Mantua – At their last meeting, council discussed the RFP/RFQ for the Water and Wastewater Treatment facilities. They shared that one entity — Portage County — had submitted proposals for review. Resident Jason Wysong inquired about several key features of the RFP/RFQ, including rate stabilization and ownership of the land on which the plants reside. According to Village Solicitor Michele Stuck, the village is not at liberty to make some of the agreement’s details public, since the village and county have agreed to hold the details of the documents confidential until an agreement is in place. Wysong voiced his concerns, asking council to revisit other options if the county’s proposed deal wasn’t ‘sweet enough.’ Stuck responded, “We can negotiate with the one responsive bidder, but if this is a deal breaker,” either party could back out.
According to Village Administrator John Trew, “rate stabilization through 2024 is the goal,” also noting it’s a “moving target during negotiations.” Councilman David Sluka added, “We’ll do our very best to make the best decisions.”
In legislation, council unanimously approved an ordinance (2019-21) authorizing Mayor Linda Clark and Clerk-Treasurer Jenny August to enter into an agreement with the Regional Income Tax Agency (RITA) for collection of municipal income tax for the Village of Mantua. The agreement takes effect on January 1st, 2020.
Next, on behalf of the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation, DMRC Vice President Tomas Tubalkain invited council and residents to a ribbon-cutting for the first Poetry Kiosk in the village. The event will take place at the mini plaza at the corner of Prospect and State Route 44 on Friday, June 21st at 6:30 pm. He noted that the poetry kiosk is the culmination of nearly a year of work that “celebrates the students of Crestwood and their creativity.”
According to Tubalkain, students in Ms. Jo Cobb’s 3rd grade class composed the poem during a workshop conducted by Charles Malone of the Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University.
He noted, “These children have made us adults look more closely at our world and appreciate what we have in our community.” In addition to students’ efforts, KSU artist Emily Grommel illustrated the poem, Tucker Image & Design fabricated the kiosk, and Benner Construction mounted the structure. This project was enabled by a grant from Dominion Energy Foundation and matching funds from the DMRC. Tubalkain noted, “Our long term vision is to highlight poetry created by Crestwood students and to have it displayed in public places around town.” He concluded, “This is the first Poetry Kiosk, but will not be the last.” For more information, contact Tubalkain at (440) 539-8611.
In his Police Report, Chief Joe Urso noted new Dispatcher Rachel Miltner has begun training. In other Police news, he shared that signs designating parking in the ODNR’s Hunting Area have been installed on Peck Road. Similarly, signs designating 15 Minute parking have been placed in front of R44 Coffee Shop; in addition, the department will be enforcing a two-hour limit on Prospect Street. Lastly, he noted that the Soap Box Derby will take place on June 15th (rain date of 6/16); Art on the Hill will take place on July 13th.
In other DMRC news, he noted that DMRC members purchased outdoor furniture for visitors to enjoy at the mini plaza near the newly-opened Restoration 44 Coffee Shop, and as replacements around the village. The purchases include two new tables, four new benches, and eight chairs, and a total investment of roughly $9,000. The furniture was donated in memory of Paul and Lucille Stamm; in memory of Dr. &Mrs. E.H. Knowlton and Dr. & Mrs. E.A. Knowlton; in memory of Archie and Gertrude Stamm;. Other furniture was purchased on behalf of the Vechery Family; and from Jessica Hopkins, Realtor. Lastly, Tubalkain noted that over 40 Crestwood High School students and a dozen adults got a lot of work done in the Village at the recent Clean Up Day.
The next regularly scheduled village council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18th at 7 pm; residents are encouraged to attend.
