Author: Michael Port

2018 State of the Village

Mayor Jay Jackson

 

In 2017 the Village took several steps in a positive direction.

Downtown/Beautification

Utilizing the beautification fund established in 2016, through private sponsorship, the Village was able to improve the aesthetics of the Downtown with the addition of new benches and trash receptacles. Newly painted light poles and entry signs helped to improve the overall image and bolster our effort to make Byesville presentable to not only its residents but perspective businesses as well.

I am working on possible revitalization grant opportunities for the downtown area. These grants would provide resources for private/public partnerships to repair and improve aging buildings and infrastructure. We must continue our work to make Byesville attractive to business and entrepreneurs.  My goal for the downtown is every building in use by the end of 2018.

In 2018 we will continue to make renovations to the Museum with the goal of a regular schedule for hours of operation. Bird control devices and restoration to the exterior of the building has helped to improve the aesthetics and reaffirm our dedication to improving Village owned facilities.

Economic Development

In 2017, I expounded on the Project Phoenix concept and our commitment to economic development with the Project Phoenix Business Grant. This grant will provide funds for small business start-up and expansion. I still need a commitment from Council to finalize this plan and move forward.

In the next 30 days I will be rolling out a new business development opportunity that will focus on entrepreneurship and downtown development.

We will continue to work with current employers, industry, and property owners to research areas of growth and opportunity.

I am actively pursuing several business opportunities. I have spoken with countless business owners who have expressed interest in our Village. I work relentlessly marketing Byesville as a great place to start or expand a business.

Safety Services

Police and Fire continue to be essential services for Village residents. We are covering approximately 104 hours per week. As I have indicated before, safety of the citizens is my highest priority. I am proposing additional funding for more hours in this year’s budget. Budgetary constraints continue to hinder the goal of a 24/7 Police service. I would ask Council to reconsider my proposal from 2016 of allowing the voters to decide if they want 24/7 Police through the implementation of a 1% Safety Tax based on income.

Completing 187 calls in 2017, Chief Wilson and the Fire Department personnel continue to demonstrate why they the best volunteer department in Guernsey County. The Chief would like to construct a joint access point between two of the facilities. This would enable faster response to essential life saving equipment. I am working with Chief Wilson to bring this project to fruition.

A new group of recruits will begin their Basic Fire course at the end of this month bringing us to a total of 20 Fire personnel.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure across the US continues to age and compound problems for growth, Byesville is not immune to this nation-wide problem.  In 2017, we replaced approximately 1,900 feet of water line in the areas of Peters Street, Short Street, and 1^St Street. The areas of N 6^th, N 7^th, S 2^nd, Glass Avenue, and Watson Avenue continue to be problematic. Some of these streets encompass some of the oldest lines in our system.

As the Administrator has indicated; “we are at the end of the life cycles for these lines”. In order to continue these essential life services and meet OEPA standards, we must replace these lines. To save costs, we will utilize Village resources when possible to install new lines. However, lines such as S. 2^nd, N 6^th will necessitate outside contractors to perform much of the work. With our enterprise capital outlay decreasing it will be difficult to make these capital improvements without outside funding and increases to current revenue.

The Water Treatment Improvement Project (WIP) is underway. This project will improve our overall quality while making necessary repairs to aging assets. Once complete, the project will increase our daily production to allow for current and future growth.

We are working on the repair of aging and faulty waste water lines through the process of “relining”. This process is used to line the inside of the pipe to repair cracks, save operational costs, and eliminate foreign substance infiltration.

We completed Phase I of this Project in 2016. In order to meet the required deadline, set by the OEPA; work will need to commence on Phase II this year. We are working with OMEGA to secure grant funding for approximately 50% of the project. We will need to secure the other 50% through current capital outlay funds and possibly additional loan funds.

Park

The park continues to be a shining star. We must continue to support this place of connecting community, family, and recreation.

We are applying for a grant to fund a walking trail. The trail, in combination with the grant, will also aid in the necessary ADA improvements required by the Department of Justice.

I look forward to working with Councilman Neff as the new Park Liaison.

We will need to formulate a plan to make necessary repairs to pavilions and other capital improvements as part of our agreement with the DOJ to meet ADA compliancy.

Conclusion

The future for Byesville is bright. I believe working together, expanding our relationships, thinking outside the box, and building on the great attributes of Byesville will continue to attract people and create opportunities for growth.

At the end of the day the fabric that makes Byesville a special place is its citizens. We all share the common goal and desire to create a brighter future for our children and families in an environment of happiness and prosperity. I still believe Byesville best days are yet ahead.

 

As always with Byesville Pride,

 

Respectfully yours,

 

Mayor Jay Jackson

 

 

 

 

Presented February 14, 2018 to the Byesville Village Council

Byesville water customers may experience some discoloration as a result of a leek. We are in the process of locating and repairing the leak. Boil orders are not in effect at this time. If you have any questions please call the Byesville water department at 740-685-0800

Byesville Village Council passed a proclamation banning the word Cambridge on October 27th from sunup to sundown.  The recommended word to be subsituted is North or the team up North.  Go Colts! Beat North!!!

