MINGO JUNCTION - Village Mayor Ron DiCarlo on Tuesday wanted an ordinance brought in to ban adult entertainment clubs in the village, but Solicitor Ernest Wilson said it isn't that easy.
DiCarlo said he has been receiving numerous complaints about the adult entertainment club that opened in the downtown area last year.
Wilson said it would be unconstitutional to completely ban adult entertainment establishments. He said the village could amend its zoning laws to restrict where such clubs could operate. He said the restrictions could include proximities to churches and schools.
"In order for it not to be unconstitutional, we have to give them a place where they can go," Wilson said. "We have to put provisions in the zoning code where they can realistically operate."
In other matters, a resident raised concerns about the work being done by Columbia Gas of Ohio throughout the village. The gas company is repairing or replacing lines and valves throughout the village.
The gas company is digging along streets, and the resident complained that vehicles are swerving to miss the holes or are getting damaged by hitting the holes.
Village Administrator Frank Fuscardo said Columbia Gas has been receptive to concerns about the condition of work areas on streets. He said the holes are being filled with slag and cement and then crews patch them with asphalt.
Fuscardo said the work is expected to continue throughout the summer.
Councilman John Bracone asked Wilson to check the village ordinances as to how long a hole can be left before repairs are made.
Council also approved an ordinance to enter into a contract with Finley Fire Equipment of McConnesville to purchase new turnout gear for the fire department. The village obtained competitive quotes from vendors for the equipment.
Fire Chief John Wright announced in February the fire department received a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
Wright said the department will be able to purchase 27 sets of firefighter turnout gear and a commercial grade washer and dryer specifically built to clean firefighter turnout gear. The village is responsible for contributing $3,854 for a total amount of $77,097 to be used to purchase the equipment. He said the fire department should have the new gear and equipment in about four weeks.
Councilman Jack Brettell said the village recently received a bill for $5,000 for a month of electricity for street lights around the village. Brettell suggested some of the lights be removed to save money.
Council's street light committee will address the issue, with the help of the police department.
Councilman John Fabian said there are pros and cons with the street lights, with the lights being a crime deterrent.
"It was fine when we had the money to support the program," Fabian said.
