NORTH PERRY – North Perry Village council celebrated the recovery of a long-lost time capsule from 26 years ago and advanced several infrastructure projects during a Thursday, May 7, meeting, while denying rumors of a data center development.
During the meeting, Mayor Brian Titus informed council that the time capsule, buried some 26 years ago during the village’s earlier days, was located near the flagpole with help from residents during the recent election.
Johnny Martini provided key information after being asked by poll worker Ellen Talbot.
Workers found the lid Wednesday and excavated the rest Thursday morning, according to Titus.
Officials plan to open the capsule during Community Days.
“We may have to play with it a little bit,” Titus said, adding a lighthearted hope that its contents prove to be historical items rather than something unexpected.
In legislation, council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor and fiscal officer to accept a NOPEC Energized Community grant.
The amount will be determined later, based on village enrollment in the NOPEC energy program and will support community improvements.
Council also advanced two measures tied to a Community Development Block Grant application due the following day.
One affirms the village’s commitment to fair housing. The second seeks funds for a proposed harbor walking path. Both passed unanimously after the three-reading rule was suspended.
Another resolution authorizes the mayor to accept the winning bid for a harbor security camera system.
Visual Harbor Security is expected to install eight cameras — seven for general security and one overlooking the harbor — with feeds accessible to police and park staff via secure portals.
One public-view camera will allow residents to see harbor conditions online.
The system builds on similar successful installations in nearby Grand River.
Council gave first reading to a resolution supporting an Ohio Public Works Commission pre-application for the first phase of the Antioch Road rehabilitation project.
The multiyear effort aims to reuse the existing concrete base with new asphalt, stabilization, curbs and drainage.
Officials are seeking approximately $397,000 in grant and loan funding this year, with a similar request planned for next year, to cover roughly half the estimated project costs.
Construction would likely begin in 2027 or later.
During the meeting, multiple speakers addressed ongoing rumors linking North Perry to a proposed data center in the broader Perry area. Officials stated clearly that the village is not involved.
“There are no talks for a data center,” Titus said. “North Perry’s not getting a data center… the mayor has not signed anything for a data center. Council has not had any secret meetings.”
A single inquiry about unrelated property was described as lacking substance.
Titus noted representatives from Meta, the company that owns Facebook, will be coming to the nuclear power plant for an unspecified celebration, which he stated he would be present for.
Public Works Administrator Wally Seigel announced plans to remove sand from the harbor in time for Memorial Day weekend, with material to be relocated onsite.
Four catch basins in the Evergreen-Charlene-Lakehurst paving area will be replaced for $6,720 before resurfacing.
Police Chief Ron Walters reported 449 incidents in April. The department is updating its policies and procedures manual using a state-supported model and has received a new engine for a Chevrolet Tahoe under recall.
Recreation and Senior Center updates included plans for smaller, quarterly programs instead of a single large summer offering.
A new board member, Brian Wells, was seated.
Participation at the senior center continues to grow.
A resident inquired about using a village cul-de-sac on Quarry Lane for temporary dewatering of material dredged from HOA retention ponds.
Officials agreed to discuss permitting and logistics, potentially at a future work session.
Council expressed support for a family’s plan to donate a memorial bench.
Planning continues for the village picnic and a low-key fun run.
The next regular session meeting of North Perry Village Council is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 4449 Lockwood Road.
