Marvin approves phase two of park construction

Council hires new administrator

by Mark DiBiasio

During a special meeting Thursday, Jan. 19, the Marvin Village Council selected local contractor Robert Epps to construct the maintenance shed and bathroom facilities for the Marvin-Efird Park. The contractor has just 60 days to compete the work, in advance of the scheduled grand opening of the park May 5.

The Council unanimously agreed to award the contract to Mr. Epps, whose  $128,000 winning bid was the lowest among six contractors vying for the project.  Bids ranged as high of $297,176 by a Fort Mill, South Carolina contractor, however the remaining bids averaged $170,000. The village had budgeted $144,000 for the project.

“I like [Epps] in that he is local” Councilman Ron Salimao said, “and I know he is going to give us the best quality for the price.”

The bathroom facility will be built near the playground and adjacent to the recently completed barn pavilion. The 40-foot long building design features cedar planking and a stone front façade. The appearance matching storage and maintenance shed is 26 feet long and will house grounds-keeping vehicles, tool storage and a workbench. The building design will allow for future expansion as the need arises.

The next phase of park development involves the renovation of the Efird house, which abuts the lake. The Council is currently considering a number of options and uses for the building.

New Village Administrator selected

Lisa Thompson, the Village’s senior planner, who has been serving as the interim Village Administrator on two occasions since July 2011, was formally hired Jan. 10 to replace the previous Administrator Justine Price, who resigned in October.

Village Council members interviewed 11 applicants before offering the position to Thompson.

The Village employed Thompson as a planner in the fall of 2010. Prior to coming to Marvin, she worked as a planner for the City of Monroe for two years.  Thompson graduated from Miami University in 2006 and spent two and half years working as a planner for the Village of Oswego, IL, before moving to Union County.

“We have a lot going on in Marvin with the park development and [grand] opening in May.  Construction is about to begin on the Marvin Loop and development plans and permits are flowing in.” Thompson said, “We also have endless possibilities with renting out the barn, and holding farmer market type events at the park. It’s an exciting place to be right now.”