Barberton council approves series of capital measures, authorizes demolition contract for 107 Fifth Street

Barberton City Council on Feb. 24 adopted multiple short‑term borrowing measures to fund infrastructure projects and voted to authorize a contract for demolition of the city‑owned building at 107 Fifth Street.

The council passed emergency ordinances to issue notes in anticipation of bonds covering meter‑reading equipment, a trickling filter rehabilitation at the wastewater plant, street resurfacing, water‑main replacement, stormwater improvements, and a front‑loader vehicle for road and storm sewer work. Council also adopted an ordinance authorizing the mayor or his designee to enter into a demolition contract for 107 Fifth Street with emergency wording.

Why it matters: The package advances several capital projects the administration says are needed to maintain water and sewer operations, keep the street program funded amid rising asphalt costs, and replace aging equipment. Council’s approval of the demolition authorization was the outcome of several weeks of committee review and public discussion about grant timing and the city’s exposure if state grant waivers are delayed.

Council debate and context on 107 Fifth Street: Committee members spent considerable time in the City Properties, Parks & Recreation committee weighing whether to proceed now or wait for word on a…