Hartville mayor outlines village progress

Mayor Cynthia Billing presented her annual State of the Village report at the Jan. 26 council meeting. She reviewed progress on the paving program and sewer line replacements and noted that decorative light poles in the downtown area have been replaced. She said she would like to see some buildings and properties cleaned up.

“We accomplished a lot last year. We have three new council members to work with and share new ideas. I’m excited to see what we can do in the coming year,” Billing said.

In other business, council voted to authorize the mayor to accept funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School program.

Council discussed the village strategic plan, which Councilman Tim Hayden is developing.

Councilman James Sullivan reported that the consultant for the electric aggregation program has learned that only one company, Dynegy, submitted a bid. He said further discussion will be postponed until the end of February.

Sullivan, chairman of the Planning Commission, said its next meeting will be Feb. 2, when members will review three requests for zone changes and a general plan review for a property on Kent Avenue.

Councilman Chris Ramsburg asked about the ordinance accepting the Ohio Basic Code. Solicitor Eric Williams explained that the police department uses the code for laws.

Street Commissioner Anthony Nichols and Village Engineer Samer Awadallah presented reports. Hayden thanked Nichols for the Street Department’s work during the recent winter storm.

Police Lt. Rob Wittensoldner introduced himself to the new council members.

Billing offered the invocation.

The next regular meeting of Hartville Village Council will be held Monday, Feb. 9, at 6:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 202 W. Maple St. The meeting will also be livestreamed on Facebook and may be viewed on the videos page of the village Facebook page at facebook.com/VillageofHartville.