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Covering the Valley Since 1982

Prior to the Village of Evendale Council meeting on Thursday, April 2, Phil Snyder asked Council and Administration about the ordinance to contract for improvements to the landscape on the (street) islands. He wondered why the islands need renovated. Mayor Don Apking explained that they are looking at the main islands, the two end islands and those not finished yet. Mayor Apking had informed Council that he was going out for bids. The bids came in lower than even he expected. Most of the replacement flowers will be perennials that come up each year. It has been 19 years since the islands were made. The changes will keep annual expenses less per year. They usually replace flowers in the spring and fall with annual flowers. They should recoup all costs within five years.

Carolyn Smiley Robertson spoke about the 2009 Health Expo “Resurrecting Our Communities.” The event will take place from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on April 11. There will be a variety of health screenings held from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Ms. Smiley-Robertson wanted to make residents aware of this program since there are people without health benefits. They could take part in this program. During the day there are demonstrations of national recording artists, fashion show and other exhibits. There is a small admission fee for adults and children.

J. Jeffrey Albrinck reported that in March they had receipts just under $1.4 million and expenses were $1.25 million. The Police-Finance-Administration Council Committee had asked the Village’s department heads to take a look at their budget. They wanted them to reduce the non-payroll items by ten percent. They are looking at ways to sharpen the budget. They may use the information for budget time next year.

Doug Lohmeier stated in his Fire-Service-Recreation-Engineering and Gorman Heritage Farm Council Committee report that the Gorman Heritage Farm named Sandra Murphy as their Associate Director. Fire Chief Richard Cruse asked Council to invite everyone to the celebration of the 50 years of the Fire Department. There will be a celebration on April 26 from 1:00 to 5:00 with tours, exhibits and demonstrations. (More on the Village web site about this.) He stated the Committee also discussed the road island projects and the street light poles. There are poles that need repainting. But they may be able to replace the poles in the future with grant money. It was suggested that they wait to see if they get the money to replace the poles.

Chuck Melampy informed everyone about the new Harness Club at the Gorman Heritage Farm. They give instructions on how to drive the wagon and team. The wagon is handicap accessible so those in wheelchairs can ride in the wagon. Mr. Melampy is proud of the group, they are taking responsibility to find funds to run the program. Most costs come from the maintaining of the animals. The very first outing will be the weekend of April 4 and 5 (during Shear Excitement!).

Mayor Apking reminded everyone that the Shear Excitement held on April 4 and 5. The Evendale Fine Arts will have an exhibit on April 3, 4, 5 and 6. He noted that there are a lot of nice paintings for sale. Mayor Apking also mentioned that former Council Clerk Michelle Ficke is taking lessons (Harness Club). “She is learning to be a mule skinner,” stated Mayor Apking with a big smile.

Stiney Vonderhaar mentioned the Shear Excitement and Fine Arts events before adding the Ice Cream Social and Movie Night at the Recreation Center on April 24 beginning at 7:00 pm, the Earth Day event on April 25 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Recreation Center. There is more information about both events on the Village web site)

Mr. Lohmeier reminded everyone of the Princeton School District’s “Community Conversations” with Dr. Gary Pack at Evendale Elementary at 7:00 pm on April 14. He will speak about the levy and other issues.

Council passed four ordinances. John Ranz was the only no-vote to the ordinance to re-landscape the traffic islands. The street program ordinance was passed; streets to be done are: Gateclub, Horncastle, Swindon, Heathercrest, Knollview (partial), Grimsby Lane, Andalusia Close, Falling Waters, Normandy Close and the Civic Center parking lot. The ordinance regarding the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Bonds was passed. The notes are part of the TIF, which is renewed each year. Della Rucker stated that she was only present to answer questions about the Comprehensive Master Plan. Council has had to work sessions to go through the plan extensively. Several changes were recommended by Mr. Vonderhaar. Ms. Smiley-Robertson asked about requiring buildings to be LEED certified. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - LEED is a “Green” building rating system. Ms. Rucker explained that they need not add “LEED” as part of the Master Plan. The Village can be environmentally friendly without it. James Jeffers noted that most government buildings require the “LEED” certification for construction. Mayor Apking stated there will be a resolution drawn up for the Master Plan.

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