Village of Anna Progress Report – 2010

Village of Anna - - A Year In Transition – 2010

Our Village of 1600 residents went through many changes in 2010.  First, Chuck Shepherd, our Police Chief for the past 10 years, retired and was replaced by Scott Evans.  Then, this past summer one our most revered residents, long-time Village employee, Jon Hulsmeyer moved away and took another job.  Jon was replaced by Nancy Benroth.  Mayor, Julie Ehemann, ran for Shelby County Commissioner and was successful becoming the first female county commissioner.  The writer of this article was sworn in, by her, as her replacement.

The changes in 2010 certainly didn’t stop with personnel.  Our Village employees accomplished many renovations, over and above their normal daily or weekly routine jobs.  They resurfaced our park walking path, installed 1800 feet of new sidewalk on thoroughfares along 25A and 119, revitalized an older police cruiser into a Village Administration vehicle, and repaired or replaced many water or sanitary sewer fixtures.  These services as well as many more have saved our residents thousands of dollars.

2010 saw reconstruction of North Third St. by Don Sommer Inc. at a cost of almost $93,000.  A Grant through the Ohio Public Works Commission helped with the cost.  Resurfacing of many village streets as well as emergency repairs took place in 3 or 4 phases.  Repairs to McRill Way and Walnut intersection as well as Mill Street were taken care of early.  In June sections of Second and Shue Drive were over-laid as well as Young Street.  In the fall resurfacing of South Street, Fairview, and South Linden was done.  Our Waste Water Treatment Plant drive was also repaved.  Freisthler Paving, Inc. was our contractor for these jobs at a total cost of $57,226. 

At the Anna Community Park, Wannemacher Construction put in over 1000 feet of tile costing $3200 to drain surface water which accumulates in rainy seasons.  Another valuable park feature, a second baseball field complex was installed by Shinn Bros., with the help of a $22,500 ODNR grant.

The water tower exterior surface was cleaned and a tile project in the bottom of our east detention basin was accomplished.

Installation of energy saving capacitors on wastewater pumps and blowers, to reduce power consumption by 6-12% per month was completed.

At this time, Jones and Henry Engineers are reviewing and recommending updates for our 15 year old waste water plant.

In 2011 if money becomes available, the following new projects are on the horizon:  more new sidewalk construction along 119 to the east and 25A south; a new restroom/concession stand building for the park; completion of the rebuilding of West North Street.  Park programs and family entertainment will once again be available.

In 2010, Wells Brothers, Inc. and Mr. and Mrs. Dale Riffell were honored with the Anna Village Pride Award plaques for their beautification efforts.

The hard work of all our village employees should not go unnoticed.  Public Works Superintendent, Kyle Wildermuth, along with Bruce Schroer, Tyler Shuster and Brad Duncum are continually working, training and gaining the experience necessary for quality maintenance of our town.  In the office, Diane Homan and Jenny Maurer are “efficiency in motion” as they keep the village running smoothly.  The Village office continues to progress forward with options of convenience and cost savings for our residents with the opportunity to pay utilities thru ACH, and availability of Village information on our web-site including upcoming events, quarterly newsletter, zoning regulations and ordinances/resolutions, to name a few.  Finally, we are so fortunate to have Fire Chief, Tim Bender leading a brigade of 25 volunteer firemen to protect us all.

Respectfully Submitted,
Bob Anderson, Mayor