Chickasaw may use grant for village website

CHICKASAW - A community website could be in Chickasaw's future after councilors voted Wednesday night to authorize an application for a state grant to finance the project.

Board of Public Affairs member Cole Van Gundy presented council with information about possible website development using a portion of a $20,000 grant the village is seeking from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The grant application must be filed by Dec. 19, according to Van Gundy.

Van Gundy outlined reasons for a village website, among which are the EPA-required annual Consumer Confidence Report and other reports as well as a push by the state for greater transparency by villages and cities. In addition to required utility information, the website could be used to update village residents on such issues as leaf pickup and promote businesses and activities. He said posting the utility information on the website would save the village the cost of mailing the reports. Village council minutes and ordinances could also be posted on the website.

In researching possible website designers for the project, Van Gundy said, BPA members narrowed the search to Brent Faller of Fort Recovery and Farmhouse Creative of Muncie, Indiana. Data provided by the BPA states the cost of the initial package would be $5,500 for Faller and $1,500 for Farmhouse Creative. The ongoing charges by Faller would be $175 a month plus $175 per hour of design work, $89 annual hosting fee and $20 website fee. Farmhouse's charges were quoted as $495 per year plus $20 domain fee and $120 hourly charge for issues.

"We're leaning toward Farmhouse Creative because of the cost," Van Gundy said. He noted that grant funds could be used for other purposes besides the website.

Mayor Ben Kramer said the council could authorize the grant application and if the funds are secured, a decision could then be made on which design firm to hire.

After meeting with Chickasaw Fire Chief Joe Hartings, councilors also authorized Kramer to sign off on an agreement between the village and the fire department. Hartings said while pursuing a $50,000 state grant to be used for the purchase of new fire hose and boots for firefighters it was learned the state requires departments to have service agreements with the communities and townships they protect.

Solicitor Matt Wuebker said he will work with Hartings to develop an agreement similar to one the department has with Marion Township trustees.

Councilors approved temporary appropriations that included $306,170 general fund expenditures. Village fiscal officer Kelley Poeppelman said general fund revenue is projected at $306,340. Water fund expenses are projected at $204,356, while revenue is set at $215,000. Sanitary sewer expenditures are expected to be $333,296 and revenue is set at $301,600.

Poeppelman said the figures will be revised before council votes on final appropriations in February.

Village works coordinator Kevin Droesch reported leaf collection was cut short because of the recent snowfall. Droesch also reported receiving a $3,600 quote from Mercer Asphalt and Concrete for patching the pavement on West Main Street and Link Street. The work will be done next summer.

Council went into executive session to discuss possible land sale. No action was expected.

The council meets next at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at the village hall.