Malvern village officials look to move lights from bridge

By Thomas Clapper

CCM Reporter

Malvern Council discussed office business and village improvements such as the lights on the downtown bridge at the Nov. 18 meeting.

Fiscal Officer Ashley Neading reported Malvern Administrative Assistant Teri Foster has been working very hard on transitioning software for the water billing. 

“The last data pull is done and went smoothly,” said Neading. “Teri now knows how to do everything such as billing and we still have access to the old software until year’s end. We plan to do the year-end reports with the old software then use new software entirely after that.”

In an unrelated matter, Neading reported she met with Ali Wittman from Omnia Partners. It is like Amazon for village governments. For example, the village could list out an order what is needed for the village in bulk and companies can be chosen to bid it out to the village at various prices. There is no cost to the village to use. 

“It is something interesting to look at, have access to and see if money can be saved in any way,” said Neading. 

Village Administrator Derik Kaltenbaugh initiated a discussion on the lights on the bridge in the downtown area. 

He said the bulbs keep going out because of traffic causing the bridge to shake which damages the lights or shakes something loose. 

“Three or four of the collars we waited so long for to go with the bridge lights are broke. The vibration from traffic is too much,” said Kaltenbaugh. “I drove over the bridge recently and a light went out.”

Kaltenbaugh said he spoke to Sheets-Eick Electric LLC to obtain a cost for new light poles to place on each side of the bridge, aiming down at the bridge and bridge sidewalk. 

“We have to get the lights off the bridge,” said Kaltenbaugh. “We can’t keep putting money into this bridge. This could save us any money we would have to keep pouring into this thing.”

He will follow up to obtain prices for new poles. 

Councilman Jan Wackerly said if the village can get new lights the old ones can be reused as the tops and parts to repair and add to the other village lights. Kaltenbaugh agreed. 

In other business, Malvern Council:

-ADOPTED a resolution  authorizing Neading to sign the Memorandum of Agreement with HHH CAP Group, Inc., and the State Auditor for accounting services on behalf of the village.

-APPROVED a motion to allow Kaltenbaugh to get the 2010 dump truck repaired. This is the oldest dump truck. Kaltenbaugh said it is needed for the winter. If the village sells or keeps the truck, the list of repairs need addressed. 

-HEARD Kaltenbaugh purchased tools for each truck so workers do not have to spend more time going back to the garage. 

-LEARNED the fire siren is getting close to being ready. Mayor Bob DeLong said the village is   waiting for the new control box, but the company needs to come set it up. The electrical lines are set up. 

-PAID bills totaling $11,715.31, $10,097.25 in payroll pre-approved by the Finance Committee and paid Nov. 7; and $10,075.15 on Nov. 21. 

The next meeting will be held Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. in village hall.