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Credit union, Trinity to see sign variance

STEUBENVILLE — Representatives from Valley One Community Federal Credit Union and Trinity Health System told City Council Tuesday night they will apply for a variance in order to put up a sign on Sunset Boulevard to designate Trinity Medical Center West as well as other businesses on the Johnson Road area.

“I have talked to Urban Projects Director Chris Petrossi regarding what we need to do, and he has been very helpful. The credit union bought the lot between our building and Sunset Boulevard and cleaned it up. Now we want to put up a nice sign designating the hospital,” explained Joseph Smarrella of the credit union.

“We are trying to promote a better image for the city,” added Smarrella.

“We have been talking about putting up a sign since the hospital was known as St. John Hospital. We are located about three-quarters of a mile from Sunset Boulevard and out-of-town visitors don’t always know the hospital is back there,” added Trinity Health System spokesman Keith Murdock.

In other matters Tuesday night, council recognized artist Claude Ruston Baker of Millersburg for volunteering to re-paint the city of mural sign on the Market Street wall.

“Coming into Steubenville tonight the city looks beautiful. Giving is the seed to make a city better. Inspiration is what I give to a community. I love to paint murals because it is a challenge. And, I believe this city has so much going for it in the future. I see a lot of potential and greatness in this city,” Baker stated.

In other business, council heard a first reading for the creation of a Neighborhood Conservation District for the 300 and 400 blocks of Garfield Avenue. It is the 24th neighborhood to seek the status in the city.

An ordinance authorizing the demolition of several fire-damaged properties at 711 N. Fourth St.; 2531 Chestnut St.; 510 Linden Ave.; 602 Linden Ave.; 604 Linden Ave.; 1321 Oak Grove Ave.; 1323 Oak Grove Ave.; 1202 Park St., 316-318 Marsh Alley; 1336-1338 Pennsylvania Ave. garage; 428 S. Seventh St.; 305 Union Ave.; 315 Union Ave.; 329 Union Ave.; 141 Lovers Lane; and 112 Laila Court also received a first reading Tuesday night.

An emergency ordinance introduced by 1st Ward Councilman Gerald DiLoreto was approved authorizing the city manger to apply for an Ohio Public Works Commission grant for the city’s 2018 hot mix resurfacing program.

An ordinance to authorize the city manager to advertise for bids for the paving work was given a first reading.

City Engineer Michael Dolak has said the city’s hot mix program could cost an estimated $440,000 and he plans to seek between $150,000 to $200,000 in grant money from the Ohio Public Works Commission.

Council also approved an emergency ordinance amending the city employee table of organization. That will allow the transfer of two maintenance employees from the maintenance and repair department to the recreation department.

Mayor and Acting City Manager Domenick Mucci said the employees will be taking care of the ballfields as well as being responsible for the Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center and other recreation facilities.

Second Ward Councilman Mike Johnson called for a planning committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, and 5th Ward Councilman Willie Paul asked his colleagues to check their calendars for budget workshop sessions.

“And, I would like to remind the public of the meeting to support the 5-mill renewal levy set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Visitors Center at the Historic Fort Steuben. Mayor Mucci will be talking about the importance to support the levy renewal,” said Paul.

Mucci asked council members to be prepared to meet in an executive session Tuesday night to discuss the ongoing contract negotiations with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2015.

“We have been meeting for several days now and everyone is on the same page. I will be prepared to update council next week,” said Mucci.

He noted he will be meeting with the cost containment committee today to review potential employee health care proposals.

Mucci reminded city residents the annual fall cleanup campaign will start Saturday in the LaBelle neighborhood and will continue on Saturdays until Nov. 11.

“And, the JB Green Team will be holding a tire and electronic collection from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Nov. 4 at the former Grant School lot on South Fourth Street. There will be a $10 fee for television sets taken to the drop-off site that day,” Mucci noted.

Councilwoman at large Kimberly Hahn introduced a resolution to recognize the 2017 Community Guiding Light Honorees who will be feted at a banquet at 2 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the YWCA.

Hahn said the honorees include Bobbyjon Bauman, Rose Slaughter, Delores Wiggins, Bill Murray, Keith Murdock, the Rev. James Foglio and Sophia Spencer.

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