February 7, 2005

Attachment A

State of the Village Address

Finances are the highlight of the Village pending the State’s use of LGF. The village does have a reserve at this time, however this depends upon the appropriations for this ensuing year as to how the funds will be affected and used accordingly.

Funding for the Library is at 50% of needed monies.

Business: Expansion for Waltz Meats; Farmer Smith Popcorn has some new owners; and GeoCon drilling is a new business in the Village. Several homes have been sold and a fire at the Schulte residence will hopefully result in a new home for that property.

Water problem: Evan’s pond is in need of a “dry hydrant”.

Salem Presbyterian Church Community Care Team has been formed. Their various projects include an AED that will be given to the Village from the Van Wert County EMA office to be placed in the Village “disaster area”, Salem Church.

Four roads in the Village were chipped and sealed, Wittington, Williams, Evans and College. State Route 116-Main Street should be paved by the Sate sometime during 2005.

Burning on Village property continues. A reminder that it is against state law for anyone to burn trash of any kind. The only exception is a campfire.

A large accomplishment for the Village is that after several years of discussion the clerk has secured and maintained a computer for Village business and also assists her in communications at the State level.

Mapping of the Village continues. Charlie Good could use any help tracking Village plots and drainage.

The Village now has its own logo designed by Stephanie Beck.

Calls of excessive junk are on the increase. I encourage all residents to clean up their properties. It is my hope that the Village could have a “Clean Up Day” to assist residents who are unable, for various reasons, to accomplish this task.

There has been a lot of media attention in 2004 on the Open Records-Sunshine Laws. I would like to remind everyone that all Village business is put on the website maintained by Charlie Good.

Jenny Pugh, our clerk/treasurer, has done a wonderful job. I suggest we keep her as long as she wants this position. Thank you Jenny for all of your hard work at keeping our records straight.

Respectfully,

Douglas R. Ruen, Mayor