To aid issues regarding water policy and notifications, the village of Greenfield is planning to implement a one-call notification system.

The matter was discussed at the village council meeting held Monday and began with council member Brenda Losey reporting that there had been discussion in a committee meeting regarding a one-call notification prior to a citizen’s water being shut-off to help ensure that people are aware.

Greenfield City Manager Todd Wilkin said later in the meeting that the village had looked into three different one-call companies and that they are going to move forward with one of those companies and implement the system.

What the village would like to do, Wilkin said, is send a one-call notification out to those that haven’t paid yet the day after water and sewer bills are due, and then another one two days prior to water being shut off due to non-payment.

It is a better service, he said, and a better way to inform residents. Additionally, the system could also be used to make communitywide notifications.

The one-call would go via email and/or phone call to the primary contact information provided. Contact information is currently being updated, Wilkin said. While contact information update cards will be available on the third floor of City Hall, other methods of providing this information will also be utilized like with the next water bill or another newsletter. Residents are also welcome to email their contact information to Wilkin at [email protected].

More specific information regarding the one-call system and how to update contact information will be available soon.

In other business, November’s citizen of the month is Norma Oyer, who was recognized for her efforts in the community, specifically in raising funds for the police department. Oyer has made at least hundreds of cookies that have been sold to raise money for the department. She helps in other events, too.

The employee of the month is CJ Kyle, who while only with the village for about six months has already proven that he is valuable to Greenfield, Wilkin said. Kyle is always willing to do what needs doing.

In other matters, Losey said she has heard positive remarks regarding the ongoing Facade Improvement Program, which is currently in its second round. She said people are wondering if there is more to come.

Wilkin said there is currently work happening in this second round. Some businesses have finished already. Others are having to wait due to materials and labor. Also, given the time of year, weather will play a role in when second-round work gets done.

There is already money enough set aside to fund a third round of the program next year. Additionally, Wilkin said the village is considering extending the program beyond downtown and into the community.

That idea is something council chair Phil Clyburn said could help in the community. He also noted that the village has a pre-1994 CRA (Community Reinvestment Area). The pre-1994 CRA means that the tax abatement on a property in the program is 100 percent and for 15 years versus a CRA formed after 1994 where the tax abatement and length of abatement are negotiable. Contact the village offices for more information on the CRA.

Wilkin said he attended a seminar last week on how to attract housing to a community. Greenfield does not have a lot of house stock, he said, and it’s a situation faced in many communities. But it is something he said the village needs to think about and make a plan for, adding that there are a lot of tools available through the state to help.

“We need to really start thinking about where we grow as a community,” he said.

Life Scout (the second highest rank in the Boy Scouts) Bryce Barber attended the council meeting as part of his citizenship merit badge. He asked council members what they thought the biggest issue was in Greenfield, and each council member provided him an answer. Losey said the economy. Jessalynn Hunter answered that it was bringing in new business and keeping businesses in town. Clyburn said it was providing all the aspects of a good quality of life for citizens. Cory Taylor answered that it was keeping the police department staffed, equipped and safe. Mary Ellen McMurry said it was providing incentives for people to stay in Greenfield and keep the community growing.

Wilkin said Barber is a scout the village is familiar with because he has helped with projects in town. He is currently working on a ramp for kayaks and canoes on Paint Creek as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Greenfield Village Council meets in regular session on the first and third Monday of each month at 4:45 p.m. in the council chambers on the third floor of the City Building.

Angela Shepherd is a correspondent for the village of Greenfield.