WEATHERSFIELD — Township trustees, with the assistance of the Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber, will be seeking additional state funds for the construction of a multi-purpose community center complex to be built at the township park off state Route 46.

Steve Gerberry, trustee chairman, said at Tuesday’s meeting a request is being made to the state legislature to seek any available funds through the annual appropriations in the state capital budget in 2020.

“We hope to get the funding for the building we are planning at the park. The chamber of commerce will help us with the application, which is exciting news in securing the needed funds,” he said.

Gerberry said the township was able to secure $150,000 in the last round of state money.

Township Administrator David Rouan said there was also $125,000 to $200,000 from the township and other funding sources put toward the project. He said the underground utilities and parking lot for the building have been completed.

The estimated $500,000 complex will be used for training of law enforcement from many police departments, for community events, for use by local 4-H and other groups and possibly for a library branch.

“We want to have the building available for interdepartmental police training with state and local agencies,” Gerberry said.

Trustees had approved a contract with Engineering Direct LLC of Columbiana to create architectural and engineering designs for the center at a cost not to exceed $25,000.

The center will include a meeting room for community events, a library and training classes for police departments. The building would have a main area for classrooms as well as a stage.

In a related matter, Gerberry said representatives of the chamber have come to the township on several occasions to assist with business expansion and retention, and also helping to promote the township to get more businesses in the community.

In other business, trustees:

• Heard from fiscal officer Fred Bobovynk that the natural gas rate with Constellation Energy is $3.085 per mcf through May 2020 with a 10-cent discount for seniors ages 65 and older;

• Announced the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony will be 5 p.m. Nov. 30 at the community park and gazebo. There will be a nativity, holiday singing and visit with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus;

• Discussed the Ohio Department of Transportation widening a section of Main Street with the next phase to include the area north of Prospect Street;

• Recognized Mineral Ridge High School and seventh- and eighth-grade volleyball teams for successful season and winning league championships;

• Accepted resignations of fire Lt. Seth Durig who had 15 years with fire department, firefighter Christian Herbert who had three years, and paramedic / firefighter Dana Sandy who had two years, all effective Nov. 12. Durig wants to spend more time with family and Herbert and Sandy moved from the community.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com