GeneratorSpecs  Downloadable specs for Kohler generator

The original lift station for the sewer system was equipped with a backup generator. The new lift station is being provided with a natural gas generator. The original generator is a three phase Kohler Model 100ROZ. It is a diesel powered unit mounted on a trailer. The Village is accepting bids on this unit until 7:00 PM on January 23, 2012. Bids will be opened during the Council meeting on that date.

For additional information or to arrange an inspection contact Mayor Jeff Snook  (419-387-7309) or Fiscal Officer Dan Caudill (419-387-7664)

Bids can be mailed to PO Box 77 in Vanlue or deposited in the utility payment drop box on the front of the village office at 124 Center Street.

It somehow doesn’t seem possible that eight years have gone by already, but it is true. I took office on January 1, 2004, after having served on Council beginning in July 2002.

The last eight years have seen many things done, some big and some small. Everything that has been accomplished in the last eight years has been the result of the efforts of many people. I am thankful for the support of Council and the work of individual council members on many projects.

The water system is the most important project that the Village has ever undertaken. The project began in July, 2002 with the process of selecting an engineer for the system. The project ended in July of this year when we officially closed with USDA. Water has turned on on July 1, 2010. Having the water system in place was the last major step towards growth in the village. The Village could not expect to see any real growth without a public water system.

Another major project is currently underway. The replacement of the sewer lift station is in progress right now. The original lift station lasted for over 31 years. The life expectancy of the lift station was 15 to 20 years, so we are past due in replacing it.

The purchase of the new village office building from TDS was a major milestone for the community. We needed additional space, both in garage and office areas. We were able to secure the building at a good price and received a nice grant to assist in the purchase.

After the ice storm of 2005, I sought and received permission from Council to pursue a grant to equip the main shelter house at the park with an emergency generator. I was able to secure a grant in 2006 and the main shelter house is now equipped for use as a disaster shelter by the American Red Cross.

There are a number of projects that still need to be done, however. I am urging the new Mayor and Council to keep focused on economic development. The only long term solution for our financial situation is to grow the tax base. This will, in turn, help the school.

The Safe Routes to School program needs to be a top priority in 2012. We have a number of sidewalks in the community that need to be repaired or replaced, and number of places where there are no sidewalks. Getting a grant for this may take more than one funding cycle, so we may need to submit our application more than once.

In closing, let me thank each of the many Council members that have served over the last eight years. Each of you has contributed to the success of all of our projects. I will be available to help in any way possible so please let me know how I can help.

Best regards,

 Bob Wells

mayor@vanlueohio.com

Have you ever wondered what Vanlue looks like from about 150 feet up. . .? Here is a view towards the northwest. This picture was taken by Scott Kelley, our resident inspector from Floyd Browne Group. More to follow.

Dan Merkel, a long-time friend of mine, shares a common interest with me, namely railroads, both model and full sized. Dan is the author of Along the Right of Way in the Virtual Village on The Courier’s web page. If you are interested in railroading, it is a nice source of information and pictures.

The article that Dan posted this week quotes a column published many years ago by Mr. R.L. Hemminger. This excerpt is regarding Big Four which ran through Vanlue from Findlay to Carey:

 On Dec. 29, 1931, an application was filed at Washington for authority to abandon the Big Four Railroad between Findlay and Vanlue, as well as the Belt Line connection between the Big Four and the Nickel Plate (originally the Lake Erie and Western, and now the Norfolk-Southern.) The application was filed with the Interstate Commerce Commission. “Public convenience and necessity no longer justifies operation of the lines,” said the petition.

THE OHIO PUBLIC UTILITIES Commission held a hearing at Columbus March 22 on the abandonment matter.

Both the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Ohio Public Utilities Commission granted the applications.

So the link to Findlay was removed, but the Carey connection remained in place until the mid 60′s. The railroad property from Buffalo Street east remained in limbo until a few years ago. Tom Walter purchased the old right of way from Buffalo all the way to the eastern end in Carey. He very graciously donated the portion from Buffalo to East Street to the Village.

Bob Wells

mayor@vanlueohio.com