VILLAGE OF MONROEVILLECOMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

SPRING 2017

Hello Friends and Neighbors!With the beautiful weather we have been experiencing the last few weeks, it is easy to look forward to Spring approaching. The Village continues to “Spring” into action as employees from every department are working hard to ensure that the Village is running smoothly. Please join me in thanking them for all that they do … much of which often times goes unnoticed. The Village officials recently had a meeting with the state auditor's office as we wrapped up the latest audit (Fiscal year 2015). Members of the audit team were on-site to go over the audit and to answer any questions that Council or the Village Administration had. I am proud to say that we received a very positive report. The audit for 2016 is set to begin within the next few months. This transitions nicely into a SPOTLIGHT that I would like to shine on someone this quarter. I would like to recognize and congratulate Bonnie Beck, our Fiscal Officer, who recently celebrated her work anniversary. Bonnie has been a staple and an integral part of our Village office, (first as part time, later as Clerk-Treasurer and now as our Fiscal Officer), for over 27 years. She, along with others in the office, is the backbone to our successful village operations. Thank you for the good work, attention to detail and dedication you bring to our village every day!We continue to move forward in the planning phase of our Sesquicentennial for next year. However, WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!!!! We are planning special activities beginning in January and concluding with our celebration weekend in September. More details on those activities will be coming shortly. If you are interested in helping with the planning and organizing of these events, please come to our meetings. We will be meeting the first Monday of each month at 7PM at the Monroeville Public Library. If you are interested in financially contributing to our Sesquicentennial fund, please do so at the Village Office, making sure it’s submitted with the attention to the Monroeville Sesquicentennial Committee. I hope to see you at one of our upcoming meetings. Please use the back door to the Library. All are welcome AND bring a friend!!!And finally, the Anniversary Committee is looking for a logo to be showcased throughout the entire year of our Sesquicentennial (2018). Original designs that exemplify the pride we share in the Monroeville Community can be submitted to the Village Offices by March 31st. Please call it to the attention of the Anniversary Committee and include all of your contact information. We will be using the chosen logo on clothing, pennants, fliers, etc. Anyone who shares our community pride may submit their rendition. Besides bragging rights, the winner will receive a gift certificate to our very own Pean's Pizza, Subs and Sudz.We are looking forward to celebrating everything that makes Monroeville special!Yours in service,Melissa M. Fries

Mayor

Our Community Wide garage sale is scheduled for the weekend of June 16th. There is no fee charged, however, residents participating in the sale are required to register at the Administrative Offices, 2 South Main Street. *As a reminder please do not put signs on utility poles or in the right of way.

BARBEQUE THAT WILL MAKE A GROWN MAN CRY!The Monroeville Fire Dept.’s 17th annual Chicken Barbeque is scheduled for Sunday, April 30th. Dinners will be served beginning at 11:00am with carry-out available. This tried and true barbequed chicken recipe is enough to bring you to tears! Along with green beans/corn, macaroni salad, coleslaw, dinner role and slice of pie for just $9.00, you won’t want to miss out!

The Administrative Offices will be closed in observance of the following holidays…

May 29th - Memorial Day July 4th - Independence Day Sept 4th - Labor Day Oct 9th - Columbus Day

Utility Customers are hereby notified that it is against the law to interfere or tamper with any equipment owned by the Village of Monroeville and/or Monroeville Utilities.

ENJOY THE RIDE!

Huron County Transit provides service to Monroeville and all of Huron County Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 419-663-3340. Cost per person is just $3.00 one way.

THE RIGHT TREE FOR THE RIGHT PLACEWhen the Shade Tree Commission decides to plant a tree in the boulevard, careful consideration is done before the planting. There are 3 factors considered. The first is the tree’s purpose, whether it is planted for shade, aesthetics, windbreaks and

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

The Shade Tree Commission will celebrate Arbor Day on April 29, 2017 with a maple tree planting at Clark Park. The event will start at 3:00 PM. Girl Scout Troop #50186 from Monroeville will help with the ceremony. There will be a limited amount of tree seedlings available for distribution to those who attend the ceremony.

EMERGENCY SIREN TESTINGIn cooperation with the Emergency Management Agency, testing of our outdoor emergency sirens will be on the first Wednesday of the month at noon. A three minute steady tone will occur with each test. In the event of an emergency and residents are forced from their homes, the Middle School is designated as a Red Cross Shelter. An emergency electric generator is available to provide lights, heating and cooling.

screens or boundaries. The second consideration is the size and the location where the tree is to be planted. The available space is probably the most important since tree lawns have utility wires overhead and sidewalks nearby. The Shade Tree Commission is very cognizant of the wires so the Village will not have a great deal of maintenance due to tree location. We tend to plant small flowering trees, such as serviceberry, lilac, cherry or crabapple. These are trees that are recommended for planting in tree lawns because of their smaller mature size and the fact they do not have a big root system to interfere with sidewalks.

