Mantua – At a special meeting held on July 29th, council heard from video producer Mark Hamer from the Garage Creative Studios based in Brecksville. Hamer approached council to ask whether the village would be amenable to allowing his company to shoot video for an upcoming project in the village. He noted several sites around town that would be considered for filming, including the Post Office, Police Station, Headwaters Trail, and Prospect Street. He noted that he anticipates the proposed shoot would involve roughly 20 days and take place in late October or early November. He noted that due to covid-19, the project would utilize a scaled-back crew of eight to fifteen, with the majority hailing from the local area. Council unanimously approved a motion that will help Hamer and his company to facilitate the project in the village.
At their regular meeting, Mayor Linda Clark informed council that in the course of following up on a resident’s question regarding posting flags on electric poles, she has learned from First Energy that the village currently has no agreement in place that allows the locality to affix flags, banners, or the like to First Energy’s poles. The mayor noted that she has received an eight-page agreement from First Energy, which she will review with the Service Committee. She noted that more will be forthcoming to council on this topic.
In legislation, council unanimously approved legislation approving moving forward on the Orchard Street paving project. According to Village Administrator John Trew and Village Engineer Rich Iafelice, asphalt would be the best material for the look and durability of the project, which will include widening and improving the turning radius of road surface. The project is expected to be competed during this paving season.
In other news, Clerk-Treasurer Jenny August noted that the village now has a finely crafted “Blessings Box” located near Hilltop Church. The box, which was prompted by village employee Chelsea Gregor and built by Vern Oswald of the Village Service Department, is a place to leave nonperishable food, school supplies, and toiletries so that those who are lacking may help themselves.
Lastly, the village is seeking applicants to fill a vacant seat on village council, for the term ending on December 31st of 2021. Submit letters of interest to Mayor Linda Clark at P.O. Box 775, Mantua, OH 44255, or mantuamayor@sbcglobal.net. Please note that per Ohio Revised Code, applicants must have resided in the Village for at least one year. Letters must be received no later than 4:00 pm, Thursday August 13, 2020; interviews will be conducted at the August 18 regular council meeting.
The next village council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 18th at 6:30 pm. Residents may view the proceedings via live stream on YouTube at the Village of Mantua Virtual Village Hall.
