks to fix.

Chuck Gill, water superintendent, said that because of the cost of the cement for the pump station, the town will have to go out for bids on the project. The town will consult with Ed Tinkle of Commonwealth Engineering on the project.

Ed Newman again addressed the
Jim Rolf property on Walnut Street next to the town hall. "If we can force people to mow their grass, why can't we force people to clean up their property?" asked Newman. Town Attorney Gay will pursue the matter.

A letter will be sent to property owners on Shook Street who are outside the town limits letting them know they will no longer receive city services. They can opt for voluntary annexation if they want to keep the services.

The cost of the Lynn Street sewer project is $5,887.51. This will allow the county to place a pole barn type building at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park. The charge to the county will be a $488.16 tap in fee.

All three town board members were present: Jeff Volz, Paul Struckman and Linda Krinop. Attorney Mary Ann Gay and Clerk-Treasurer Gary Norman were present to advise the board. The next meeting of the Osgood Town Board will be held on June 16, at 7:00 p.m. at the Osgood Town Hall.