MINGO JUNCTION — A couple that resides on Longvue Avenue who live near Hills Elementary School brought their concern over cars speeding through the school zone and residential area to Tuesday’s meeting of Mingo Junction Village Council.

The couple spoke during the public participation portion of the meeting, which Mayor Ed Fithen put first on the agenda.

The resident expressed concerns over the speed of the cars, which she estimated exceed 40 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour in some cases, given the proximity to the school and the danger to residents.

Her husband said that just Monday night he was walking the couple’s dog and a car came through the area at a high rate of speed, and did not slow down upon seeing him and the dog and nearly hit the pet.

The couple, acknowledging it is tough for the police department to monitor the area at all times, came with some suggestions for how to solve the problem outside of more enforcement – speed bumps and more signs.

The woman suggested portable bumps, citing the use of permanent ones in Wintersville as an example of how they could work. She also pointed out that there are only two speed limit signs on the road, and suggested putting more up.

It was noted the actual term for the devices is speed humps. The only concern noted with the humps was in the winter time, they could be problematic for plow trucks.

Fithen and members of council all agreed, however, the speeding is an issue.

“We need them on more than just Longvue,” Councilwoman Jodilyn Fitzgerald said.

Village Administrator Bob Smith said the village would look into the portable options to see how they work and consider permanent fixtures with future paving jobs.

Fithen, during the discussion, looked up prices of the portable rubber options.

Another public participant appeared to offer praise to the village for the restoration of the bocce court at the village park.

“We’re very appreciative,” the man said, referencing others who use the courts.

During his report, Smith said “we have the best service department in the state of Ohio in my eyes.”

“What they do with the manpower that they have … I have some of the best people in all of our shops,” he said. “I appreciate what they do.”

He also said the recent visit by Gov. Mike DeWine, he thought, went well. Smith, when DeWine appeared to announce funding for a water project on Oct. 27, took the governor on a tour of downtown and asked for assistance with tearing down dilapidated buildings.

Fire Chief Brandon Montgomery said a department truck in the shop is awaiting parts for repairs and should be back in service soon.

He also said, upon praise from Fithen for the department’s work on citing buildings in violation, the focus of the department is on preventative measures and education, as they inspect businesses for things like adequate fire alarms and extinguishers.

NOTES:

• The village’s light-up night, originally set for Dec. 6, will happen on a new date to be announced later due to a scheduling conflict with one of the participants.

• The village senior center’s Christmas party will be held on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP with the center by Dec. 3.

• Montgomery announced the fire department will have Santa on the fire truck and be going through the village handing out treat bags to kids from noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 19.

• Due to the fourth Tuesday of the month falling on the week of Thanksgiving, the next council meeting was changed to Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.