West Liberty Village Council addressed infrastructure, public safety coordination and community events during its April 21 meeting, with discussion centered on sewer improvements, bridge negotiations and upcoming village-wide activities. 

Council advanced an ordinance updating fees for businesses that use Dumpsters and authorized the sale of a surplus 2012 Chevrolet truck from the Sewer Department through a sealed-bid process. More than $237,000 in bills were also approved for payment. 

Mayor Scott Hudson announced the resignation of Councilwoman Andrea Naegele following her move out of the village. Brenda Coy was selected from a previously submitted list of interested residents to fill the vacancy.  

Coy will serve through Dec. 31, 2029, and will be sworn in at the next council meeting. 

Officials finalized plans for the village Spring Clean‑Up, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, from 8 to 11 a.m. No construction materials are allowed, and furniture and all cloth should be wrapped in plastic. IDs will be checked for proof of village residence.  

Several council members indicated they will be present to assist residents during the cleanup hours. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to dispose of unwanted items. 

Village Administrator Taylor Ford reported the village has received a $39,402.50 quote for sewer pumps serving the Green Hills area, to be paid from the sewer fund.  

Work also began this week on sewer repairs at Linden and Race streets, with Waugh Construction completing the project.  

Ford said an additional estimated 600 feet of sewer line on Linden Street may need replaced after inspection equipment was unable to pass through the line during winter maintenance, creating an emergency situation. Clarridge Engineering is preparing a quote and Waugh Construction indicated it could complete the work at the same pricing.  

In addition, the village has applied for $2 million in funding to line all remaining clay sewer pipes, with a decision expected later this year. 

Bids for the EPA Stream and Riparian project were opened April 7, with four bids received. One bid was disqualified due to late submission. 

Council reviewed employee health insurance options following a meeting with Stolly Insurance and approved changes to the Anthem Medical plan. The updated coverage includes higher deductibles — $6,600 for individuals and $13,200 for families — paired with a 6 percent premium increase, reduced out-of-pocket costs, and improved prescription coverage. The new plan takes effect May 1. 

Street Superintendent Mark Nelson presented paving and repair proposals from Quality Paving totaling $79,568. Projects include street repairs, alley improvements, and work at Town Hall. An additional $2,200 was approved for installation of protective bollards around a gas meter.  

All projects were approved except for the Town Hall parking lot extension, which will continue to be negotiated. 

No progress was reported on the West Columbus Street Bridge project. Ford explained that while an easement has been forwarded to Heritage, the company is requesting wider and fully replaced abutments, a change that would significantly increase costs beyond the original scope. Ford has contacted the office of State Representative Tim Barhorst to explore possible alternatives or funding options. 

Council also discussed police coverage in several small areas of the village that are just outside of the town’s corporation limits and are currently served by the Logan County Sheriff’s Office. Officials noted that calls routed through the sheriff’s department can result in longer response times compared to calls that go directly to West Liberty Police.  

Village leaders have begun discussions with Liberty Township about establishing a service contract that would allow emergency calls in those areas to be routed to West Liberty Police first, improving efficiency and response. 

“It’s what makes sense to the residents there. We can’t respond right away. The call first goes to Logan County, then to the Logan County sheriff, where a supervisor has to ask for assistance from West Liberty Police for help. It takes time to do all of that when we’re right here,” Administrator Ford emphasized. 

The council approved concrete work for the village splash pad, pending a final drainage review, with costs not to exceed $10,000. 

The village‑wide garage sales, also known as The Fire Sales, are scheduled for Saturday, May 16. 

Additional announcements included mosquito spraying services at $400 per application, unchanged from last year and street sweeping costs increasing to $1,500 per sweep. 

The next regular meeting is set for 7 p.m. May 19 at the West Liberty Town Hall.