Struthers caucus reviews downtown road closure, LED streetlight conversion and contractor notification plan

At its Oct. 8, 2025 caucus, the Struthers City Council and city staff discussed several transportation and public-works items: an ongoing downtown road closure, an upcoming resurfacing project, an LED conversion pilot, and a proposal to require contractors to contact city staff before working on busy roads.

Mayor Miller and city staff said the road closure downtown would continue through Oct. 24 because of unforeseen circumstances at a railroad crossing. City staff said resurfacing work downtown by the gas company is expected around Nov. 6 or the following week; staff pledged to provide a final date to council when available.

Council and staff discussed a new LED conversion kit installed on Fifth Street and Sexton and asked members to inspect the kit in place. Anthony, a city staff member, described an ongoing effort to ensure contractors coordinate with the city before starting work on busy streets: under the practice discussed, contractors would contact Anthony to allow staff to require flaggers or a police officer for traffic control, depending on the location and risk.

Council members and staff noted an exception for emergency work: contractors performing emergency repairs may proceed and pull permits after the fact. Members also raised concerns that out‑of‑town subcontractors and tree companies often do not contact the city in advance, which can create safety and traffic issues. Staff said the intent of the proposed requirement is to compel contact prior to digging or heavy work so the city can set appropriate traffic-control measures.

Separately, AstroShapes is scheduled to begin a paving-related project next Monday, with staff estimating two to three days of work and the use of local traffic control or flagging as needed. Staff asked council members to report any other problem areas that could benefit from inspection or an LED conversion.