Monday - March 8: Council's Property, Equipment & Cemetery Committee had a meeting Monday afternoon at Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Committee Chairwoman Sue Haugh, Committee Members Rosie Goss & Randy Allmon. Also present were Councilman Joe Soldano & Tony Cataldo and Wellsville Terminal's President C.H. (Chip) Muse and Secretary/Treasurer J.G. (Jay) Muse.
Haugh opened the meeting stating that Wellsville Terminal officials have once again expressed interest in purchasing approximately one-half acre of ground that is Village property located at the Sewage Treatment Plant. In the picture above the 165'X105" lot of land in question is where it says "City of Wellsville". It goes from one of the Treatment Plant's sludge beds to the start of the river bank. The black rectangles represent the two sludge beds. According to Haugh she had a meeting back in February with the Muse brothers, Wellsville Terminal Manager Craig Homic and Village Administrator Jim Saracco on the renewed offer.
Five or six years ago Wellsville Terminal first approached the Village on purchasing the property. It was decided back then by Village officials that the lot may be needed someday for future expansion of the Sewage Plant. The Village offered to lease the land to them at that time and that offer was declined. At the meeting last month it was decided to explore the possibilities of selling the land with a clause in the sale's contract the Village can repurchase the lot for the selling price plus the cost of the concrete/asphalt pad planned to be installed by the company. Haugh reported Village Counsel advised against that stating he was uncertain such a contract would be legal. Chip Muse questioned that.
Chip Muse stated that any possible need for the Sewage Plant is a "big what if" on the part of the Village. Cataldo explained there are no immediate plans on the horizon but 30 to 50 years down the road if it is needed the Village does not want to leave the Sewage Plant landlocked. Jay Muse remarked there is an equal sized empty lot on the western side of the Sewage Plant property that would still be available for any expansion. Goss stated "a picture is worth a thousand words" and advised she would like to have the Village Solictor reconsider after reviewing the blue print supplied by the Muses. Cataldo also remarked he would get the advice of the engineer that has done a lot of work on the Sewage Plant. Another meeting will be scheduled at a later date. Although a new appraisal would have to be done back in 2004 that lot was appraised for $40,000 - $50,0000.
Chip Muse, in an almost apologetic tone, broached the subject of the mound of dirt that runs parallel to Main St. for nearly three blocks. Muse stated that it was their intent all long to have it planted with something that didn't take a lot of maintenance and was pleasant to the eye. A weed choking grass was tried and didn't work. Late last summer that idea was abandoned and they sprayed the mound to be rid of the weeds. Muse stated they are open to ideas and suggestions with consideration that they are down to three employees at the plant and today's economy hasn't been kind. Various ideas were brought up like planting pine trees. Haugh suggested Morning Glories saying they choke off weeds and spread out. Muse explained they do not have the manpower or a lot resources presently but do want to dress up the area. He asked if there were any thoughts or ideas of a possible beautification volunteer group that might be willing to take on the project. Soldano advised that the Tree Board was looking into something like that at one time. Maybe they could be asked to take it on. Muse said they would be open to any suggestions and would be willing to have a joint effort with anyone to help at that location.
Chairwoman Haugh then brought up playground equipment stating the equipment at the old McDonald School is being donated to the Village. The most favorable location was thought to be at the Jim Kenney Center since there is nothing for children in that part of the Village. Both Cataldo & Soldano noted Village funds would have to be used to move and install it but neither one of them thought that would be a problem. For liability issues it has to be installed by a certified professional. Haugh stated that some members of the FOP indicated that organization would be willing to underwrite any additional liability insurance if the equipment is installed at the Center. The FOP has a long term lease on that Village owned property. A cost for installation will be obtained before moving forward on that project. The Village has a $13,500 Ohio Nature Works grant for playground equipment but the grant stipulates it can only be used for the 18th St. Playground.
To wrap up the meeting Haugh reported that unused Village equipment being considered for sale is still undergoing appraisals.
Next regular Council Meeting is scheduled for 6 P.M. on Tuesday, March 16.
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