Phila residents can still apply for sidewalk replacement
New Philadelphia City Service Director Ron McAbier said there is still plenty of money left for the city’s annual sidewalk replacement program.
New Philadelphia City Service Director Ron McAbier said there is still plenty of money left for the city’s annual sidewalk replacement program. He encouraged residents who need sidewalk work done to apply for the program at the June 27 meeting of city council.
McAbier said due to their being fewer applicants this year, the city will continue accepting applications as long as the work can be completed by fall.
The city will cover half of the cost to replace sidewalks, up to $5 per square foot, according to Jonalee Fernatt, assistant to McAbier. “The resident needs to get an estimate from one of our approved contractors listed in the application packet,” she said, adding Renner & Daughter also is an approved contractor not listed.
Residents can download the application at the city website at www.newphilaoh.com by clicking on the red Take Action button under Hot Topics.
Mayor’s report
Mayor Joel Day said the first meeting has taken place to develop a coordinated security plan among the city’s police and fire departments, New Philadelphia City Schools, Buckeye Career Center and Kent State Tuscarawas.
Also in his report, Day said city police cruisers have been repurposed as courtesy cars for aviators visiting Harry Clever Field. The vehicles can be used by pilots who have flown in for a day of visiting the area or who are having their aircraft serviced.
In an update on the Joy/Howden Buffalo redevelopment, Day said higher material costs and labor shortages have caused several potential developers to delay returning Requests for Proposals to the County Economic Development and Finance Alliance, otherwise known as the Port Authority.
Other reports to council
Safety Director Greg Popham said Capt. Joe Skinner will retire from the police department on Aug. 5, and a replacement has already been secured. He also said as of June 27, the fire department has received 255 more calls than last year at this time.
Kelly Ricklic, chair of the finance committee, asked for two pieces of legislation to be placed on the evening’s agenda, one of which was a resolution allowing for the purchase of a new ambulance for the fire department.
According to Fire Chief Jim Parrish, the department would be due to request one next year. However, with increased lead times of up to two years due to a chassis shortage, he is making the request now.
Parris said the four ambulances the department has now are models from 1998, 2009, 2019 and 2021. The department typically has three available for service and one in reserve.
“I want to take the 1998 and sell it and put the 2009 in reserve for efficiency,” Parrish said. He also said the cost has increased by about 15-20%, and while the department has been able to save money by purchasing demo models in the past, those are no longer available.
In other matters
Council President Don Kemp asked McAbier for a status update on the sinkhole at Second Street and Ashwood Lane. McAbier said manholes should be arriving in about three weeks to complete the project.
Ricklic said the health department will spray for mosquitoes and that residents should consult the spraying schedule, particularly if their breathing is affected by the spray. Kemp said a schedule is available at the health department’s page on the city website.
Legislation
Council passed an ordinance to adopt a new section of the city's current ordinances, stating the fire chief shall have all fire-damaged structures inspected and provide for the removal or repair of insecure, unsafe or structurally defective structures.
Council heard the following:
—An ordinance to amend chapter 510 of the New Philadelphia codified ordinances regarding the board of nuisance abatement appeals, second reading.
Complete descriptions of all legislation proposed or passed are available for viewing at www.newphilaoh.com/ordinances-resolutions.
Council moved into executive session at the request of Popham to discuss personnel issues. The next meeting will be July 11 at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers at the John Knisely Municipal Building at 150 E. High Ave.