WEST LIBERTY – Council continued talks in regard to moving forward with the West Liberty Town Hall Restoration Project during its July 23 meeting.

Speaking on behalf of the Town Hall Committee, Grayson Atha asked for an update concerning one of the leases he presented to council at its July 9 meeting. Atha said he would like to see the proposed lease agreement between the Village of West Liberty and the West Liberty Historical Society regarding the former location of McDaniel’s Auto Repair, located behind the CT Communications building at 207 N. Detroit St., signed as quickly as possible to get an architect in to start restoration on the rest of the first floor of town hall. Under the proposed lease, the village will be able to house two fire trucks in the old McDaniel’s Auto Repair building, while the historical society will use the rest of the building for storage.

Village Solicitor Chris Moell said before the lease can be signed, he first needs to speak with Phil Moots, the historical society’s attorney, in order to have a few questions answered. Moell said he needs clarification on the maintenance of the building, and he noted Fire Chief John Esch needs to look at the building to see what needs to be done to make it ready for the fire department. Moell said he would like a month-to-month lease and would like the lease to read both parties have to agree to break the lease.

Moell told council members his goal is to speak with Moots and have a lease agreement ready to be looked over at council’s next meeting.

In other business:

•Council took a moment to remind residents about the no barking ordinance. Residents are asked to keep their dogs from barking for a long period of time.

•Street Superintendent Phil Holycross approached council in hopes of getting approval to purchase safety equipment such as a pull saw, rain coats, ear plugs, glasses and helmets for the street department. Following discussion, council passed a motion approving the request with the safety equipment not to exceed $1,000.