Mantua – A special meeting preceded September’s regular Council meeting. The public meeting provided a forum for village residents to find out more about the street improvement levy, which will be on the ballot in November. The meeting gave residents the opportunity to ask questions of the mayor and council, and to voice their concerns about the state of the village’s streets and roads. If you missed that meeting, you’ll have another opportunity — another public forum on the street improvement levy will be held at 6 pm on Tuesday, October 21st, prior to that evening’s regular council meeting. According to Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC) member Sue Steinberg, “It’s imperative that this passes. It’s just so necessary.”
Next, Greg Balbierz, also from DMRC, presented Mayor Linda Clark and Council with a proposal for DMRC participation in the national Make a Difference Day effort on Saturday, October 25th. Council approved the project, through which volunteers from the DMRC, Crestwood High School, and the greater Mantua area will join with others to repaint street stanchions and generally spruce up Downtown Mantua. Individuals and groups are invited to join the effort. For more information, visit the Mantua Matters project page at makeadifferenceday.com.
Similarly, Eagle Scout candidate Dan O’Sickey finalized his plans with Council to place two large benches on Village-owned land near the Esker and Buckeye Trails. Village Administrator David Akerley worked with Mr. O’Sickey to determine exact placement of the benches, which were installed at the end of September.
Later, Mayor Clark announced that two individuals would be sworn in at council’s October meeting on October 21st. Wes Hawkins will join the Planning Committee while Ashley Hawkins will join both the Parks and Shade Tree Committees. In addition, the village has a position open in the Service Department, with several promising candidates who have expressed an interest.
On behalf of the Fire Board, Bill Zoller reported that the MSFD new squad is in service, and that the department received a good trade-in value for the old squad. The department now has 3 squads in service. Mr. Zoller also reported that the temporary station has been set up north of the bridge closure, and is working well. He noted that the additional cost to man two stations during the road closure is estimated at $50,000.
Lastly, candidate for Common Pleas Judge Becky Doherty introduced herself to the group. “Heroin is an epidemic,” remarked Ms. Doherty. “It’s not an inner city problem — it’s all our problem, and it affects our kids, our friend’s kids, and our grandkids,” she concluded. Doherty served as a Trial attorney for 21 years, and as Chief Criminal Prosecutor in Mahoning County, as well. If elected, Ms. Doherty plans to implement a Drug Court in Portage County, similar to the one in Mahoning County, to combat the growing heroin problem in the area.
The next regular meeting of the Mantua Village Council will be held at 7 pm on Tuesday, October 21st. The meeting will be preceded at 6 pm by a Town Hall meeting regarding the upcoming street improvement levy, which will be on the ballot for village residents in November. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend this informative meeting.
