Mayor Gallo: recreation turnout strong, grants pending, NEO Soccer demolition slated for March
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Summary
Mayor Marie Gallo reported strong participation in recreation programs, said $52,880 is available from the NOPEC grant program, noted pending ODNR Recreational Trails results, and announced that demolition of the NEO Soccer facility should finish by mid-to-late March.
Mayor Marie Gallo used the Feb. 13 Parma Heights City Council meeting to outline recent recreation participation, grant opportunities and near-term public-works projects.
Gallo said 30 people attended a recent owl walk and 49 participated in a Valentine’s craft event; she noted that swim team registration opens March 1 and that the Leprechaun hunt’s 11:30 a.m. session was nearly full with more than 60 expected. "We have had a good response," she said, describing rising participation in multiple programs.
On funding, Gallo said $52,880 is available through the NOPEC Grant Program and staff are reviewing potential energy-efficiency projects, including lighting and HVAC upgrades in city buildings. She added that applications to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program are being scored and results are expected in mid-March. Gallo also said the city is waiting on a block grant for an ambulance and a supplemental grant to help theater-lobby improvements.
Gallo announced a pre-demolition meeting for the NEO Soccer facility and said demolition should begin soon with the building expected to be down by mid- or late March. She said crews are removing lighting and shutting utilities ahead of demolition.
Safety Director Heffernan told council the deer-culling program "has been moving along very well" and that the city has reached its minimum numbers; Gallo later referenced 56 deer handled so far. Heffernan also said the Fire Department is applying to FEMA for a ladder truck grant. Service Director Sepik reported that the city's recently ordered end loader has arrived but one piece remains outstanding; he will notify council when it is delivered. Finance Director Iaconis said the delayed budget schedule gave staff more time to finalize 2022 financials and noted ongoing labor negotiations with police and fire personnel; he indicated wage-ordinance changes for police and fire chiefs will be forthcoming.
What’s next: Administration will prepare wage-ordinance amendments for police and fire chiefs and return on grant and demolition bid tabulations at future meetings.