Shade Tree Commission

I WAS COMPLIMENTED ON MY PARKING TODAY. SOMEONE LEFT A NOTE ON MY WINDSHIELD THAT SAID “PARKING FINE”!

In the interest of public safety the Monroeville Police Department is asking its citizens to park their vehicles in the direction of the traffic flow. While parking facing oncoming traffic may be more convenient, it poses a hazard when you exit onto the roadway because you are driving on the wrong side of the roadway. Officers will begin checking the Village for violators and begin issuing warnings. Repeated violations may result in receiving a parking ticket.

DISMANTLED, UNLICENSED, INOPERATIVE … OH MY!With the coming of spring most people begin their spring cleaning chores. As part of that cleanup we are asking the residents of Monroeville to take care of any inoperative or junk vehicles on their property. According to Village Ordinance, it is illegal and a nuisance for any person to store or permit to be stored on any lot or premises any dismantled, inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicle not obscured from public view by adequate and approved fencing for a period in excess of fourteen days. Officers will begin checking for vehicles in violations, so please make sure you are in compliance.

Chief, Gary Lyons

A reminder that school zone speed limits will be enforced with the Dragon Camlaser speed measuring device as well astraditional enforcement means. The police department recently received anupgraded version of the Dragon Cam that permits the officer to catch speedersat a greater distance. The approximatehours for school zones are as follows:

St. Joseph Elementary

Morning-approximately 7:00am to 8:10am SAVE THE DATE!!Midday-approximately 11:05am to 12:25pmAfternoon-approximately 2:25pm to 3:10pm Hooked on Fishing is scheduled for

11am on Monday, May 29, 2017 atMonroeville Public Schools Clark Park. Watch for postings with

information on this annual event.Morning-approximately 7:00am to 8:10amAfternoon-approximately 2:25pm to 3:15pm

TECHNOLOGY – THE POWER OF KNOWLEDGE

Technology “The branch of knowledge that deals with the creation and use of technical means and their interrelation with life, society, and environment with the application of this knowledge for practical ends.”

Whether you realize it or not, our Village is on the leading edge in the use of technology.

There is a solar powered, wireless instrument package at the reservoir that watches over the health of our drinking water supply. The water is monitored 24 x 7 x 365 for contaminants. Any deviations from normal readings are immediately reported to water division personnel via a web based app. This instrument package was funded by an EPA grant and will be expanded, in the near future, to provide additional water quality tracking data needed to meet EPA TIER 2 mandated monitoring requirements.

As you travel back and forth on US 20, we provide you with a courtesy reminder of your vehicle speed which is displayed using colored LED's that receive a signal from a small, flat panel RADAR antenna...all by using micro-electronics and battery/solar power. This same technology, used during World War 2, required a semitrailer full of electronics, a huge power source, and an antenna 3 x the size of the water tower.

The heart of our electrical system, the Gerber-Lee and Herbert Substations, both have instrument packages that continuously send load data, by satellite, to an electrical grid operations center. On site station alarms are reported using a wireless connection to our electric division employees.

In the mid to late 1800's, Central Station Electricity was the technology of the future. Little did we realize that it would serve as the precursor for all of today's advanced technology. “There was scarcely a day passing on which some new use for electricity is not discovered. It seems destined to become, at some future time, the means of obtaining light, heat and mechanical force.” (Elihu Thompson – 1869, age 16, co-founder of The General Electric Company)

When Central Station Electricity first became available to Villages across America, customers were billed on a “per lamp/bulb basis.” Meter readers counted bulbs! The original watt-hour meter was invented by Thomas Edison and involved measuring a chemical transfer from one cylinder to another. It was not until the late 1800's “that technology” allowed for the design of the magnetized watt- hour meter.

The electric division has recently completed the upgrade of all residential electric meters. The new meters have a “remote – radio read capability” that will give division personnel the ability to read all the meters in less than sixty minutes. This was an upgrade that was made possible using state-of-the art meter technology.

By June 1st, an automated electrical distribution control system will be in service. This is an application of “smart grid technology” and in the event of a power line disturbance this equipment should allow for prompt restoration of service following a temporary short circuit.

1899-1908 2017

The Village is making plans to use technology to upgrade manually read water meters with radio-read versions. This upgrade will not only provide more accurate billing information, but will ultimately give us a real time leak detection system. LED – high output and high efficiency street lights are being considered for installation downtown. Incandescent bulbs in Village christmas lights have been replaced with LED's.

