In response to recent complaints about aggressive, door to door solicitation from a gas company, Barnesville Mayor Tom Michelli suggested to council members at the Monday, Aug. 30 meeting that they consider drafting an ordinance to prohibit solicitation.
Michelli said representatives from Just Energy have canvassed Barnesville several times since last fall. Michelli said they are upsetting some residents and even misrepresenting themselves as being affiliated with the gas aggregation program that the village uses. Michelli said the Ohio Consumer Council is looking into the complaints. He said any residents who would like to lodge a complaint against the company should contact him at the mayor's office.
The issue is one of many to be discussed in a work session today in Village Administrator Roger Deal's office. Other items on the agenda include accrued vacation time for the park director position that was previously split between two people and is now being performed by one person.
Council also discussed a uniform allowance of $150 for park director Rich Wells. Councilman Brad Hudson suggested council approve the allowance. Currently, police, water and street department employees have uniform allowances. The issue is to be passed at the Sept. 13 meeting.
Dave Clift, owner of Freebird Motoworx, addressed council about blocking off streets for the annual bike show. Clift said he has appreciated council's support of the event. The 2011 event will take place on June 4 and will expand to include parts vendors. Clift said the event may also include a stunt show. Mayor Michelli suggested council discuss the request in the work session and give Clift an answer at the next meeting.
Several then/now purchase orders were approved for the park, street and EMS departments, leading Mayor Michelli to again address the practice of department heads submitting purchase orders after purchases have been made.
The purchase orders include: $400.98 to Finley Fire Equipment for door switch repairs; $162.55 for backhoe repairs; $1,240.20 to Univar for pool chemicals and $277.94 to Moonlite Swim and Spa for an adjustable bronze face plate for the pool.
Council approved fire chief Bob Smth's request for the addition of two shifts for the upcoming Barnesville Pumpkin Festival. The shifts will be from 4-12 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday.
In park news, councilman Hudson reported that the last baseball game had been played and the pool had been drained.
Councilman Dale Bunting thanked Hudson and Rich Wells for their work on putting gravel on the park trail for use by the high school cross country team and others. Bunting also informed council of a covered bridge on the trail being constructed by local Boy Scouts and Troy Fitzpatrick.
"It really looks nice," Bunting said.
Council entered into executive session to discuss personnel.
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