Butler project to begin

Work on Butler Street this year wasn’t expected to begin until summer.

That timeline has moved up significantly.

Village administrator Randy Diller reminded Fort Recovery Village Council on Monday that Tom’s Construction will begin work next week on Butler Street (Ohio 119) between Fort Site and Main streets.

Originally, the work had been slated to begin in June or July.

Diller pointed out the construction company has indicated the project will take approximately 60 days to complete.

“Which I said, I’m going to hold them to that,” he said, smiling. “That seems pretty optimistic to me, but, hey, they can do it.”

Partially funded by an Ohio Public Works Commission grant, the $1.4 million project calls for an “improved aggregate base and asphalt” to handle heavy truck traffic each day, as well as the following: improved curbs and sidewalks, replacing the water main pipe, new service taps at adjoining properties including a tap for fire protection at Fort Recovery Morvilius Opera House, and a new traffic signal, pedestrian crossing equipment and fixtures at the intersection of Butler and Wayne streets.

Plans are to detour semi traffic to Ohio 29. Local traffic should be able to travel along streets depending on the portion of road Tom’s Construction is working on.

Diller added although most of the work should be completed by the beginning of May, he anticipates new traffic signal poles won’t arrive until June. He said the village may need to put up temporary stop lights or a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Butler and Wayne streets in the interim.

Council approved a resolution Monday to transfer $520,000 for the project from the general fund to the street repair and maintenance fund.

Council also learned Caldwell Tanks is installing the tower portion of the new second water tower in the village this week.

Diller noted the water line attached to the future tower is now connected to the system. Painting is slated for April or May, with the project set to be completed by July.

In other business, council members:

•Heard council will approve an ordinance annexing 7.417 acres in Gibson Township on April 21. (The ordinance will accept the annexation and set zoning classifications, and once approved the annexation will be in effect 30 days thereafter.)  Properties included are Miracle Lanes, Mercer Health Medical Group, a portion of Wendel Poultry’s property and a lot owned by Fred Westgerdes.

•Learned Fort Recovery’s health insurance renewal increased by 9.5%. Diller suggested renewing the current policy and looking into pricing next year, pointing out several longtime employees have retired or will be retiring soon.

•Approved amendments to the village’s zoning map and regulations on a second reading. The amendments serve to rezone Brandon and Amanda Wyerick’s property at 105 S. Elm St. to commercial and prohibit first-floor residential use in central commercial district buildings.

•Learned the village has received five applications for its village assistant administrator position. (Diller plans to retire at the end of February 2026 and hopes to bring on an assistant to train over the next year before promoting to his role.) Diller noted applications close today.

•Were reminded Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce’s awards banquet is slated for 5:30 p.m. March 9 in the auditeria at Fort Recovery Elementary/Middle School.