Tuesday, June 6th, 2017
Fort gains funding for shelter house
By Sydney Albert
FORT RECOVERY - The village has been awarded $45,250 from the Community Foundation to help fund the upcoming three-season shelter house project.
Grants administrator Erin Minor told council members on Monday the project is slated for construction next year. Architectural firm Garmann Miller & Associates, Minster, is finalizing the plans and specifications for the project, and more information will be made available to the community at the Fort Recovery Jubilee. Officials will offer pamphlets and brochures, including details on how people can contribute. Minor said the total estimated cost for the project is $200,000-$250,000.
One fundraising effort will allow individuals and businesses to purchase engraved pavers of various sizes to be put on the east side of the shelter house in a patio area, Minor said. Officials plan to buy the pavers from St. Henry Tile Co.
Council members at their previous meeting had briefly discussed possibly creating an outdoor refreshment area that would allow patrons to carry alcoholic beverages outside of establishments during pre-approved hours. Minor said on Monday the idea will be discussed again at a merchants' association meeting later this month, but no general consensus for or against it has been created yet.
"The biggest concern is people are afraid it will hurt organizations' chances to raise funds, because they'll no longer be temporary permit holders, and so they won't be able to sell alcohol. They'll have to work out a deal with the alcohol retailers," Minor said.
Village administrator Randy Diller notified council members that he will attend the solid waste board meeting on Tuesday to discuss fundraising options for the village's solid waste plan. Fort Recovery traditionally has used the county's solid waste plan, which the county funded. However, county officials will soon end that funding. The village could continue to use the county's solid waste services but would need to raise money to pay for it.
Tuesday's meeting would discuss funding options, Diller said.