GAMBIER – Gambier will embark on a $400,000 technological upgrade and energy efficiency project at the village’s wastewater treatment plant.
Village Council approved the enabling legislation to have Dublin Technical Systems make the improvements that are being primarily funded by an Ohio Public Works Commission grant and interest-free loan at its last meeting.
The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, commonly called SCADA, will allow an operator to both remotely monitor and control the critical functions of the plant.
Council tabled a request from Bird Rides Inc., a micro-mobility company that offers electric scooters in a ride-sharing format. The company is asking the council to approve a memorandum of understanding that would allow the firm to place the scooters in the village.
Solicitor Clint Bailey raised a concern with the indemnification clause in the MOU, and the council voted to table the matter until the village’s liability insurance company reviewed the proposed agreement.
Council also approved an ordinance to amend last year’s ordinance in regards to wearing masks in indoor settings. The new ordinance changes the benchmark when mask-wearing indoors is required which reflects the new measurements the Center for Disease Control is using. Currently, Knox County’s COVID-19 community level is listed as medium. The village’s ordinance requiring face coverings is not in effect unless the level is deemed high.
In other items, the council:
- Passed a resolution to transfer $74,000 in the water debt service fund to the general fund. The money was originally required to be set aside in the special account when the village issued revenue bonds but the bonds have since been retired.
- Heard for the first time a resolution of support for the Knox County Active Transportation Plan.
- Approved a variance for a fence height for a resident planning to install an in-ground swimming pool.
The next council meeting is April 4 at 7 p.m. A public hearing is set for 6:30 p.m. to hear a variance request from a resident in regards to an in-ground swimming pool.
Submitted by R. C. Wise