“Technology is the sum of the ways in which social groups provide themselves with the material objects of their civilization.”

Your Village is continually striving to be a premier provider of reliable and dependable services to all of our consumers. We are indeed “providing knowledge for practical ends.”

Tom Gray, Village Administrator

ELECTRICAL As we continue to improve on our electrical system this SYSTEM year we are looking to install two new solar fields at the IMPROVEMENTS reservoir and improving on our system upgrade by adding CONTINUE new auto reclosers in various locations to help with unwanted outages. We will be installing a new radio metering system to help with meter reading efficiencies. As we think about our residents’ safety, we are looking into some lighting upgrades this year. You may notice some differences in the lighting throughout the town as we look at new LED (which is white) and comparing them to the old HPS lighting (which is orange). As always please contact us if you have or see any electrical problem so we may assist you.

Electric Division

ODOT is in the final planning phase for the repaving project of Monroe Street and SR 547. Oncethe work gets underway (June – July), the pavement will be “milled” by approximately 2 ½ inchesand then resurfaced with a fresh coat of black top. We will notify residents once the project datehas been confirmed. STREETS HIGHWAYSThe Village and ODOT recently completed a highway bridge inspection. The Monroe Street AND bridge will have its end plates and side walls repaired in conjunction with the resurfacing BRIDGES project. The US 20 bridge is in good shape and will not require any work in 2017. We do our best to keep the pot holes filled. It is a never ending battle! If the weather continues tostay on the warmer side, we will switch from cold patch to hot mix. The switch in materials allows the“patch” to last longer.We have been notified that Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad, might, just might, repair the South Main/Peru Center Railroad crossing in 2017. Recently it was patched, but according to the PUCO RR Inspector, Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad has designated this crossing for repair.

Street Division

GETTING IN THE SWING OF THINGS

HISTORIC US ROUTE 20Do you know?…U.S. Route 20 is an east-west United States highway. The “0” in its route number indicates that US 20 is a coast-to-coast route. Spanning 3,365 miles, at one time it was the longest road in the United States. Today, I-90 roughly parallels US 20. US 20 begins in Boston, Massachusetts and ends in Newport, Oregon, one mile from the Pacific Ocean. US 20 has short sections designated as “Historic US Route 20.”

Monroeville Community Day

The Village of Monroeville Community Day is being planned for mid-May. The exact date has not been set, but school students will be working across the village on a host of projects. If you are an individual who has difficulty in performing spring yard work, please contact Ben Paul or Jim Kazor, at Monroeville Local Schools, and have them put you on the homeowner list for individual work at your residence.

We’re looking forward to a year full of activities and improvements for our Village parks! It won’t be long before you will be able to go to the parks to enjoy the playground and swing sets and to watch baseball and softball. While you’re at the games enjoy the treats and refreshments from the Clark Park concession stand, which will be in full operation for every game. Plans are underway to clean and landscape a beach-like area at the water’s edge at Clark Park, in addition to the installation of two new charcoal grills to complement the picnic tables. Can you ever be too old or too young for a picnic? A new coat of paint will freshen up the restrooms, as well as the swing set, which will boast the addition of two new baby swings. Marsh Field Park will also have new toddler playground equipment, and look for the return of a sand volleyball court!Our parks are a great resource for fun activities, as well as being a place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Try your hand at fishing from the river banks or playing horseshoes, or maybe find a quiet spot to read or take in nature’s bounty. Parks can provide a learning platform for those who have an interest in plants, bird watching, or creepy crawly things! So get your crew off the couch and out into the sun for some healthy, free (or cheap!) warm weather fun!

COMING ATTRACTIONS FOR MONROEVILLE’S SESQUICENTENNIAL. LOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION IN OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER!

PARADE

CORONATION OF THE ROYAL COURT

BEARD GROWING CONTEST * HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS

MOTOR CARS * MUD VOLLEYBALL * TOUCH A TRUCK

BAR-B-Q COOK OFF * GUN RAFFLE * ALUMNI DANCE

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL BONFIRE * PIE AND CAKE CONTEST

SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT * HISTORICAL CELEBRITIES

FOOD TRUCKS WITH FUNNEL CAKES, ICE CREAM, FRENCH FRIES AND GYROS!

WATER QUALITY MONITORA new algae alert system is online. The new devise has been installed at the reservoir to monitor different parameters for water quality and possible algae growth. Water division personnel are able to view results online and alarms are set in case a parameter has exceeded a set point. Staff will use this information to help control algae growth with the application of copper sulfate as needed. If at any time you would have any questions or concerns related to water matters, please call the Water Division at 419-465-4182.

