Girard asked for memorial to councilman

Group wants canoe / kayak launch named for Don Rex

GIRARD -- The Friends of the Mahoning River are asking city council to consider naming the canoe / kayak launch in the city in memory of Don Rex, who served many years as a Girard councilman. He also was a member of the friends group.

Tom Smith of the friends group addressed council Monday indicating he spoke to Mayor Mark Zuppo about a memorial to Rex at the launch.

Smith said he and Rex worked toward getting a grant for the launch.

"Don, when he was on council, focused on having the launch along the Mahoning River," Smith said.

Smith said the friends have allocated $1,000 for the memorial and suggest planting a tree at the location with a plaque, a bench and an engraved rock.

"We would also like council to consider naming the launch after Don, noting his work and years of service on council," Smith said.

Zuppo said he supports the request and will meet with council's park and recreation committee to review the matter.

"Don was a mentor of mine and is deserving of this recognition," he said.

In other business, council reviewed finances for the end of 2023.

Auditor Julie Coggins said income tax collections were at $5,105,727 for 2023 and the speed camera traffic-enforcement fines brought in $1.529,841

Coggins said 2023 was a "good year" with the general fund ending with a balance of $2,252,397.

"We ended the year with all positive numbers," she said.

Legislation on how the income tax and camera funds will be distributed will be discussed at the Feb. 12 meeting.

Coggins said 1 percent of the speed camera fines will be for the bike trail with plans to take 5 percent of the income tax for recreation. She said plans are for the street fund to receive 25 percent, and the Wellman Theater 3 percent.

"Financially the city had a good year for 2023. Hope for the same in 2024," said Councilman at-Large John Moliterno.

Finances will be discussed further during caucus 6:30 p.m. Feb. 26.

WATERLINE BREAKS

Zuppo said the city has had many waterline breaks recently due to cold weather.

He said work has been done and discussions have included having a plan in place for waterline replacements.

Zuppo said the plan will take time to replace water and sewer lines.

Safety / Service Director Sal Ponzio said the city addressed the Jan. 9 waterline break on Tibbetts Wick Road with police helping direct traffic on the busy road.

Zuppo said the city also has had issues with high winds taking down power lines.

In other business, Ponzio said the soil study is finished and the Girard Dam analysis and report is expected next month.

Ponzio said the city has applied for grant funds for the $275,000 engineering study of the dam, which is the next phase. He said the grants are 65 percent refundable.

The final phase is construction, with a grant also being sought from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Ponzio expects work on the dam to be completed in 2025.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com