NORTH BALTIMORE – Residents will be asked to approve the renewal of a 2-mill, five-year levy in November
for street and road resurfacing, reconstruction and improvements.
Council approved an emergency resolution to put the issue on the Nov. 3 ballot during its meeting on
Tuesday.
During a break in council’s business, prior to an executive session, Councilman Mike Julien said there is
a projected list of streets needing improvement over five years so voters will have an idea where the
millage will be spent. He noted the streets will be torn up from the sewer separation project the
village is conducting, and they will only be "trench paved." Approval of the street millage
renewal will provide the financing to properly resurface them.
Solicitor Chet Marcin presented the draft of an ordinance which will require all property owners and
occupants to maintain visible street numbers on properties, whether residential, commercial or
industrial. The ordinance was written at the request of Police Chief Allan Baer. Marcin said he used
Bowling Green’s ordinance as a guide but made several additions.
The ordinance would require Arabic numerals, at least three inches high and three feet above the ground,
to be fixed on the front of the building in a conspicuous place and visible from the public
right-of-way. The purpose of the ordinance is to provide easy identification of properties by police,
fire and EMS.
Council members heard from resident Teresa Patton who requested something be done about the condition of
her driveway entrance, which has been in poor condition for two years, and the 17-foot swale/shallow
ditch in her front yard, a result of the new storm sewer project. She noted neighbors were given curb
cuts to their yards, but she has not been given one to access her back yard because of the swale’s
width.
After announcing she has lived in the village all her life, Patton stated, "I think you need to take
care of the residents you have to show North Baltimore is a great place to live before you bring in more
people to live here."
Administrator Kathy Healy agreed to look at the property with Todd Jenkins, the engineering project
manager from Peterman Associates Inc. Also, and the issue will be discussed at next week’s
meeting-of-the-whole.
Council approved Brenda Wittenmyer’s request to use the park for a Sept. 12 fundraising event for the
Children’s Miracle Network. The event will include rides, games for children and adults, vendors and a
beer garden. Admission will be $3, and the event is open to the public. Since there is no alcohol in the
park, it was suggested she ask the American Legion post if the beer garden can be moved there.
Councilman Aaron Patterson asked how the town’s budget deficit could go from $70,000 to $30,000 and now
to a projected $40,000. "Is spending going on?" he asked.
It was noted several large projects are being done in the village, estimated revenues are below
expectation, company lay-offs can’t be projected and people aren’t working 40-hour weeks. Healy said she
met with department heads and asked them to reduce their budgets by four percent.
She announced CSX Railroad will have a ground-breaking for its intermodal railyard on Aug. 14 at 2:30
p.m.
Her report to council included information on the re-organizing of the former North Baltimore Community
Coalition as the Community Alternatives for Families and Youth. Healy said the group is seeking
nonprofit status to be able to do fundraising, and will provide special events for youth and parents.
She announced the group is seeking people willing to serve on its executive board which will oversee the
budget and approve activities.
Council held an executive session to discuss personnel, acquisition of property and have a conference
with an attorney. Afterwards it hired Brandon Galbraith as a laborer at the water/sewer department for
$11.12 an hour, and Todd Bomer as a seasonal laborer with the public works department for $7.50 an hour,
both effective Aug. 10.