Business owner expresses concern

FORT RECOVERY — The aftermath of closing Fort Site Street to semi traffic is producing criticism from a local business owner.
Fort Recovery Village Council heard Monday evening from Wayne Oil Co. owner Ivan Kaffenberger about his concern that there is no grace period for trucks in violation of the new ordinance as well as for future truck drivers with no other solution than to use the street.
Kaffenberger explained that a semi driver was ticketed on the first day the ordinance was put into effect, without consideration of leniency for the driver who Kaffenberger said forgot the new ordinance was put in place.
“I thought just a little bit of, a day or two’s notice,” said Kaffenberger. “I can understand that a guy can make a mistake.”
He went on to say that there isn’t enough warning of the change in place for drivers. He compared it to the recent implementation of a four way stop at Milligan and Wayne streets — it had flashing signs to warn drivers to slow down, said Kaffenberger, whereas the truck traffic prohibition just has formal signs.
But council members explained that local drivers should know about the issue after months of discussion compared to the change in the intersection, which was approved in the same month it was brought to council.
“They didn’t have three months warning,” said council member Rod Thobe. “This thing’s been talked about.”
Worried about points being put on the driver’s commercial driver license (CDL), Kaffenberger asked members to reconsider a grace period to allow drivers to learn about the street closure.
Council member Dave Garman expressed worry that if council or police chief Jared Laux allowed exceptions, it would give those against the ordinance a way to abuse the system.
“What are you going to do to the guy who threatened to use it whenever he wants?
“What are you going to do when he finds out that we let somebody pass?” said Garman. “It’s a no-win situation. … The bottom line is that street is not wide enough. That’s what this is all about.
“We need the support of the businesses just like everybody else. We’re trying to do the right thing.”
Kaffenberger said he’s been telling other business owners to warn their drivers, but added that sometimes trucks need to travel Fort Site Street to get to or from the alley of his business, which is located on North Wayne Street, safely. Not allowing them to use the street could persuade them to go somewhere else, hampering his business, he added.
Council members discussed allowing the occasional truck to be allowed as long as the driver could produce proof necessitating the street’s use, such as a sales slip for mechanical work on the truck. Village administrator Randy Diller expressed apprehension at making any exceptions because once one is made, others may ask the same.
“If this gets out, are truckers going to use this as an excuse?” he said. “I don’t want it to be abused.”
Council members told Laux to use his best discretion.
In other business, council members Cliff Wendel, Dave Kaup, Dave Bretz, Thobe and Garman, absent Al Post:
•Approved on second reading retaining Dave Bruns as village attorney and a wage increase for village employees, averaging 2.59 percent. The ordinances will go on to third reading at council’s next meeting.
•Heard an update about the wastewater lagoon renovation project. Diller told members soil boring tests were conducted last week but results haven’t been returned yet. He also said Choice One Engineering was chosen to design the renovation or possible addition of a third lagoon.
•Approved a $250 donation to Business Enterprise Center in Celina, which helps train residents in manufacturing.