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GIRARD – City officials are seeking Ohio Public Works Commission funds for planned street projects in 2027.
Councilman Thomas Grumley, D-Ward 4, chairman of the streets/sidewalks committee, said at this week’s council meeting the city is seeking 39% percent funding from the state at $146,296 with the city to cover the remaining costs for the $376,069 project.
He said streets planned for improvement work next year are Morris Avenue, Illinois Avenue and Idaho Avenue.
Grumley said officials have been limited on funds this year for street work but securing the OPWC funding will make the project possible.
Also, Police Chief John Freeman and Fire Chief Jim Petruzzi have been asked to speak before council on funding needs for their departments and other goals and plans at 6 p.m. Nov. 23.
Freeman said the police department is at 18 full-time officers with two school resource officers at the schools.
He said he would like to get the department at full staff with 21 officers next year. Freeman said there has been a lot of overtime with officers to cover shifts.
He said the SROs will be available during the summer when school is not in session,
Freeman said he wants to discuss ways to help the department move forward.
Grumley said officials will see what they can do to assist the two safety departments,
In other business, officials said there have been concerns with trash collection being missed in the Parkwood area of the city by Republic Services.
Grumley said Crumlin and Morris avenues are often missed.
He said he spoke to company officials and was told that there are new drivers who were running behind.
The city has a two-year contract with Republic Services.
As for the Wellman Theater, Engineer Zachery Teter said the front stone veneer on the front floor of the theater facade has been removed. He said that removal will help determine what is behind that area that may or may or may not need to be removed as well.
American Rescue Plan funds of near $70,000, which need to be used this year, have been covering costs for the work.
“The project is high on our list to get what we can get done this year,” Teter said,
Zuppo said he has spoken to the Millennial Theater Company of seeking funding for programs and events at the theater.
The theater company has discussed working with the city to offer various programs for the public at the Wellman Theater.
In other business, council:
• Will advertise for a full-time zoning/planning director for the city.
• Are waiting for bids for Community Development Block Grant funds for replacing 11 fire hydrants in the city,
• Approved granting consent to the Ohio Department of Transportation to replace U.S. and state route shields and mile markers along U.S. Route 422 and State Route 711 in the city.
• Heard from Martuccio that officials will need to extend the moratorium on data centers next year. The one-year moratorium was approved by council in July.
• Announced Christmas in the City will take place 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21 with carriage rides and train rides.