Mineral City to seek funding for new community park
The July 25 meeting of Mineral City Council was attended by a representative from the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association who addressed council members on funding for the new park and sidewalks. Erin Wright, senior community development specialist for OMEGA, said a NatureWorks grant is available for such projects from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
While the village was awarded $150,000 from the recently passed Ohio capital bill, the total cost of the project exceeds the amount received. According to Wright, the village can apply for a NatureWorks grant that could cover or help cover the shortfall.
It was agreed council member and parks and recreation chair Rick Cain will obtain a revised estimate on the work in time to apply by the deadline of Aug. 15.
Council also heard the village is now eligible for Community Development Block Grant funding for street work without having to conduct income surveys. Census data can now be used to verify eligibility.
Zoning matters
Council member Beth Nill reported having sent seven letters out to residents who need to address overgrown grass, rodent problems, disabled vehicles or other property-maintenance issues.
Unanswered letters were sent to a resident on East Moore Street regarding a bus parked on the property and a van parked in the village right of way. Nill will contact a local company about having the vehicles towed.
Council President Terry Nill inquired about responsibility for cleanup of the former Beatty property that burned down on Miner Street.
Fire Chief Sam Moore is checking on the cost to disconnect the gas line and remove asbestos from the property. Mayor Laurie Green will contact the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation for grant funds that may be available to demolish the house before selling the property.
Other reports
Moore said the sidewalks at the TV Tavern are in the process of being replaced and the project is on schedule.
Moore asked the village to approve the purchase of two front tires for the fire truck. Nill said he is finalizing paperwork required in order to obtain bidding through the state’s tire discount program.
Terry Nill reported having received a complaint about a resident parking in the “No Parking” zone at Center and Fair streets and said a letter will be sent.
Terry Nill is checking into the cost of new siding for the Village Hall and library building. Beth Nill said she will inquire about possible grant funding for the project.
Terry Nill also issued a reminder that the library and volunteer fire department’s joint golf outing fundraiser will be held Aug. 31 at the Zoar Golf Course. Sponsors are still needed. Anyone wanting to become a sponsor should call Beth Nill at 330-859-2904.
Legislation passed
Council passed an emergency resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for a NatureWorks grant through the ODNR for the new village park.
Council also passed an emergency ordinance allowing the village to regulate the removal of fire-damaged structures within the village.
Mineral City Council meets the second and fourth Thursday each month at 5 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.