BARNESVILLE, Ohio (AVC News) — Barnesville Village Council approved May Engineering to move forward with preliminary work on a project to replace the traffic signal at Church and North Chestnut streets during its early September meeting.
Mayor Jacob Hershberger reported that the village had advertised a request for qualifications for the signal replacement project, with May Engineering being the only firm to respond. After reviewing the submission, the village determined the firm was qualified and capable of performing the work.
Council discussed preliminary project estimates, grant funding and the village’s required match, along with safety concerns, electrical service to the existing signal, strain on the existing pole and plans for new signal equipment to match the village’s other two signalized intersections.
The next step will be negotiating the contract, fees and scope of the project. Council voted 4-0-2 to accept May Engineering’s request for qualifications, with Council members McCort and Carpenter absent.
Village Administrator Roger Deal also reported that the village’s 2026 street paving project had been completed, with crews finishing joint sealing along the new asphalt and curbs. Deal planned to meet with Mid-Atlantic Maintenance to review traffic markings.
In parks and recreation, Hershberger said he and Park Supervisor Rich Wells applied for a Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District grant for an outdoor jumping pillow with a safety fence, ballfield fencing and bleachers.
The project is estimated to cost about $103,000, with approximately $88,000 requested through the grant. Village labor and equipment would count as an in-kind match, leaving an estimated village contribution of about $12,000. Award notification is expected in November.
Hershberger also provided an update on the proposed Watt Center Trail, which could connect the Depot through the Watt Center property toward Wiley Avenue. The first step is gathering public input.
In the water and sewer department, Deal reported that work on the village’s water treatment plant clear well storage tank rehabilitation project was scheduled to begin Sept. 29 on tank one, followed by work on tank two beginning Oct. 19.
Adam Ackerman reported that the South Broadway waterline project was slightly more than halfway complete.
Hershberger also said the Hendrysburg-Fairview-Mt. Olivet waterline extension project was nearing the bidding stage.
Council approved building permits for new metal roofs at 208 Walton Avenue and 316 North Chestnut Street.
Hershberger reported that previously approved HVAC work at the Bohandy Building had been completed, including installation of a new furnace and air-conditioning unit and repairs to a second furnace. A leak was discovered in an older air-conditioning coil when the second unit was being connected. Because of the age of the unit and its refrigerant type, the village authorized replacing it for approximately $8,900 rather than repairing it.
Hershberger also reported that a survey of Railroad Street parcels had been completed, approved and filed. Belmont Savings Bank and Riesbeck’s donated the land to the village for a Class of 1975 pavilion project, and Village Solicitor Richard Myser was preparing paperwork for the village to accept the donation.
Council also received an update on the village’s new centralized property maintenance and code enforcement process. Beginning at the end of August, property maintenance complaints and property abatements were centralized through the Barnesville Police Department. The village has established a dedicated webpage and online reporting form for residents to submit concerns.
According to village officials, the centralized process is intended to streamline complaints, improve communication and provide better follow-up.
Council entered executive session at 7:35 p.m. under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(1) to consider the employment of a public employee. The council returned to regular session at 8:19 p.m. No action from the executive session was listed in the minutes.
Last Updated on September 30, 2026 by AVC News
