PEMBERVILLE – Mayor Gordon Bowman told village council Tuesday night that significant progress has
been made in dealing with a nuisance property at 810 W. Front St."With the help and cooperation of
Village Solicitor Mike Marsh and James Hart, attorney for the owner, we have a signed agreement to authorize
demolition of the property," Bowman said. "The matter is being sent to the Wood County Planning
Office and with their due diligence will be forwarded to the health department, which has funds for
demolition. It appears we will have a good resolution of this problem."Council has heard many citizen
complaints about the property over a period of many months. At the Dec. 3 meeting a neighbor told council a
shed on her property had become infested with mice and blamed the problem on the property at 810.A seasonal
issue, snow removal from sidewalks, was discussed at length.Council Member William Long said he has noticed
"a fair number of residents" are taking care of their sidewalks. "Some are unable and others
just don’t care."Council Member Eric Campbell said it’s "a nightmare." He said village code
calls for sidewalks to be cleared after a two-inch snowfall within 12 hours."We need to communicate
this better," Campbell said.Long wondered if there might be some young entrepreneurs in the village
looking to make some money, while Campbell suggested checking with Eastwood to see if there are students in
need of service time to help the elderly or those who can’t shovel.Bowman mentioned establishing a clearing
house to match those in need with those who can help. "I’m willing to go out and talk to people, to see
if we can get some cooperation."Council Member Marge Cox suggested placing a reminder on utility
bills."We need to make sure people are aware and then if they ignore it, enforce the law," Long
said.Council also:• Heard Bowman thank Larry Bockbrader for his four years of service on council. Bockbrader
said he appreciated the opportunity. "It was fun, educational and I learned a lot."• Agreed to
replace two safety mirrors at downtown intersections. The 30-inch mirrors have been broken. The village will
install larger mirrors and authorized up to $1,000 to complete the project. Competitive quotes will be
sought.• Approved legislation introduced in November dealing with wages and temporary appropriations for
2014.• Gave first reading to an ordinance that would allow the Board of Public Affairs to spend up to
$75,000 for design of improvements and repairs to the South Water Plant.• Learned there are openings for
residents on the village planning commission and zoning board of appeals. Bowman said there are several
opportunities for residents to get involved.• Reminded residents that the Village Hall will be closed
Tuesday and Wednesday for the holidays.