(by By Katie Sparks, Staff Writer - September 24, 2009)
Residents on South Grener Road are about to see the light.
Prairie Township Administrator, Tracy Hatmaker, proposed the addition of 16 streetlamps to go along South Grener between Sullivant Avenue and West Broad Street as part of the current improvement initiative during the Sept. 23 meeting of trustees.
The Grener project is funded by grants, however, the addition of street lights would would require the use of township funds.
Hatmaker said funds would be most readily available from the township’s general fund. However, a township resident and the board discussed the possibility of using the road department fund for the project as it would be more fitting.
Vice-Chair Steve Kennedy said the board would work to get clarification in regard to which fund would be appropriate.
The plan to pay for streetlamps was approved and whether the funds will come for the general or road funds is yet to be determined.
Hatmaker said the 16 lamp posts will cost $192 per month as projected by American Electric Power.
The only cost subject to fluctuation is electricity.
“Fuel costs, the cost of electricity is subject to change,” said Fiscal Officer Dan McCradle.
The installation and maintenance of the lights is free of charge from AEP and the company uses annual contracts with renewals, added McCradle.
Fight the Hike
In other news, another meeting for Fight the Hike Ohio has been scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Prairie Township Fire House located at 451 Hubbard Road, in Galloway.
Fight the Hike Ohio is a consumer coalition backed by Waterhouse Public Relations firm, organized to prevent water and sewer rate increases for OhioAmerican Water customers.
Kennedy said the gathering will be used as a forum for updates and petition signing.
Trick-or-Treat
Trick-or-Treat in Prairie Township has been set for Oct. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Hatmaker said last year there was confusion because of conflicting times between Hilliard and Prairie for door to door festivities. This year Hilliard and Prairie township have the same Trick-or-Treat time.
