DUKE CENTER — At last week’s rescheduled meeting, the Otto Township supervisors and guests listened as Jane Larson read a comprehensive report she compiled regarding the blight situation and the actions neighboring municipalities have taken and the effectiveness and costs of the actions.
This was well received and appreciated by both the supervisors and the blight committee, and will be referenced as the township proceeds in strengthening and enforcing the newly enacted code. Police Chief Don Nies and District Justice Rich Luther will be asked to help enforce these codes, thus making the township a safer and better place to live.
The Stoddard property in downtown Duke Center is still being addressed by the blight committee, with all options being considered. Out-of-state ownership and past-due bills and taxes are complicating and delaying progress. The committee has also experienced similar obstacles in dealing with other non-conforming property owners.
Rixford’s Pat Fox asked that the upper end of School Street (the Rew-Rixford Road) be given consideration for repairs next year. She is concerned with the gradual narrowing of the road and is disappointed in the fact that the last time there was substantial improvement or repair was 25 years ago. Chairman Eric Barton assured her it will have priority next year.
C.J. Kaluza, in an effort to instill some community pride, proposed that a Christmas lights/decoration contest be held once again. He outlined the parameters and suggested that it be held virtually, with displays and votes both done via Facebook. Rachelle Heffner and Kaluza will provide more details at next month’s meeting.
Barton said he had contacted Hoffman Landscaping of Bradford for an estimate for repairing the fences in the park. It is agreed that this year’s Covid grant money ($75,000) will be invested in the park, and fencing improvement is deemed top priority.
The township’s purchase of the Armstrong building is become closer to a reality. An appraisal is ongoing, with figures to be presented at next month’s meeting. Barton expressed confidence that a deal will be made.
A one-dollar increase in garbage fees will take effect starting in January, 2022. Customers are reminded to be considerate of the 40-pound per bag weight limit.
A work meeting to address the 2022 township budget will be held on Wednesday, November 10, at 5:00 p.m. at the township office.
Trick-or-treat hours, and the Trunk-or-Treat in the park, will be observed from 6 till 7:30 p.m. on Halloween night–Sunday, October 31.