The Village recently submitted a lead and copper study to the Ohio EPA. This report is available for you to view just by stopping in at the water treatment plant. We are in full compliance with the testing and monitoring requirements as set forth by the EPA and will continue to produce “quality water from the tap.”Council has asked the water division and administration to explore the feasibility of an emergency water supply connection to an out of village source. We, along with our consulting engineer, Poggemeyer Design Group, will undertake this review as a part of our Water Contingency Plan. The WCP is our emergency preparedness plan in the event of a water emergency.

The average individual consumes approximately 33 ounces of drinking water per day. 91% of the people in the world have access to safe drinking water. However, this still leaves 1.8 billion people with an unsafe drinking water source!

Water Division

UNIQUE DAYS RECONGNIZED

There are always unique days recognized nationally and internationally – it’s just a matter of being aware. This web resource provides a list of all recognized days of the year. So when in need of a good, fun day to celebrate or recognize on social media, consider starting here: www.brownielocks.com.

COUNCIL NEWSCouncil is discussing the possibility of resetting the traffic pattern on Chapel street from US 20 to Broad street. The Village is working with ODOT to determine if it would be beneficial to turn this short street section into a one-way from US 20 to Broad. We are reviewing signage, parking and pavement marking prior to making a decision.ODOT is also assisting us to identify what improvements can be made in “school zone” markings and identification. Council recognizes there are adjoining streets from which traffic can turn into the school zone and the driver is unaware that he or she is entering an active 20mph school zone.Recently, a second look has been given to the possibility of establishing a cross walk on North street near Hilltop. Locations, ideas, concepts and safety are being discussed before any installation can take place.The Planning Commission recently approved the installation of a Small Cell Wireless Facility.

This name is associated with a cellular communications platform that will be mounted on a utility pole. The purpose of the SCWF is to

enhance data and voice communications for our devices. This type of installation is the wave of the future as more individuals are cutting the cord and going wireless.We apologize for the extended, out of use period for the Clark Park play set. Unfortunately, this was due to circumstances beyond our control. The set is now back in use and ready for summer fun.Did you know, Village Administration meets regularly with the Superintendent of Monroeville Local Schools. We share insight, resources and information which contribute in a positive manner to both of our operations.

Monroeville Village Council

With April 18th looming on the horizon, the Income Tax Department expresses an urgency to its taxpayers to file your taxes on time! With the massive overhaul of the income tax laws that went into effect with the 2016 tax filing year, the interest and penalties for late filers and delinquent payers has significantly increased. Penalties for filing late are $25 per month up to $150. Penalties for unpaid taxes and unpaid estimated taxes are 15% of the amount not timely filed. Penalties for late withholding (from employers) is 50% of the amount not timely filed. And the interest rate this year is 6%. These are fairly steep interest and penalty rates, so please make every effort to ensure that your income tax return is filed, and any taxes due are paid no later than April 18th. As a reminder, if your tax liability is less than $10 you do not have to pay. Likewise, if your return indicates that you are due a refund, if it’s less than $10 a refund will not be issued.

VILLAGE OF MONROEVILLE2 SOUTH MAIN STREET

P O BOX 156MONROEVILLE, OH 44847MELISSA FRIES, MAYOR

419-465-6055THOMAS GRAY, VILLAGE

ADMINISTRATOR419-465-2922

VILLAGE OF MONROEVILLE 2 SOUTH MAIN STREETP O BOX 156MONROEVILLE, OH 44847

Address Service Requested

HYDRANT FLUSHINGThe Water division is in the process of scheduling Spring hydrant flushing and valve exercising for the weeks of April 17th and 24th. These tasks are necessary to maintain the quality of our drinking water and to ensure cut off valves are working properly. These dates and times will be on the Village WEB site and notifications placed in the Reflector. For those of you that have contacted us in the past, we will make a courtesy phone call to you, on the day of the hydrant flushing, to remind you of our work. You may experience low flow and or cloudy/discolored water during this period. Please let your tap run and the condition should clear up relatively quickly.

YARD WASTE

The start of yard waste is just around the corner. A reminder to our residents within the Village corporation limits, yard waste includes grass clippings, hedge trimmings, cut up limbs and branches, leaves and other yard material. Contents and weight limits will be strictly enforced. Have your containers at curbside by 7:30am on the second and fourth Tuesday and not more than 48 hours prior to the scheduled pick-up date. If there are any questions about yard waste collection, please call the street department at 419-465-2800.

PRSRT STU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDNORWALK, OH

PERMIT NO. 104