Tuesday, August 15th, 2017
State OKs funds for pedestrian bridge
By Ed Gebert
ST. MARYS - City council members on Monday learned the city had received state funding for a pedestrian bridge on State Route 66 over U.S. 33 for students walking to the high/middle school campus.
Council president Jim Harris read the notification letter at council's regular meeting.
"The Ohio Department of Transportation is pleased to inform you that the U.S. 33 Pedestrian Bridge project has been selected for funding through the Transportation Alternative Program," he read.
The state will provide $2.375 million for the project. The city will be responsible for the remaining $1.5 million. Construction is slated for the state's fiscal year 2021.
Members agreed the notification was good news for the community. Officials had applied for a similar grant in 2016 but did not receive the funding.
In other action, members voted to transfer the title of the empty Siferd Hossellman building at 302 E. Spring St. to the Community Improvement Corp. for its potential sale. Michael Burkholder, manager of industrial and community development, said a potential deal for the building has been reached. The property's transfer to the CIC was the required first step toward the sale. The resolution transferring ownership was passed unanimously by members on an emergency basis.
Safety service director Greg Foxhoven updated members on flooding issues brought up by residents at the July 24 meeting. Jeff Thompson, superintendent of the sewer and water departments, made some housecalls to the affected areas.
"He actually went to homes, and some folks stopped down at our office," Foxhoven said, adding they are helping those they can, but some, depending on their situation, cannot receive city assistance.
Council's streets and sidewalks committee has a meeting scheduled on the topic at 5:15 p.m. Monday.
In other action, members,
• heard a request for pool hours longer than 4-6 p.m. on the weekends but were told the city does not have enough staff for additional hours with school activities beginning.
• were told a dog swim was being planned at the pool either on or after Labor Day.
• heard no complaints on the proposed transfer of a liquor license from R & R Takhar Operations to SM Jackson Mart, 601 Jackson St.
