Village of Caldwell Meeting Minutes for August 2026

The Council for the Village of Caldwell met in regular session on Monday August 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., with the following members present: Rucker, Antill, Minosky, Postlethwait, Griffin. Wyscarver absent.

            The previous month’s regular and special meeting minutes approved as written.

            A motion was made by Minosky seconded by Postlethwait that council has received and reviewed all monthly reports including bank reconciliation, appropriation status, fund status, revenue status, payment ledger and payroll reports to include paying bills including monthly. Antill voted no, motion carried.

      Downtown Revitalization Project Status

• Completion of the downtown revitalization project is expected by September 30th, with lights still pending delivery before work can be finalized.
• Commissioners approved adding back the large wall sign reading “Noble County Courthouse” at the front of the project, funded by surplus budget remaining in the project.
• Electrical work to the light poles was also added back into the project scope using the available extra funds.
• Two additional sidewalk sections near the coffee shop curb are being removed and replaced at no extra cost to the village, covered by the contractor.
• Hockenberry is expected to finish out remaining sidewalk sections up to the alley, with approximately 24 feet of work remaining in that area.
• Replacement of uneven signs has begun, though the sign near the sheriff’s office, identified as the worst, has not yet been replaced.
• The Village of Caldwell historical sign will need to be relocated to accommodate the new digital sign at the front of the project, with a decision on placement still pending.
• Login credentials for the digital sign system have been sent to the village, and outreach to the provider is planned to confirm any remaining setup steps.
• A new gateway welcome sign for the Village of Caldwell has been installed near the Dairy Queen entrance.
• Painting of the electrical transformer was removed from the project scope because the courthouse would need to be fully powered down for the work to occur, which was deemed impractical.
• Overall, the project is described as progressing well, with the community visibly benefiting from the improvements, and property values on Bronze Heights are estimated to have increased by approximately 10%.
• Positive remarks were made about the collaborative effort between commissioners, ODOT, the county garage, and the village in advancing multiple community improvements simultaneously.

      High School Curb, Catch Basin, and Sidewalk Repair

• A quote from Hockenberry was received for work at the high school covering curb replacement, a new catch basin, additional sidewalk, and an ADA ramp.
• The sewer department will need to separate an existing sewer connection and tie it into the storm system prior to or in coordination with Hockenberry’s work.
• Work is intended to be completed before the school year begins, with the school start date identified as around August 19th.
• Michael Postlethwait indicated he spoke with Ryan Lemley at the school, who expressed willingness to contribute financially to the project.
• A proposal was discussed to split the cost 50-50 with the school, with the understanding that the village would attempt to negotiate this arrangement.
• The need for a full catch basin replacement, rather than just curb and sidewalk repair, was cited as the primary reason the school may not absorb the full cost independently.
• A motion was made Antill seconded by Griffin and passed to approve the project, with the intent to pursue a 50% cost-sharing agreement with the school and proceed regardless if that arrangement cannot be confirmed.
• A request was made to ensure the new catch basin is designed with updated specifications to improve water capture capacity and address ongoing drainage issues in the area.

     Recreation Building Metal Roof Replacement

• A motion was brought forward to replace the metal roof on the recreation building at an estimated cost of approximately 500 dollars.
• Discussion arose around whether it was appropriate for the village to fund repairs on what is considered private or recreational property rather than village-owned infrastructure.
• Concerns were raised that approving this expenditure could set a precedent, potentially leading to requests from other property owners for similar assistance.
• It was noted that the recreation facility serves approximately 130 junior high and fifth and sixth grade students, lending some public benefit justification to the expenditure.
• The motion was put to a vote with mixed results, with some council members voting no due to concerns about precedent, and the motion did not pass unanimously. Motion made by Minosky seconded by Postlethwait to approve the $500 expenditure. Minosky and Postlethwait yes. Griffin, Antill and Rucker no.

     Road Erosion and Concrete Stabilization on Cornstock Road

• A section of road on Cornstock, identified on the left side going uphill after the corner, has sheared off and is continuing to erode, with significant further damage anticipated given incoming rainfall forecasts of up to five inches.
• A plan was discussed to load a 305 excavator and a dump trailer with surplus concrete from the downtown project and use it to stabilize the eroding bank.
• The proposed method involves digging a keyway at the bottom of the slope and filling in the eroded area with the available concrete material to prevent further lane loss.
• Urgency was emphasized given the weather forecast, with the suggestion to address the issue promptly to avoid losing half a lane of road.

