Council asked to fund bike trail study

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GREENVILLE — During Tuesday night’s Greenville City Council meeting, council was asked to front money to cover engineering studies for a planned bike trail through the city.

Roger Van Frank, director of the Darke County Park District, asked council to front $8,600 to pay for a topographical study and cross-section survey for Phase VI of the district’s Tecumseh Trail, which, when completed, will eventually span the entire county from Bradford to Union City. The trail currently extends from Bradford to the outskirts of Greenville.

The study work will be conducted by Mote and Associates at a total estimated cost of $18,000. The total city/park district share would be $13,500, with Mote providing “in kind” work in the amount of $4,500.

“Tonight we’re not asking for any money for paving. It’s strictly for the topographic and survey work,” said Van Frank.

“Keep in mind this isn’t money lost, this is refundable within the grant,” he added, noting that the Clean Ohio Trails grant already awarded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources would reimburse the city, although it might take 15 or so months.

“Roger deserves a lot of appreciation for him and his hard work,” said Safety/Service Director Curt Garrison. “His office staff has written every grant.”

Council members will consider legislation to approve the bike trail funding at its next meeting.

As well, council heard from Greenville resident Sue House, who is a candidate for an at-large seat on council.

House told council she was concerned about the perception of the city as it involves its impasse with the Erwin Bros. fuel center, which has been constructed, but has not yet opened for business due to a disagreement over signing a pre-annexation agreement with Greenville to provide water and sewer services. House said the city should provide the services as it had already cashed a check from the Erwin Bros. for water and sewer.

“The impression is, it’s not good for business to come to Greenville, because they’re not cooperative,” she said. “Perception is the truth, even if it’s not.”

No members of council offered remarks addressing her statements.

Mayor Steve Willman presented council with the mayor’s annual report to the city, which summarizes each department’s expenditures and activities for 2016.

Willman also presented a proclamation to John and Phyllis Riegle, owners of Vint’s Family Restaurant, congratulating them on the occasion of the restaurant’s 50th anniversary this coming March.

A Personnel & Public Information Committee report, recommending the hiring of a part-time employee for the city’s Tax Department, was accepted by council.

Council also accepted a Finance Committee report, with amendments, regarding the distribution of money to various community entities for 2017. These include:

Union Cemetery, $5,000; Friends of Harmon Field, $6,000; Humane Society $2,000; Trees for the Park, $2,000; Fireworks, $11,500; Darke County Historical Society (for the subscription), $250; Gathering at Garst, $250; Annie Oakley, $250; Darke County Horseshoe Ohio State Tournament, $1,500; Darke County Horseshoe Ringer Classic, $1,500; Darke County Visitor’s Bureau, $16,000; Main Street Greenville, $16,000; Darke County Economic Development Corporation, $18,500; and community events appropriation, $12,000.

The total amount of community funds to be disbursed is $92,750.

Council passed a large number of resolutions and ordinances during its meeting, including approving applications for grants for Greenville Public Transit; approving a resolution to apply for an Ohio Department of Transportation grant for improvements to Ohio Street; donations of items from Greenville Fire Department to New Madison and Liberty Township Fire Departments; and the sale of fire department items no longer needed on govdeals.com, among others.

Greenville City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building. The public is welcome to attend and address council. The next meeting is March 7.

Darke County Parks Director Roger Van Frank addressed Greenville City Council Tuesday to request funds to cover engineering studies in preparation for construction of a bike trail through the city. Council will consider the matter in its March 7 meeting.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Van-Frank-0001-PRINT.jpgDarke County Parks Director Roger Van Frank addressed Greenville City Council Tuesday to request funds to cover engineering studies in preparation for construction of a bike trail through the city. Council will consider the matter in its March 7 meeting. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate
Council offers no response to fuel stop concerns

By Erik Martin

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The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com

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