Mantua – At a recent meeting Mayor Clark shared that she, along with the Village Solicitor and Clerk, met with First Energy Solutions regarding electric aggregation and potential cost-savings for Village residents. The Mayor noted that the Village could sign up again with First Energy at a fixed rate; the current contract expires in May of 2018. Similarly, the group also met with the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC). She noted that NOPEC is offering a variable fixed rate; twice a year NOPEC will adjust the current rate. NOPEC also offers a gas aggregate, but neither organization will offer the 6% residential or 4% commercial discount currently experienced in the Village. Mayor Clark noted that she will keep Council apprised of any developments as more details become available, and noted that a decision must be made by the fall.
Mayor Clark announced that the Arbor Day Foundation has named Mantua Village a 2016 Tree City USA. As one of more than 3,400 Tree Cities, Mantua achieved this recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: establishing a tree board, passage of a tree care ordinance, setting aside an annual community forestry budget and hosting an Arbor Day Observance and proclamation. In honor of Arbor Day, the village hosts an annual essay contest for Crestwood Intermediate third-graders and distributes tree seedlings to students, as well. In related news, Ms. Lisa Zamecnik was appointed to the Parks and Shade Tree committee.
Mayor Clark noted that Hero’s Rock will be hosting their first annual picnic on Saturday, May 13th at the park lodge and pavilion. The event is a celebration to thank the community for support, and raise funds for future efforts. Event details can be found at the Hero’s Rock Facebook page. The following weekend, Breakaway Excursions is planning a River Day event at Village Park. The festivities will take place on Saturday, May 20th from 8 am until 5 pm. The day will include activities river clean up and exploration and will be held in conjunction with the DMRC, Portage Parks, and others; details will be forthcoming.
Future events in Mantua include the annual Soap Box Derby, which will take place at Village Park on Saturday, June 17th. In addition, the Potato Festival Committee will again be hosting movies at Village Park this summer. The dates for showing are Friday, June 23rd, Friday, July 28th, and Friday, August 25th. The event is a free-will fundraiser for the 2017 Potato Festival. Mayor Clark also noted that Art on the Hill will again take place in Mantua this summer, on Saturday, July 8th.
In other news, Mayor Clark recently swore in Sergeant Rodney Terry, a veteran officer with 19 years at the Mantua Police Department. Later, the Mayor regretfully informed Council that Police Chief Harry Buchert submitted his paper work for retirement, which is set to begin on Dec 14th of this year. Mayor Clark will work with Solicitor Michele Stuck to create a job description for Full-time Police Chief. The search for candidates will begin within the department before the position will be advertised to the general public. In related news, council passed a motion to create a memorial garden at Hillside Cemetery to honor K-9 officer Diablo and the department’s other current and future service dogs.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mantua Village Council will be held on Tuesday, April 18th at 7 pm; residents are encouraged to attend.
