Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Theater group requests donation from council
By Janie Southard
ST. MARYS - Council meeting Monday night began with spirited dancing as a group of kids associated with Grand Lake Theatrix Association performed a dance from "Seussical," which will open in early June at St. Marys Theater.
The group of 31 children, under the direction of Vickie Shurelds of the theater group, is raising funds to attend two workshops and a play in New York City this summer. Shurelds told council members the group is organized as a nonprofit and all donations will be appreciated.
"This is a very sports-centered community. But there are lots of artistically talented kids in this area. We have children from (age) 5 to 14 in our group who are from New Knoxville, Spencerville, Celina, New Bremen and St. Marys," she said.
Council had no discussion on the request for donations.
In the report of Safety Service Director Tom Hitchcock, he said the new wastewater treatment plant is now operational and the transition has gone smoothly with only "one hiccup" when a piece of plywood jammed.
"There is very little odor although there will be good days and bad days ... We still need to pave the parking lot and go through a series of safety checks. I imagine we'll have an open house for the community in late fall," he said.
According to the report from the water and wastewater department, all wastewater flows are now being treated manually in the new facility. As well, manufacturers' representatives are training plant personnel on the operation and maintenance of various equipment.
The bid for the electrical extension across U.S. 33 to the new school complex was awarded to Vaughn Industries for a cost of $239,860, well under the engineer's estimate of $404,000. Work is scheduled to begin soon.
Another school-related projects out for bid is the water and sewer extension from McKinley Road to Shipman Road. Bid opening is scheduled for May 21.
The city's general services department has accomplished a number of tasks over the past month. They poured concrete sidewalks in Memorial Park, swept street and mowed grass, repaired potholes in alleys and streets and performed the monthly brush pick up.
Fire department runs to date are: Ambulance, 315, fires, 78, miscellaneous, 20, and complaints, 25. The police department received 841 calls for service, conducted 66 criminal and 10 traffic investigations. The electrical distribution department responded to 34 service requests: street lights, 11; trees trimmed, 9; underground locates, 13; and one traffic light/crosswalk bulb changed.
Season tickets for the St. Marys Acquatic Center will go on sale Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the pool office. Prices are the same as last year: Season pass: adult, $45; family, $90; and child, $45. The half-season pass is adult, $25, and family $50. See the city Web site for pool hours.
The pool will open May 22 and close Sept. 7.
