City manager updates council on West Main, street repairs, yard waste contract and audit

City Manager Marquette told council the West Main Street project has kept city staff and the water department busy; he said crews are meeting daily on conflicts with water lines near hospitals and other locations. He reported the West Eighteenth project is more than halfway complete and the city remains on schedule to finish by September of the year referenced in the meeting.

Marquette also said West Liberty Street has “major repairs” between mile markers noted in the transcript and that the city will deliver approximately 60 tons of gravel to make interim repairs; paving will follow when asphalt plants reopen in the spring. He noted a recurring traffic-light problem at 84 and Sherman that sometimes causes the light to flash; staff are investigating and a vendor will need to adjust a newly installed loop sensor at 84 and 534.

On yard-waste disposal, Marquette said the city has a renewal for the 2025 season with the vendor Ropes at the same cost as prior years, noting this is the city’s fifth year with Ropes. He described the citywide residential yard-waste pickup schedule as taking place twice a month (second and fourth Monday) and said residents should place yard waste at the curb by early morning for collection.

Marquette announced the Ohio Auditor of State has started the city's 2024 financial audit, expects to finish by July and estimated audit fees not to exceed $32,595. He told council members an email from the auditor’s office (circa March 5) included entrance conference information and that council members may be contacted as part of the audit process.

Ending: Marquette closed his report by noting planning commission vacancies and that two nominees were on the agenda for appointment later in the meeting.