By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com

An increase in the speed limit on Tiffin Street in New Washington took one step closer to becoming law Monday night. The New Washington Village Council held its second reading on the ordinance.

Ordinance 971 would raise the speed limit on Tiffin Street to 35 mph from the village’s corporation limits for a distance of 1,883 feet or .3 mile until the speed limit drops to 25 mph.

New Washington Village Council approved using the Smith Brothers to haul the excess yard waste that is currently being stored behind the tile yard. The cost for the removal of the yard waste is $350 per container. Village Council member Paul Forester estimated that it would take two to three containers to remove all of the waste.

The donation of former New Washington Police Chief James Patterson’s Smith and Wesson .38 to the New Washington Historical Society was formally approved by the New Washington Village Council. Current Police Chief Jeff Shook requested that the gun be donated during his report at the July 13 Council meeting.

Pat Krebs spoke to the New Washington Village Council about tax revenue during Monday’s Village Council meeting. During her report Krebs said that in 2015 the village brought in a total of $224,000, down $30,000 from the year prior. Krebs also said that she expects the village to receive $300,000 in 2016. Krebs said that there are still over 50 people whose taxes are delinquent that need collected, down from over 70 in previous years.

During Forester’s report on Building and Grounds/Park and Pool he noted that replacing of the lights at the swimming pool began and should be finished shortly.

Village Administrator Norm Lucius requested that the temporary No Parking On The Grass signs become permanent. Lucius explained that the temporary signs were put up due to damage being done to the grassy area of the village’s park. Forester requested that Lucius leave the temporary signs up for the remainder of the pool’s operation for this season and to add appropriations for permanent signs in next year’s budget.

Council member Joseph Blum reported that Buckeye Painting started painting the exterior of the library. Blum also reported that the Friends of the New Washington Library will pruchase a new awning for the entrance to the building.