New London council approves zoning hire, new water project plans
New London council approves zoning hire, new water project plans
By David Jacobs
NEW LONDON -- The London Village Council hired Jeffrey Wallace as its new zoning inspector, while continuing to address infrastructure issues in the village.
Wallace, who owns a business in town but lives outside the village, was hired after the council noted a lack of local candidates. He was starting his duties Oct. 1, 2024, with an annual salary of $5,000.
Details of the Sept. 23 meeting were included in a draft of meeting minutes provided by the village government.
In addition to the hiring, the council focused on multiple ongoing infrastructure projects. Crews recently finished installing a new water main along Coleman Court, connecting it to both North Maple and Walnut streets.
The project's next phase involves tapping individual houses into the new main. At the North Main and Akron intersection, crews are scheduled to replace faulty water valves on Sept. 25 after a water leak led to the discovery of the issue.
The village’s ongoing efforts to manage stormwater were also highlighted. Village Administrator Shawn Pickworth reported that a stormwater project on North Main revealed the water leak and that crews were able to resolve the issue.
However, a separate drainage problem at West Washburn and Grant streets remains unresolved. While council members raised concerns about water pooling at the intersection, Pickworth stated that recent paving of the street means a fix isn't immediate.
The council also discussed the village’s water supply amid concerns of an ongoing drought. Pickworth mentioned that the village’s water levels are lower than usual, and the bulk water station is closed for repairs.
Despite this, Pickworth assured the council that there is enough water to meet the needs of residents, though he urged conservation. The village is collaborating with Northern Ohio and Rural Lorain Water to reduce the amount of water provided to them.
Additionally, Ordinance 2024-21, which adjusts pay rates for village employees, was approved in its final reading. An emergency reading of Resolution 2024-06, which authorizes necessary tax levies, was also passed unanimously.
The council briefly discussed upcoming budget meetings scheduled for November.