BARNESVILLE — Village Council recently discussed some of the logistics involved with the demolition of two buildings on North Chestnut Street.

During the council meeting held March 13, Village Administrator Roger Deal informed council that he had prepared bid ads for the demolition of all three village-owned properties on North Chestnut, but that after clarifying that the former veterinary clinic at 112 N. Chestnut St. was not to be demolished, he would be starting the process over again.

Deal also told council he had arranged for the removal of asbestos from 106 N. Chestnut at a cost of $5,800 and that 108 N. Chestnut had already had the asbestos removed.

Councilman Steve Hill raised a concern about the various utilities surrounding and attached to the buildings being demolished. Deal said he had previously discussed the matter with American Electric Power but that he had not yet discussed the matter with nearby business owners who will be affected, admitting that the situation is complicated.

Deal also informed council that work on the Slope Creek Waterline project is focused around the water plant and that all the pipe had been laid.

Council also approved a new agreement with Antero Energy for the withdrawal of water from Slope Creek Reservoir with Deal explaining that Village Solicitor Adam Myser had reviewed the agreement and that it was identical to the previous agreement that had expired.

Deal clarified that the agreement is non-transferable and non-exclusive, that the village still has its own meter in place to monitor the withdrawals, and that the village has the power to refuse a withdrawal if the reservoir drops below a certain level.

Councilman Tony Johnson asked Deal about plans to acquire a new street sweeper. Deal responded that the village is going through the state bid program and that the cost would be around $300,000, whereas the village had budgeted $250,000 for the purchase.

Deal said officials had looked into a smaller model, but ultimately settled on one that is pretty much the same as the one being replaced.

Fire Chief Tim Hall reported that the fire department answered 13 calls to 911 while the emergency medical service had answered 97 calls and performed seven transports for WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital.

Police Chief Rocky Sirianni said he is still looking to hire two full-time officers.

Mayor Dale Bunting gave Mayor’s Court figures for the month of February, saying the state had received $379, Belmont County $15, and the village $641 for a total of $1,035.

Councilman Tim McKelvey agreed to Hill’s request to prepare a letter on behalf of the Friends of the Park concerning the $8,500 the village put toward the purchase of new bleachers at the ball field at Memorial Park.

Barnesville’s next council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Municipal Building on Arch Street.