Millersburg council business: Creek logjams, utility vehicles on roads & tree help

MILLERBURG − Council heard an update on clearing Killbuck Creek, an appeal to reconsider the village's ordinance prohibiting utility vehicles on public roads, and public thanks from a resident whose diseased tree was removed over the summer.

Karen Gotter of the Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District (HSWCD) said a logjam in the creek behind Walmart on South Washington Street was cleared late in 2021, thanks to funding from Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (MWCD) through their debris removal program.

A few checks of the site since the clearing have been done, and Gotter reports there is no new debris.

"Work to remediate logjams and debris hazards between Millersburg and Killbuck was scheduled for summer of 2022," Gotter said. "After the derecho (in June) it was determined that the upstream section needed to be monitored and assessed first to see if debris from that section would be likely to move south and undo the gains made by clearing the southern section."

Village Administrator Nate Troyer noted that since the clearing of the debris, there have been fewer problems with standing water in the village.

Holmes County Commissioners funded the River Rangers to scout the northern section (County Road 1 to Millersburg), the middle section (Millersburg to Killbuck), and remove one hazard near the pedestrian bridge at the Trail Depot.

The River Rangers reported 37 hazard locations as of Oct. 27. Areas were marked where novice paddlers would need additional training to safely pass.

Gotter said an application to MWCD is being assembled to tackle the hazards between Holmesville and Millersburg. A $20,000 project funding cap may mean a delay until 2023, or other funding sources might also be pursued.

She said the Appalachian Community Grant program is a likely source for funding to attempt a clean sweep of the entire Holmes County stretch.

Appeal to allow utility vehicles on public roads

Millersburg business owner Nick Mullet asked council to reverse its decision from several years ago banning ATVs, golf carts and other utility vehicles from operating on public roads.

Mullet noted state law has a procedure in place for allowing ATVs on city streets, including requiring insurance, licensed drivers, and having vehicles inspected.

"I can tell you the one I have has headlights, turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights, mirrors, a cab, heater and a snow plow," he said. "I am looking to bring it in to plow snow on our property here in town.

"I didn't come here to upset the apple cart," he continued. "I come with some information."

He said neighboring communities like Coshocton originally banned them, but turned the ruling around and have not reported any trouble with them.

"You can control with permits, stickers, however you wish, but right now the folks that are operating them have insurance, they are licensed drivers and they've had safety inspections," Mullet said. "They are still subject to all the rules of the highway. You're not going to speed around, raising the devil. If you do, it's the same as somebody driving a car. They get pinched for it.

"I checked with Loudonville," he continued. "They have been doing this for some time now, with the same procedures. They require an inspection, proof of insurance, license plate and registration. Everything has been going fine. They license golf carts as well."

Solicitor to research the law on ATVs and report back

Mullet asked council to explore the idea of allowing utility vehicles with regulations.

"I find it difficult when I come into town following an e-bike going 35. They don't use turn signals or hand signals making lane changes, not stopping at stop signs, blowing through intersections," he said. "They are supposed to follow the same rules of the road as licensed drivers. The difference is, they don't have licenses; they don't have insurance. And we don't seem to have any controls over them. But right now, we can't bring in a licensed (utility) vehicle."

Council member Kelly Hoffee said she wouldn't be opposed to seeing these types of vehicles in town.

"I really appreciate you coming in and talking with us about this," Hoffee said. "I would love to drive a UTV in this town."

Council member Tom Vaughn expressed concern about such vehicles operating on any road above 35 mph.

Solicitor Bob Hines added that the laws regarding utility vehicles are confusing, and without reviewing the file, he doesn't want to render a legal opinion on it.

Council asked Hines to research the law and report back.

Thanks to the village 'for taking care of my old buckeye tree'

Village resident Mike Gerber thanked the village for removing his buckeye tree that was damaged by the storm this summer.

"Hershberger Tree Service came and did everything safely," he said. "They were very cordial about it, getting permission to park their equipment at my neighbor's. They stacked the wood up and the village came and removed it the next week. They came the next week and ground out the stump. It was done like clockwork. I appreciated the way it was done.

"You've got good guys working for you," he told council. "I just want to thank the village for taking care of my old buckeye tree."

Troyer suggested a new tree could be planted by the Tree City staff, and Gerber said anything other than a big sequoia would be welcomed.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Millersburg council business: Creek logjams, ATVs on roads & tree help