BY NIKKI BURKHAMER
EXAMINER Contributor
Fiberoptics, an alley closing and the announcement of the West Liberty Labor Day grand marshal dominated the Monday evening, Aug. 11, West Liberty Village Council meeting.
Ninety-nine year old Dorothy Stout will be leading West Liberty’s traditional parade this year as the 2025 grand marshal, Jacob Vitt informed the council. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the 60th annual West Liberty Lions Club Labor Day Festival, which runs from Friday, Aug. 29, through Monday, Sept. 1.
In addition, Tim Woodruff was named as the 2025 West Liberty Lions Club Member of the Year. He will be in the second vehicle, behind Trout, in the parade formation. Look for additional details about these honored positions in a future edition of the Examiner.
During his report, Street Superintendent Mark Nelson explained that the fiberoptics cable is being installed by Brightspeed.
This week, the fiberoptic cable company is planning to install 4,000 feet of cable near Marie’s Candies, then to west Newell, to Tupper, and on to U.S. Route 68 from Runkle Street.
Concerns were raised by Nelson about the location of storm drains and various piping under the streets. They will also be boring very closely to sanitary sewer lines.
Since the piping, tiles, lines and drains are more than 100 years old in some areas, efforts have been made to try to mark their locations. Without the proper equipment, it has been impossible for the street department to pinpoint where these pipes and drains are.
“There is a chance that absolutely nothing could go wrong here. But the way I see it, if we are talking potential storm drain repairs. We’re talking major money, and just plainly speaking, the village is going to be on the hook for those repairs,” Nelson explained.
I’ve requested a formal quote from Brad Collins of Brightspeed for his company to locate the lines. Mr. Collins said the worst-case scenario would be about $9,000 for their service. I have also requested, in writing, that we are absolved of any liability.”
After some discussion, a motion was made to allot for $10,000 to be set aside for Brightspeed to use their equipment to locate the obstacles.
This would potentially save the village thousands if damage is made during the boring. It would then become the responsibility of Brightspeed if any damage occurs. Also, the village will have much needed mapping of the drains, tiles and piping.
The alley behind and beside Dorcey’s Flowers and beside the West Liberty Branch of the Logan County Libraries will be closed to vehicles soon. The first reading of the ordinance to close the alley to traffic was presented at the meeting.
Safety Council meets Aug. 21.
The next village council meeting is 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25.
