By LORRETTA HUNKER
Times Leader Correspondent
YORKVILLE - Construction of commercial storage units in Yorkville is prohibited as a result of action taken this week by village council, which also heard a report about a Fifth Avenue project.
Mayor John DeFilippo requested passage of the ordinance about commercial storage units, and it was approved under suspension of rules.
Councilman Blair Closser reported the Fifth Avenue project had been completed.
Grant funds had been received for the project, which corrected a problem of undermining in that area. The Belmont County commissioners were in Yorkville two years ago, and that area was discussed, according to Mayor DeFilippo. He added that the village had received the notice of grant approval through Bel-O-Mar.
Street paving and work on curbs as well as a storm drain replacement also were among the matters discussed.
As requested by the mayor, council agreed to advertise for bids to pave some streets in the south end of the village. He said Second Avenue is chipping away.
Councilwoman Karen Vargo reported on an estimate from Leoni Concrete regarding curbs on Market Street, handicap access ramps and other work. Council agreed to have the work done, and the cost is estimated at $8,100 plus $150 to do curb/concrete work around a utility pole.
The project calls for the demolition and replacement of about 500 feet of curb on Market Street, and several drain lines to the street will be repaired as needed. Certain sections of sidewalk with a handicap access ramp will be placed on the corner of William and Wilbur streets, and two such ramps will be placed on Fayette Street. The project will include the use of expansion joint, and concrete sealer will be applied to all new concrete and back-filling is included.
Chad Buksa of the sanitation department suggested that Schultz Excavating be called in to replace the storm drain on William Street while Leoni Concrete is working in that area rather than tearing it back up next year. Council agreed and will have Schultz Excavating replace the storm drain.
Rebuilding the village's pick-up truck was recommended by the mayor. He explained it could be done by a village employee, and replacing the motor would cost $2,600. The mayor said this would be cheaper than purchasing another truck, and council agreed.
As requested by DeFilippo, council approved the transfer of James Popp from the police department to the street and sanitation department.
Vargo asked about yellow painted on Wilbur Street with parking not permitted on either side of the street. She was told no emergency vehicle can fit through there if cars are parked on both sides, but the matter will be addressed.
Another question by Vargo was about the bump in the alley of William and Martha streets near St. Lucy's. Police Chief John Morelli described it as a partial speed bump. Mayor DeFilippo said rain water comes down the low spot of this alley, and the bump was put there to keep water from going into a resident's basement. The mayor added if the bump hadn't been during last Friday's storm, the resident's house would have been flooded.
Vargo reported complaints about an unlicensed white car on Public Road. Morelli said the owner had said he had parked the car there to sell it, but the chief will talk to him again about relocating it.
Closser said officials needed to review the employee policy. Council checked the policy and then accepted it, effective Aug. 1.
Input concerning data for the village information pamphlet was requested by Closser.
Closser also talked about vacant property registration, which would require vacant or abandoned houses to be registered. He also mentioned buildings in foreclosure.
Two more catch basins have been replaced by Schultz Excavating, according to Councilman Ron Emerson. He also said the work was well done.
Emerson said the catch basins were replaced on Fourth Street and Sinclair Avenue, and this brings the total replaced to 21.
A sinkhole on the east corner of the walking track at the football stadium was reported by Councilman Danny DiCenzo. Morelli said the matter had been taken care of, and Closser noted Buckeye Local was called with the area being repaired.
Several matters related to the police department were approved by village officials. As requested by Morelli, the mayor and council approved the hiring of Steve Stan as a part-time police officer. Morelli said Stan has completed his academy training.
The police chief also was given approval to promote Chase Watts to the rank of corporal.
Councilwoman Valerie Klubert was granted permission for a tag day July 21 if the fire department decides to have a fund-raiser for one of its members.
The next regular meeting of council will be Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.