     Sidewalk and Drainage Work on Main Street and Surrounding Areas

• Measurements taken along Main Street indicate approximately 213 feet of concrete work needed from the ambulance service alley going toward downtown, up to the church ADA ramp.
• Discussion focused on prioritizing the section from WLM up to the ambulance alley, where sandstone-style sidewalk is in particularly poor condition.
• Hockenberry is also expected to review the last two sections on North Street, with Ruhlin handling the corner and adjacent sections.
• A keyway installation is needed on John Deakins’ property to address slippage, and surplus concrete from the downtown project is planned to be used for this work.
• The catch basin near CNS Plumbing was identified as a priority drainage issue, with water disappearing into a hole before reaching the drain, and it was added to the concrete work list.
• A drainage issue near Frazier and SR 285 was also noted, where water does not consistently reach the drain and appears to be entering the ground prematurely.
• Railroad Street sidewalk was identified as a priority project for the following year, ideally combined with a drainage improvement project to avoid redundant excavation.
• Funding for remaining Main Street sidewalk work was discussed, with contingency funds identified as a likely source, as the prior year’s quote would not have rolled over into the current budget.
• The possibility of applying for 629 funding for sidewalk work was raised but dismissed due to insufficient commercial activity in the target area to meet program eligibility requirements.

     Littering and Garbage Ordinance Third Reading

• Ordinance 2026-04, amending regulations related to littering and the deposit of garbage, rubbish, and junk, was presented for its third and final reading.
• An addition under Section 1G was included to allow for a minor misdemeanor classification in applicable cases, as requested by the village’s justice or legal representative.
• Motion made by Rucker seconded by Antill to approve Ordinance 2026-04. All in favor, motion carried.

    Finance and Equipment Reports

• Finance reports were reviewed and noted as looking fine, with no significant concerns raised by council members.

    Street and Infrastructure Maintenance Concerns

• A gutter recently installed by Hockenberry on Main Street was identified as directing water outward into the road rather than into the catch basin, posing a potential icing hazard in winter.
• An inventory review of street signs was suggested after new signs of varying heights were installed on Lewis Street, with some appearing shorter than standard specifications.
• A discussion arose about whether new black-style street signs should be ordered to match the upgraded aesthetic of the downtown project before additional standard signs are installed.
• Remaining concrete from the downtown project is planned to be used for a walking track foundation and bathroom foundation at the park, both of which are already under a purchase agreement for the current year.
• Asphalt work is scheduled for the current week on Frazier Street, with crews filling in remaining gaps, though weather conditions were noted as a potential obstacle.
• Several catch basins were identified as running under the road surface and potentially forming voids before water reaches the basin, with specific locations including near Dean Shaper’s property at Olive and Plum Shade.
• Overgrown tree branches near the high school and on Ross Street were flagged as hazards, with vehicles reportedly losing mirrors due to low-hanging limbs.
• Mowing crews were noted as having just caught up following storm damage, with significant tree debris having accumulated.
• A public notice was suggested to inform property owners that it is acceptable to mow grass alongside the newly installed sidewalks, as residents appear hesitant to do so.

     Employee Safety Compliance and Accountability

• Concerns were raised about village employees, workers, not consistently wearing required safety vests and hard hats while working in public areas.
• It was noted that employees tend to comply with safety gear requirements for a period following reminders, then gradually stop, creating a recurring cycle of non-compliance.
• The mayor stated that superintendents should be held responsible for ensuring their employees follow safety protocols, and that the village administrator’s role should include holding superintendents accountable.
• Village Administrator indicated willingness to begin issuing formal write-ups starting immediately, with termination as the consequence upon reaching a third write-up.
• Concerns were expressed that strict enforcement could result in the loss of long-tenured employees who would be difficult to replace, particularly licensed staff in the water and sewer departments.
• A prior attempt to provide high-visibility yellow reflective shirts to employees was discussed, noting that only some employees wore them and the initiative was ultimately unsuccessful.
• It was agreed that all employees should be issued and required to wear safety vests whenever working on public streets, with hard hats required in applicable situations, as already outlined in the employee handbook.
• The mayor emphasized that superintendents must be held to the same standards as all other employees and should not be exempt from accountability measures.
• A suggestion was made to reinstate the role of a street commissioner, a position that historically involved distributing daily work lists to department heads each morning and ensuring task completion.
• Concerns were raised about employees spending extended periods driving around without completing assigned projects, with the suggestion that structured daily task lists would improve productivity.
• Outsourcing some mowing responsibilities was proposed as a way to free up street department staff to focus on road and infrastructure maintenance, noting that cemetery mowing bids had previously been sought without success.

