By Kathleen Leese

For Miami Valley Today

WEST MILTON — West Milton Council meeting began on Tuesday, October 8, with the swearing-in of a new police officer for the village as council members, fellow police officers and family members looked on.

West Milton Police Chief Doyle Wright told council members new officer Aaron Bruss graduated from Greenville High School and the Edison State Community College Police Academy. He previously was employed by Premier Health as a security officer and after that served as a Miami County Park District park ranger before coming to West Milton.

Bruss was sworn-in by West Milton Mayor Scott Hurst and his badge was pinned to his uniform by his aunt, Angie Lester. Wright said the department had not hired a new officer for some time and are pleased to have Bruss joining them. He officially began working for the department on Wednesday, Oct. 9.

In other business, Village Manager Jeffrey Sheridan said a village ID card has been created for employees so they can easily be recognized and identified by local residents. He advises residents to “feel free to ask employees to produce their card” if they wish. Most employees will be wearing the IDs during working hours, although those working around machinery may carry their IDs in their pockets due to safety issues.

Sheridan also updated council members on plans for the Ohio Department of Transportation to do repaving work between April 1 and July 31, 2025, on state Route 571, which will include areas between Milton Potsdam Road and the McDonald’s in West Milton, as well as additional areas. The repaving is necessary following work on the Hayes Street water main project. Sheridan said he is aware the repaving dates could include the July 4th holiday. He is working to make sure the repaving does not impact July 4th events.

Council member Don Dohrman asked how often the village is mowing the West Milton Nature Trail, explaining the trail is a “wonderful resource we have at that park.” It was noted there is a fall hike scheduled for Oct. 19.

Dohrman also gave a “shout out to Ben (Herron, Service Director) and his crew for picking up storm damage.”

Also during the meeting, council approved:

• The first reading of an ordinance to amend the village’s code of ordinances for sidewalk construction and alterations in regard to the safety of curbs in the village and allowing the proper flow of storm water. It also addresses the responsibility of property owners for maintaining their section of curb as well as their responsibility to keep it nuisance free. Under this ordinance, property owners will be notified if their curb or gutter is in disrepair and will be responsible for making repairs within the approved time.

• To approved a resolution which allows for the purchase of fire hydrants, hydrant repair kits and grinder pumps for replacement of non-functioning fire hydrants and grinder pumps in the water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems. The equipment will be purchased from EJ Prescott Inc., at a total price of $18,495.36 including freight charges. The action allows the village to restock equipment.

• To approved a resolution which authorizes the lease or purchase of equipment for the West Milton Refuse Division. The village needs to purchase a refuse truck to replace the 2010 truck currently being used. The council approved the purchase of a Labrie Helping Hand refuse truck on an International chassis in the amount of $360,257.40 from Best Equipment Company, of Indianapolis, Indiana, through the SourceWell Purchasing Program. Council member Scott Fogle noted the purchase of a new truck will not result in having to increase refuse costs to local residents.

• To approved a resolution authorizing the municipal manager to approve additional costs incurred by Wagner Paving Inc., for street resurfacing and service complex resurfacing. On Feb. 14, 2023, council members passed a resolution awarding a contract for the 2023 West Milton annual paving program to Wagner Paving for street resurfacing and as a result of unforeseen circumstances, the program was placed on hold until 2024. Since that time, West Hamilton Street, which was already in need of repair was subjected to another year of wear and handled detour traffic as a result of the Hayes Street water line project. Due to costs for additional milling, base and surface course, there will be additional costs for street resurfacing totaling $48,885.70. Scott Fogle asked about the original price of the project and was told that the total project cost will be approximately $200,000 when completed.

• To approved a resolution awarding a contract for the Stillwater River Crossing Water Main Project. Sheridan said there were several bids received. The contract was awarded to R.B. Jergens Contractors Inc., in the amount of $639,752.28.

There are several events coming up in the village including a Fall Family Festival on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot across from Cafe 19, sponsored by the West Milton Church of the Nazarene. The event will feature food, games, face painting, baking contest, pumpkin decorating and much more. The public is invited to the event.

West Milton Rotary will also sponsor a Halloween Family Fun Night on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Miami Street in downtown West Milton. A Halloween costume contest will be held with costume judging at 5:15 p.m. with costume categories for ages 0-4; ages 5-8; ages 9-12; ages 13-17; ages 18 and over and group theme. Prizes will be awarded.

West Milton Village Trick-or-Treat will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m.