WESTON—Spending rules and traffic concerns led Village of Weston committee business in July. On July 13 the Administrative Process Committee recommended changes to the Village Purchase Policy, including lowering the amount that requires Council approval from $10,000 to $3,000. Public Works moved ahead with a resolution asking OHM to apply for 2027 Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funding for Washington Street, and two committees advised against stop signs at two intersections. Council committees are advisory and make recommendations to the full Council.


Administrative Process Committee (July 13)


Councilmembers Jessica Susor, Erica Rupp and Craig Warner, Mayor Rick Easterwood and Fiscal Officer Stephanie Monts reviewed proposed revisions to the Purchase Policy. The committee recommended lowering the Council approval threshold in Sections 5, 8, 9 and 11 from $10,000 to $3,000. The proposed revisions would also:

  • Keep the emergency purchase threshold at $50,000.
  • State that nothing in the policy overrides competitive bidding requirements in the Ohio Revised Code.
  • Note that emergency purchases must follow R.C. 5705.41(D) (“Then and Now” certificates) when applicable.
  • Define an emergency purchase as one needed for an immediate need that could not reasonably have been anticipated, where delay would harm the Village or its residents.
  • Simplify the quote requirements while staying within state law.

The committee agreed to buy a new commercial mower with a deck after looking at several options, including the John Deere Z735. The mower comes with a four-year warranty and a Power Sweep attachment. The existing deck will be listed on GovDeals to recover part of the cost. Administrator Harold Boggs will weigh in on the Z735 versus the 750 model, and Monts will be asked about reappropriating funds.

Members asked Monts to prepare financing scenarios for the Washington Street project, with projected payments, based on DGL’s estimated cost of about $361,000. The committee also discussed the upcoming Main Street sidewalk and paving project and saving asphalt grindings from the Main and Taylor Street work for Village alleys and the parking area near the baseball diamonds.

  • Tribute sign: The committee discussed a sign honoring Bobby Businger on the fence at the large baseball diamond, matching the sign at the small diamond. West Ridge will be asked to design matching signs for both fields.
  • Professional development policy: The committee recommended a Council vote on changes to the policy.
  • ADA website compliance: A presentation and quote are expected at the committee’s August meeting.
  • Agenda cleanup: The Parks and Rec Commission, the Social Media Policy, and the junk, trash, yard waste and litter ordinance were taken off the agenda. Before the ordinance was dropped, members asked for clarification of the difference between a dumpster and a roll-off container.


Community Development & Public Affairs Committee (July 21)


Replacing the gazebo shingles has run into setbacks, so Councilmembers Ashley Patel, Travis Ackerman and Rupp are looking for other downtown beautification projects that could use the Suburban Natural Gas fund.

On nuisance cats, members said enforcement is the biggest obstacle to a new ordinance. They still plan to pursue an ordinance on nuisances and on the obligations of animal owners and harborers, and they will report back on an edited draft at the next meeting.

Local business owners’ main complaint about the 235 advertisement sign is that it is hard to see, because of its size, how fast traffic passes and where it sits. Overgrown trees also block the view for northbound drivers. The recently replaced lights have helped after dark, and the committee is still looking at ideas and grants to improve the sign.


Public Safety Committee (July 27)


Weston EMS had 249 runs so far this year, and there was no update on the new ambulance. EMS student Julia has finished her classes and is waiting for clinical time. Kathy Heyman will photograph the current ambulance, unit 915, for a GovDeals listing.

On a stop sign at Center and Evon streets, the committee said stop signs would not help and suggested “slow” signs instead. Patel will contact Marissa Bechstein about a possible traffic study at the intersection.

  • June payments (Medicount): $2,163.99, with billing fees of $162.30.
  • Year-to-date payments: $34,428.04, with fees of $2,582.11.
  • Sheriff line item: The committee asked the Administrative Process Committee to look at the recertification of the Wood County Sheriff patrol line item.


Public Works Committee (July 28)


For Washington Street, the committee is sending Council a resolution asking OHM to apply for 2027 OPWC funding. Warner will check on phase 2 of the stormwater GIS plan.

Boggs had the fire hall storm drain checked because water levels were low, but he could see only about 30 feet down. If the budget allows, Cam Tech will need to inspect it with a snake camera. Boggs also rewired the lawn mower that would not start, so it works for now.

  • Cherry and Willow: A resident asked for the stop sign at Cherry and Willow streets to be put back. The committee said there is not enough traffic to justify one, since the nursing home is not at that corner.
  • Silver and Oak: Boggs plans to fill the ruts at the corner with stone or road grindings.
  • Streetlights: Boggs will follow up with Toledo Edison, which has not given an update.
  • Grass seeding: On hold until a tiller is found.


Sources: Administrative Process minutes (July 13) · Community Development & Public Affairs minutes (July 21) · Public Safety minutes (July 27) · Public Works minutes (July 28)