MCDONALD — Wanting to provide enough funds for the fire and police departments for operations, village council on Wednesday gave first reading to placing a new 4.5-mill, five-year safety services levy on the November general election ballot.

Officials said the levy will generate $310,000 annually for fire and police services and other needs for day-to-day operations in serving the village.

The second reading for officials placement in the ballot is March 18 meeting.

In other business, Councilwoman Kerry Reckard discussed the village seeking public comments on a proposed Ohio Department of Natural Resources recreational trails program application.

Reckard said the village is preparing to submit a grant application to the ODNR Recreational Trails Program to improve and restore trail amenities that serve residents, families, and visitors at Woodland Park and along the village’s trail network.

If awarded, RTP funding would support a project that would:

• Restore over 3,000 feet of trail to improve walking and recreational access;

• Enhance safety on the cross country course, supporting student athletics and year-round trail use;

• Clear and improve buffers between the end of the traditional walking trail and the continuation of the cross country trail, creating clearer transitions and safer travel through the system. Officials said the village is requesting public comment from through March 14 to help ensure the application reflects community priorities and user needs.

Public input will be included as part of the final project development and submission materials, as appropriate. Residents and trail users are encouraged to share feedback in any of the following ways such as attend a council meeting and provide comment during public participation; email written comments and send to:

villageofmcdonaldgrants@gmail.com or call the village at 330-530-5472.

Comments are welcome on project priorities, current trail conditions, safety concerns and suggestions to improve access and user experience for pedestrians, runners and student athletes.

Mayor Ray Lewis said the village appreciates the community’s involvement and looks forward to working with residents to strengthen public recreation assets for years to come.

In other action, council, approved the Lindy Group at $169,960 for the paving of Seventh Street from McDonald Avenue to Ohio Avenue,