TOWN HALL MEETING WITH STATE SEN. JOHN EKLUND
On Friday, March 1, 2013 AT 8:30 A.M., State Sen. John Eklund will be at Koritansky Hall to exchange ideas and discuss the state’s new proposed 2014-2015 budget and any other matters of concern to our community. Koritansky Hall is located in the heart of Hiram at the intersections of SR 700, 82 and 305. All are invited to attend.
PLANNING AND ZONING
On Tuesday, February 5, 2013 Development Manager J. Brice Hamill of Fairmont Properties, reported that Fairmont Properties are waiting for the R-4 rezoning before they move forward with their development plans. All members voted to recommend to Council the R-4 District on this property with an abstention by Jenifer Warren. Enabling legislation was considered by council on first reading. A $2,500 per unit fee was discussed in connection with the Planned Unit Development. A public hearing has been scheduled for March 26,2013, beginning at 6 p.m.
Zoning Fee Schedule has been revised. The fees were discussed at the Finance Committee on January 29, 2013. The Finance committee is in agreement with the new fee schedule and legislation was introduced on first reading at the February 12th Council meeting.
COMMUNITY AND GRANT REQUESTS
The Village is awaiting word from Recreational Services Administrator Ms. Mary Fitch of the Ohio Division of Natural Resources. Thus, a council resolution was continued until Hiram receives approval from ODNR for the grant to purchase the old Hiram School property.
In 2011 the 80% Grant was approved by AMATS to build ONLY NEW sidewalks along the State Routes in the estimated amount of $273,000. This Grant can be utilized for the benefit of the community along with the AMATS Grant for the HIKE AND BIKE TRAIL.
PARK BOARD legislation was before Council on third and final reading. However, after Mrs. Merrill pointed out inconsistencies in the Ordinance, it was tabled for the March meeting. Again, if any citizen is interested in serving on that board, please contact the Mayor or simply call 330-569-7491. So far, three volunteers have stepped forward: Mrs. Susan Merrill, Mr. Chris Szell and Mr. Sam Bixler, all residents of the Village.
Again the Mayor urged that the Village should appraise and sell the OLD FIRE HALL and LIGHT PLANT to acquire sufficient real property to house a five-port storage garage structure adjacent to the Rosser Building. It was decided that this action would be considered by Council after a tour of these facilities when the weather breaks.
FIRE, EMS AND POLICE CONTRACT WITH HIRAM COLLEGE:
A draft proposal for a three-year service contract was recently submitted to both College President Tom Chema and Vice President and C.F.O. Steve Jones. A meeting with both officials has been scheduled for February 27, 2013.
FRACKING AND WATER TESTING DISCUSSED
Emeritus Professor Steve Zabor and his spouse Career Center Director Kathryn Craig appeared before Council with documents urging, for the protection of watershed, ground waters and surface waters, a moratorium on drilling injection wells in the community. All those interested in obtaining more information may contact them at: 330-569-7063 | P.O. Box 34, Hiram 44234, zaborsl@hiram.edu or craigkm@hiram.edu
HIRAM POLICE DEPARTMENT GRANT
The Hiram Police Department is proud to announce the acquisition of a $2,437.20 grant award from the Ohio Department of Public Safety Justice Assistance Law Enforcement Grant. The grant will be directed toward the purchase of new portable communication radio units. The Hiram Police Department is 1 of 141 agencies throughout the state of Ohio that were awarded the JAG LE grant. The Hiram Police Department prides itself with providing the utmost professional, efficient, and elite form of public safety to the community, and the acquisition of the JAG LE grant will provide support to our goal of effective public safety.
