Members have 30 days to choose replacement

COAL GROVE — At Monday night’s meeting, Mayor Larry McDaniel informed council that one of its members resigned by letter.

Councilman Aaron Stewart cited new job responsibilities as a reason for resigning. Stewart hasn’t been at a council meeting since early January. McDaniel also said he called Stewart several times with no response.

“It surprised me,” McDaniel said. “He’s a good councilman.”

Council has 30 days to choose a replacement. If a majority cannot agree, McDaniel will appoint someone.

McDaniel also informed council longtime utilities clerk, Nadine Malone, also turned in a letter of resignation, effective March 9.

Malone had been on staff with the village for more than 20 years, but has been off due to an injured arm since December.

In other business:

• Council set days for its annual spring clean-up. With proof of residency, Coal Grove residents can unload trash at dumpsters placed at the water plant on Riverside Drive April 30 through May 5. Drop-off will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

“We need to clean up our village,” said councilman Tim Sexton, proposing council consider having additional clean-up days throughout the year, even if the village had to pay for it.

• Council had first reading of ordinance 06-12 approving 2012 permanent appropriations.

• McDaniel informed council 12 street signs are needed in the village. The cost for all 12, plus brackets and posts is $1,200. He said they will check on getting a cheaper price on posts.

• Councilman Bob Markins informed council a resident on Main Street was complaining about people making drug deals, shouting profane language and burning their tires out on the road.

• Councilman Chris Brammer said council should look into the intersection of High and Lane streets where drivers frequently run the stop sign. Council suggested adjusting the placement of the current sign on Lane Street and possibly adding an additional sign on High Street.

• Council is considering whether or not to have an auxiliary Coal Grove Police officer take over dog warden duties for the village. Police Chief Eric Spurlock said the county dog warden will not respond to calls in the village.

• Main Street resident Sandy Reffitt asked council what they could do about a neighboring property she said was infested with rats and roaches.

Reffitt said she was spending more than $700 a year on pest control to keep the insects and rodents off of her property.

McDaniel asked village attorney Derrick Fisher if the village could send a letter to the owner of the property with a time frame in which to exterminate the pests.

“Let’s check our ordinance and see what we can do legally,” McDaniel said.

• Council went into an executive session regarding hiring an employee. No action was taken afterwards and council adjourned.

The next village council meeting will be March 12.