The Village of Byesville is requesting quotation for design, engineering, and bidding services for a water treatment improvement project, comprised of the demolition of the existing Aerolators (3) and the installation of five (5) new Aerolators or comparable units and or technology.
As an option, Byesville would like quotation and cost opinion on the design-build of a clarifier system.
Additionally, Byesville is requesting quotation for the design, engineering and bidding services for the installation of a sanitary sewer line to be installed from the current water treatment facility, to an existing lift station.
A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on September 26th 10:00 am at the Byesville Water Treatment Facility located at 59870 Vocational Rd. Byesville, OH 43723
Quotations must be received via certified mail or in person at 221 E Main Ave Byesville, OH 43723 no later than 4:00 pm EST on October 6, 2017. Quotations will be opened and reviewed publicly on October 6, 2017 4:00 pm EST in Council Chambers at the Byesville Village Hall located at 221 E Main Ave Byesville, OH 43723.
Quotation specifics and documents may be obtained free of charge by contacting the Village Administrators office 740-685-0800 EXT 1001 or bdudley@byesvilleoh.gov.
This notice may be accessed electronically at www.byesvilleoh.gov. The Village reserves the right to reject any and all bids and or quotes.

Public Library Event

The Guernsey County District Public Library requests the honor of your participation in a “resident focus group”. In order to better serve community needs, a discussion of the services and materials provided by the Byesville Branch will be held. Suggestions and input would be appreciated. The possibility of future building renovation will be discussed. Please plan to attend, visit with neighbors and share your thoughts.
• WHEN: Saturday, June 24, 2017 from 10:30am until noon
• WHERE: Byesville Branch, 100 Glass Avenue, Byesville OH
• WHO: Village residents and branch patrons.
Library representatives will be present to facilitate.
Those interested but unable to attend may share thoughts with the Director via the Library’s website www.guernseycountylibrary.org.

Village Clean-up will be held on April 27th- April 30th.   The location will be Jackson Township Salt bin.  Times are as follows

April 27th-29th 8:00 A.M.- 6:00 P.M.

April 30th 11:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

 

 

Mayor Jay Jackson

 

2016 was a year of transitioning to my new role and introducing ideas to strengthen the Village. I spent the first few months assessing the needs of our Village and listening to the concerns of the residents.

In 2017 I want to build on the achievements of 2016 and introduce ideas and projects that will lay the foundation for future generations and the long term vitality of our Village.

The Police department was strengthened by the addition of a full-time officer. Our drug enforcement efforts remain strong. I believe the establishment of a K-9 officer has helped to identify and discourage would be dealers. We are sending a clear message that Byesville does not tolerate drugs. My goal is still a 24/7 Police Department to ensure the critical protection of our residents.

The Fire Department remains the best volunteer department in the area. In 2016 the FD responded to approximately 105 calls. Through good fiscal management Chief Wilson was able to purchase used air packs at a fraction of the cost of new, and replace units that were well beyond their life expectancy.  Currently 18 fire-fighters provide services to the Village and Township. The Chief would like to provide EMT training to several interested personnel. This training will further increase the department’s ability to provide life-saving services in an emergency.

Water and Waste Water continue to be strong assets of the Village. The Administrator and his personnel have worked countless hours to provide quality services to the community. Many projects are planned for 2017 including upgrades to the Water Treatment Facility and the installation of aging water lines.

I would like to proceed with Phase II of the Sewer Reline Project. This project is critical to reducing excess flow and aid in the reduction of necessary treatment thus reducing operating expenses.

2017 may be a year of significant expansion of our water and waste water services. As area developments move forward, Byesville stands ready to provide the necessary infrastructure.

We will continue to assess, repair, and resurface our streets as the budget allows. The purchase of the new street sweeper will help to maintain roadways and keep our streets clean from debris.

I would like to move forward with the Storm Water Split Project. I believe this project will help to alleviate flooding in currently congested areas.

Mr. Costello and the Park Board have done a fantastic job maintaining our beautiful Village Park. Via a Nature-works grant, we were able to purchase new equipment including a “merry-go-round” and an ADA approved toddler swing. In the spring we will begin installation of a new basketball court. I am looking forward to the Gus Macker and other family events planned for 2017.

 

My main focus continues to be economic development. Several businesses started operations in 2016. More than 500 people a day enter the Village to work at factories, stores, schools and other businesses.

I am looking forward to moving ahead with Project Phoenix. I expect to have the committee in place by March. The goal of Project Phoenix is to provide a comprehensive plan for economic development and downtown revitalization. We will also consider ways to strengthen our current partnerships, explore new collaborations, and look for opportunities to promote the great benefits of starting a business in the Village of Byesville.

In 2016 we took a vested interest in our downtown with the purchase of a dilapidated building. We removed the infestation of pigeons, cleaned and disinfected the building, and thanks to work of Councilwoman Foraker, we were able to replace the frames and broken windows to create a presentable building. Future plans for the building will be contingent upon ideas and developments from Project Phoenix.

In 2016 we added a fund for beautification. This fund is designed to provide resources to improve the aesthetics of the Village. In my experience, Beautification is a community effort that requires residents to take a pro-active approach with consideration and pride in their own properties. In 2017 we will make a better effort to enforce Village ordinance and code enforcement.

I expect great things in 2017. I look forward to expanding our borders in order to bring unity to our community.  I will continue to work cooperatively with Council to improve the quality of life for our residents.

I still feel our citizens are our strongest asset and Byesville’s best days are ahead.

As always with Byesville Pride,

 

Respectfully yours,

 

Mayor Jay Jackson

 

 

 

 

 

Presented January 25, 2017 to the Byesville Village Council

Byesville will be hosting a village clean up on Friday 8:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M.  The clean up will continue Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M..  In the event that the dumpster fill up early the clean up will be finished at that point.  No Paint, No Tires, No Appliances, No Hazardous Materials.

Byesville Village Residents Only.

NOTICE UNDER THE

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

In accordance with the requirements of title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), Village of Byesville, Ohio will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.

The ADA does not require Byesville to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden.

Complaints that a Village of Byesville program, service, or activity is not accessible to persons with disabilities should be directed to:

Mayor, Jay Jackson at 740-685-0800 or mayor@byesvilleoh.gov