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City manager highlights storm response, playground project, water tower request and Safe Routes application
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Summary
City Manager Lance reported on post-storm restoration work by city crews, upcoming auctions of surplus equipment, outreach for an industrial park, a congressional request for a water tower replacement, Project Playground capital needs and a Safe Routes to School application confirmed by resolution first reading.
During the March 17 meeting City Manager Lance delivered an extensive manager's report covering emergency response, infrastructure work and funding pursuits.
Lance opened by praising city crews after a high-wind storm: "I can't say enough about... the electric department was out until 04:30 in the morning," and recognized police and fire personnel for their assistance. He reminded residents that an inoperable traffic signal should be treated as a stop sign and thanked staff for extended shifts during outages.
On capital projects and outreach, Lance said staff met with the Columbiana Port Authority and the U.S. Economic Development Administration to pursue potential federal support for a second industrial park. The city submitted a congressional directed spending request with Rep. Rulli's office for a water tower replacement (a funding ask for raising or replacing the existing tower in its current area). Lance said the city hoped to secure capital-budget funding to complete phase 2 of Project Playground (which would include a zip line and ADA-accessible restrooms) if capital dollars become available.
Lance also reported the city submitted an application for a Safe Routes to School travel plan and noted Resolution 26-R-683 on the agenda to confirm the application and authorize the city to serve as the Local Public Agency for the project. He briefed council on departmental work: electric crews removing holiday displays and replacing street lights, water/wastewater locates and maintenance work, street cold-patching operations and plans for an upcoming surplus-equipment auction.
He reminded residents to get zoning approvals and necessary permits for home-improvement projects and highlighted planned community events (Memorial Day parade, Fourth of July, America 250 planning) with police department involvement for event safety.
Lance also noted internal personnel recognition: a staff nomination for an Athena Award and a "25 under 35" young professionals nomination for Bryce Miner. He closed by noting a corrected typo in the lifeguard pay item in the packet and invited questions from council.
Next steps included accepting letters of interest for a planning commission vacancy through April 2 for a possible appointment at the April 7 council meeting, proceeding with procurement for the mowing contract, and working with state DOT if the Safe Routes application is funded to develop the travel plan.