     Water Service Lines and Bronze Heights Water System

• A resident from Bronze Heights attended the meeting to express opposition to being brought within the village’s city limits.
• The resident raised concerns about a prior incident in which police were sent to her home following a previous meeting, which she described as traumatic given recent personal losses in her family.
• Village Administrator clarified that he does not have authority to dispatch police and that he reported statements made by the resident to the village deputy and ODOT representatives after two witnesses were present during a prior interaction.
• An apology was offered on behalf of the village for the way the prior incident unfolded, while maintaining that the removal from the building was necessary due to the disturbance caused.
• The village acknowledged its history of assisting the resident, including coordinating with veterans’ organizations for infrastructure-related support.
• It was explained that the village’s interest in the Bronze Heights water system is driven by EPA compliance obligations rather than a desire to annex the area.
• The water and sewer infrastructure serving Bronze Heights was described as being in poor condition and requiring significant investment, making a voluntary takeover financially unattractive to the village.
• The historical structure of the Bronze Heights water system was described as having been divided between two private operators, one of whom has since passed away, leaving the system without clear responsible ownership.
• Three separate informal water companies were identified in the broader area, including one serving the trailer park and one each on either side of the road, with legal counsel being engaged to clarify responsibilities.
• It was stated that each homeowner is responsible for their own service line, consistent with how the village handles its own residents, and that the broader company or entity is responsible for the main line.
• The village indicated that if a water main break occurs and the Bronze Heights water company lacks funds to repair it, the village may be forced to shut off water at the road until repairs are completed.
• Commissioners were identified as the preferred entity to take over the Bronze Heights water system given its location outside village limits, though they have previously declined to do so.
• A resolution is being developed to formalize responsibilities and cost structures, including a billing framework for village assistance in the event of emergencies affecting the water supply.
• The incoming legal team was referenced as a resource to help clarify the legal structure and determine appropriate next steps for the water system situation.

     Village Administrator Salary Adjustment Request

• A formal salary adjustment request was submitted by the village administrator for council review, with a proposed increase of 10,000 dollars annually, effective January 1st of the new year.
• The request was based on the administrator’s assessment that two subordinates with licenses and specialized education currently earn more than the administrator despite the administrator performing a broader range of duties.
• It was noted that the administrator regularly works beyond the 40-hour salaried week, including responding to after-hours emergencies, weekend incidents, and situations where other staff do not answer their phones.
• Specific examples were cited of the administrator responding to water main issues, sewer jobs, downed trees, and overflowing manholes during personal time and without being the designated on-call responder.
• The administrator acknowledged using personal devices for all work-related applications, emails, and communications without reimbursement, while noting that other employees have resisted installing work-related apps on personal phones.
• A concern was raised by a council member that the salary increase should be contingent on demonstrated improvement in holding superintendents accountable and reducing the administrator’s role as a first responder rather than a last resort.
• The administrator responded that the request reflects compensation for work already being performed rather than a commitment to future changes, and expressed frustration that accountability efforts are undermined when employees escalate issues to council rather than following administrative direction.
• The mayor acknowledged the administrator’s contributions, particularly during emergencies, while reiterating the expectation that the role should focus more on administrative oversight and superintendent accountability.
• The administrator disclosed having a pending interview to return to a prior position at a correctional facility, indicating this would likely proceed if the salary adjustment is not approved.
• Council agreed to defer a final decision to the next finance committee meeting for further discussion before taking a vote.

Motion to adjourn made by Rucker seconded by Antill. All in favor, motion carried.