CRESTLINE — Crestline Village Council had its first meeting of 2020 on Monday evening and it was also the first council meeting for mayor Linda Horning Pitt.

Pitt said she is excited to work with so many great people.

“We have a great village council in place and a great staff of employees,” Pitt said. “I am excited to get started in working for the citizens of Crestline.”

Council member Joy Miley read a letter from Allen Laferty, who was absent from the meeting while he is on vacation.

She said Laferty is willing to serve as council president for 2020, meaning he would fill in for the mayor if the need arises due to her absence from a meeting. Laferty was nominated by fellow council member Gene Toy.

Village Administrator John Rostash said the Main Street waterline replacement project is back on after a hiatus during the holidays.

“Buckeye Excavating has been off for the holidays and will be back tomorrow to clean up the work area,” Rostash said. “Our service department team has been monitoring the work area daily and filling the trench area as needed during Buckeye Excavating’s absence.”

Toy asked if it is in the contract for the company to reimburse the village for clean-up work while their crews were off work.

“We are reviewing the contract to see what the requirements are,” Rostash said.

He said, on Wednesday, two fire hydrants will be installed on the new main line.

“These will serve as sampling points when the line is pressure tested. After the line is pressure tested and the samples pass testing, then the service lines will be connected,” Rostash. “Expect several more weeks of work by the contractor on these projects. We will do our best to keep the community informed on our website, www.crestlineoh.com and our Facebook, page @CrestlineOhio.”

Rostash announced that the village will be using MuniLink for the utility billing of residents.

“After viewing their presentation, talking with other communities and reviewing our needs, we are delighted to join the many municipalities in Ohio that are utilizing MuniLink services,” he said. “The software will greatly enhance customer service within our Utility Department. I am told the transition will take three to six months.”

Rostash said he and other staff will be visiting other wastewater treatment plants to see the systems they are using.

“We need to determine the best treatment system for our unique needs. Once an optimal treatment process is determined, our engineers can begin the design of our system,” Rostash said.

He also said the village administration will be seeking quotes for the Park Road Pump Station improvements.

Heading into the new year, Rostash said the village will continue to aggressively enforce the Property Maintenance Code.

“If you have accumulated trash, junk vehicles, and other debris on your property, please have those items removed to avoid a violation notice and prosecution,” he said.

It also was announced Christmas tree and wind-storm-related debris collections are underway.

“Place your natural, not artificial, Christmas trees and brush from the wind storm by the curb and our service department team will gladly remove them for you,” Rostash said.

Council completed the second reading of a proposed resolution to authorize the mayor and fiscal officer to execute a second amendment to the lease agreement with the American National Red Cross.

Council’s next meeting is Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m.