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BARNESVILLE -- Village officials heard from a resident Monday who is concerned about drugs and other possible criminal activity in her neighborhood.
The resident, who did not give her name, was emotional and had difficulty speaking at first, but she told those gathered for a scheduled council meeting that she had been subjected to frequent disturbances.
"I had someone who was not sober pounding on my door at midnight wanting into my house," she said, adding that it wasn't the first time it had happened and that she had called the police but nothing had come of it. She later said that she didn't think she should have to vacate her home because of the activity, saying, "I can't take much more."
Police Chief Rocky Sirianni agreed and said he was aware of the situation and that while there was an open investigation into the activity in that area, there is not enough evidence to take any further action at this time.
Sirianni encouraged the resident to continue to call 911 promptly when needed and that one of his officers should be able to be there within a few minutes.
Meanwhile, Village Administrator Roger Deal informed council that as of Tuesday, the water department would be able to take credit and debit card payments in person, on the phone, or online.
"The customer will be charged 3.5% for use of the card, not by the village but by the company handling the transaction with a minimum charge of 50 cents," Deal said.
He added that the village is using Bridge Payments, which is the same company used by the village police department. Deal said he hoped and believed that it would help people get their water bills paid and should prevent many shutoffs.
Deal also informed council that the date of the next Slope Creek Waterline progress meeting had been changed. It will be held at 10 a.m. April 6 at the Youth Center in Memorial Park.
Deal told council some of the information he had given them concerning the street sweepers available for purchase had been incorrect and that he wanted to wait and consult Councilman Tony Johnson, who was absent from the meeting, before making any further decision on the matter since he is very knowledgeable about that kind of equipment.
Deal announced that the bid opening for the demolition of two village-owned properties on North Chestnut Street will be held in council chambers at 10 a.m. April 19.
Deal said he advertised the two buildings as the "base bid" with the third village-owned building at 112 N. Chestnut St. as an "alternate," adding that he had decided to hold off on the remaining asbestos abatement on those buildings until bid results are received.