Mayor says Enbridge owes the village for disruptions
Ira Anthony accepted special recognition at the August meeting of Dennison Village Council. Council member Vikki O'Hara thanked Ira and his wife Michelle, owners of the Flower Garden florist and gift shop, for their service and investment in the downtown business district.
Mayor Greg DiDonato expressed frustration with Enbridge Inc. for disruptions he said could cost the village $30,000-$50,000 in re-engineering, rescheduling and revising plans for the downtown revitalization and storm sewer projects.
Addressing village council at its Aug. 21 meeting, DiDonato said the Enbridge representative had been assuring him since April they would not relay gas lines on Grant Street. However, the company started tearing old lines and streets last month without giving any prior notification.
“Even the sidewalks will have to be reconfigured,” DiDonato said. “They not only screwed up what we had planned, but the way they want to just fix things here and there, it would end up looking like a patchwork quilt.”
DiDonato said he intends to file a complaint against Enbridge with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and to pursue financial compensation from the company.
Flower Garden recognized
Council member Vikki O’Hara kicked off a new council initiative that will recognize Dennison business owners for their contributions to the village. O’Hara honored Ira and Michelle Anthony, owners of the Flower Garden florist and gift shop on Grant Street.
“We thank you for investing in the community and our downtown business district,” O’Hara said. “You are truly an asset to our business district and community.”
Zoning issues addressed
DiDonato reported the village is getting serious about enforcing zoning regulations. Council passed an ordinance at its July meeting adopting the International Property Maintenance Code for village zoning, which raised certain zoning violations from minor misdemeanors to fourth-degree misdemeanors. This could require appearances in Tuscarawas County Court/Southern District and could result in fines or even jail time.
Fiscal matters
Fiscal officer Kathy Norman asked council to pass a resolution increasing appropriations to the general fund in the amount of $40,000 and the special revenue fund in the amount of $70,308.
DiDonato asked for council approval to move $70,308 into the street fund to cover the village match owed to the state for funds received from an Ohio Public Works Grant. Council approved both measures.
In other matters
DiDonato provided an update on the plan for a town clock. After meeting with Verdin Bells and Clocks, he said a decision was made to downsize the clock from 15 feet to 12 feet plus a 6-inch base. The revised cost is $22,785, a savings of $5,703. He also said a $15,000 grant was received from the Rosenberry Foundation toward the purchase and a number of generous donations.
Public comments
Village resident Tabatha Crawshaw asked council to address the lack of maintenance at the Park Elementary School on Jewett Avenue. According to Crawshaw, conditions at the property are deteriorating, and the parking lot and playground are in dire need of maintenance. DiDonato said a letter will be sent.
Another resident, Elaine Fishel, inquired about the process of obtaining a building permit and asked if the village would consider vacating the portion of Fifth Drive that leads only to her driveway so that it can become part of her property.
Legislation and voting
Council approved the following:
—Travel costs and overnight stay for the mayor to attend the Ohio Economic Development Association’s conference in Toledo on Sept. 6. DiDonato was invited to give a presentation on the village’s downtown revitalization plan.
—$12,250 to Levco Striping Services to bring school zone signs and striping up to state traffic codes.
—A lot split on Sherman Street for Richard Householder.
—$1,436 to Elite Tire for two additional fire truck tires.
—A resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for a $100,000 grant from Ohio’s Regional Capital Allocation Program through the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association to finish the First Street Project.