Hiram – In the Mayor’s report to Village Council, Mayor Bertram thanked all who have offered condolences after the death of his business partner and law associate Dennis Zavinski, who was killed in an automobile accident on SR 14, in Streetsboro, September 10, 2011.
On Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. the Commission conducted a meeting to approve/amend the engineering site plans for the addition, by Verizon, of six (6) additional cell antennae on Hiram College property between the college townhouses and the physical plant. After a review by the commission, the plans were approved. Pending the approval of the performance bond by the Village Solicitor, the project will go forward.
The Village has applied for a Community Challenge Planning Grant in the amount of $140,000 (Total Project cost of $175,000). Hiram Village’s commitment of $9,000 in cash and in-kind services, along with Hiram College’s commitment of $26,000 of the local share in cash and in-kind services will total our $35,000 local share. This Planning Grant will produce the Community Master Plan that will guide our community’s growth for the next 25 to 50 years.
As for the $50,000 NOPEC energy efficiency grant the construction is currently proceeding. Please note the new energy-efficient lighting throughout the municipal building and service garage. Windows, insulation and doors on the village structures will completed late this year.
Also, as reported, Ferdinand Fojas, M.D. has offered to sell the old school property to the Village for $160,000 with a credit of $30,000. The Village is awaiting a decision on the grants that were applied for in February 1, 2011. The two (2) ODNR grants total $94,000. However, the Village is constrained not to enter into a written Purchase/Sales Agreement until the State rules on the two (2) ODNR grant applications, The ruling is now scheduled for October 24, 2011.
The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) Grant bids came in at approximately $9,000 over the proposed 50% grant with other 50% to be financed by the college. On August 30, 2011 Council accepted the bid of Tri Mor Construction of Tallmadge, OH. The project is proceeding as planned for $177,500 which is a 50% grant for Hinsdale Rd. Extension with Hiram College bearing balance of the costs. A formal commitment contract was signed last month by Hiram College President Tom Chema and approved in Ordinance 2011-18 and Resolution 2011-15.
On June 24th, July 15th and again on August 2nd, 2011 Mayor Bertrand and Village Solicitor Tom Reitz met with President Chema and Attorney Douglas Paul, counsel for the college along with Village Builders Inc., township trustee, Steve Pancost and township legal counsel Mr. Al Schrader, and legal counsel for the taxpayers’ suit and the township’s appropriation lawsuit in an effort to settle all litigation. Settlement proposals are currently being drafted and exchanged by legal counsel of the parties.
There are a number of ongoing construction projects: Miller Hall, Hinsdale Hall and the College Library along with the resurfacing of Henry Field and the complete remodeling of all the locker rooms at Price Gymnasium. The College will be installing approximately 210 new state-of-the-art dressing rooms, showers and bathroom facilities. There was a dedication on Saturday, September 10, 2011.
In recognition of this project it has been suggested that, although the College owns the right-of-way, that council pass an emergency resolution of congratulations and join the College in renaming the right of way “Terrier Drive” (effective immediately).
The Mayor whole-heartedly endorses Ordinance 2011-23 requiring all who are paid by an employer with its principal place of business located within the corporate limits of the Village of Hiram pay the Hiram income taxes, as almost all other Ohio municipal income taxes require. After all, Hiram Village gives 100% credit for all other municipal income taxes paid by village residents.
The next regular Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 7 p.m.
All meetings are held in Council Chambers, Rosser Municipal Building, (330) 569-7677, 11617 Garfield Road, Hiram, Ohio 44234, except as noted.
