In 2021 the Village of Covington was busy. Our Staff completed numerous daily, weekly, monthly, and annual tasks, as well as managed and completed many large projects. The Village is extremely lucky to have dedicated individuals who work to make the Village better day in and day out. Here are some of the great things that were accomplished in 2021.
Economic Development / Planning Activities:
- Applied for and received $32,000 in CDBG funds for removal of properties in the Village.
- Applied for and received $336,234 in OPWC Grants for the High Street Utilities Project.
- Held productive meetings related to the future growth of the Village with business leaders.
- Confirmed finalization of the DRD within the Village and timeline for its approval through the State of Ohio.
- Gave a business of the month award to local businesses to bring more attention all the great businesses within the Village.
- Held 1st Annual Covington Hometown Christmas Event, which increased sales for Village businesses along with building community.
Project Updates:
- Completed the Face Street road resurfacing and replacement project.
- Completed the High Street Utilities Project.
- Worked with a consultant to draft and adopt the Schoolhouse Park Master Plan.
- Purchased the Old Rudy Elevator Property for demolition.
- Drafted an RFP, chose consultant, and worked with a consultant to complete the WWTP PER study update.
- Drafted an RFP, went out of bids, processed, and selected a design firm for the WWTP project.
Budget Review:
- Created a capital improvement plan and equipment replacement plan
- Large Budgetary Item Purchases / Expenses:
- Police Cruiser
- Leaf Vacuum
- Body Camera System for Police
- Paid off Woodchipper
- Paid off Police Cruiser
- Paid off Trash Truck
- Improvements made to the Village infrastructure, buildings, public spaces
- Replaced network services with increased security and protection
- Replaced wifi in government center
- Government Center was painted
- Purchased iWorq a property database to move all zoning permits and property management to a digital environment
General Village Notes:
- Police Notes:
- The School Resource Officer (SRO) spent all year working with the school and the kids to provide a resource between the school, the kids, and the Village.
- Worked overtime during the High Street project and helped to guide some of the traffic outside of the Village.
- Provided support to residents, businesses, and outside agencies related to cases in and around the Village.
- Public Works Notes:
- Picked up substantial amounts of limbs and chipped them at no additional cost to residents.
- Picked up all leaves in the Village in under 2 weeks, as distribution issues caused a delay in the delivery of the new leaf vacuum.
- Replaced several parts at the sewer and water plant to assure that both plants are running smoothly.
- Worked with EPA related to the permit at the WWTP and have a plan in place to meet requirements.
- Administration Notes:
- There were several changes that were made internally at the Village including modifications to policies, procedures, and documentation to bring the Village further into compliance with State and Federal regulations.
- Updates were made to the Village Employee Manual.
- The Village completed the 2019/2020 Audit from the State of Ohio.
- The Village created an Organization Chart that clearly defines job positions and the hierarchy of positions.
- Hired two new employees.
- Adopted a consolidated fee schedule for easy use by residents.
- Adopted a Strategic Plan to allow for residents to see goals and objectives by the Village.
- Implemented Zoom meetings to allow for more ability for residents to watch meetings.
- Implemented Facebook and more social media presence to get information out to residents.
- Updated the Zoning Ordinance.
- Issued over 40 zoning permits.