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STEUBENVILLE -- City Council agreed to vacate a portion of a downtown alley, part of a plan to carve out another green space in Steubenville's downtown.
The request, submitted by Jefferson County commissioners, is part of a plan to upgrade parking at the Tower building by tearing out existing pavement and placing curbs and drainage structures, then repaving it.
Commissioners are also teaming with the Jefferson County Land Bank to demolish vacant buildings at 501 Market St. and 505 Market St., then turning the lots into green space to enhance the city's downtown.
The decision vacates a portion of Webster Alley between Fifth and Sixth streets from Market Street North about 160 feet.
After the meeting, Fifth Ward Councilman Willie Paul called it "a great addition to the downtown."
"I would like to thank the commissioners for the vision to see a future in our downtown," he added. "Great idea."
Second Ward CouncilmanTracy McManamon agreed, saying he loves the idea of carving out green space downtown. He said you can't have too much.
"We have so little of it today and yet it could be used for many purposes, especially for those that work in the downtown area," McManamon said. "Do you see the number of people that go over to the fort, even on (their) lunch break (to) get away from all the concrete and buildings in the downtown area? Frankly, I'd like to see more green spaces created, not only for people that work in the downtown area but also when the public comes down or visitors come into the area."
The commissioners currently figure to spend as much as $600,000 on the project, which includes roughly $160,000 to remove the asbestos and then demolish the two storefronts.
Paul, meanwhile, introduced legislation for next week's meeting calling for changes in the Table of Organization to reflect changes in the water department, the addition of two seasonal employees that had been built into the budget.
"During our budget presentation we brought these two up," Water Supervisor Jim Jenkins said. "We're constantly trying to find ways to encourage youth to seek employment opportunities in our city ... maybe take an interest in it, maybe see the possibilities of employment in the city and see if it's a route they want to take, all while getting some work out of them. The money is already budgeted, but (they) didn't make it into the TO."
The seasonal positions will pay $12.50 an hour.
At Councilwoman at large Kimberly Hahn's request, Paul expanded his proposed ordinance to include a $5 per hour temporary pay raise for an employee doubling up on work after the retirement of another employee in her department.
Hahn, meanwhile, said she's bringing in legislation authorizing City Manager Jim Mavromatis to advertise for design/build services for the grant-funded stream restoration project at Beatty Park.
She told Paul, "It's paid for. Zero match."
"I love it," Paul replied.
Hahn also issued a reminder to Labelle residents that the Community Development Block Grant resurfacing program is set to begin, weather permitting. Signs have been posted warning residents that work is imminent, but because of the weather crews haven't been able to get started.
"I noticed on the way down people are starting to park there," she said. "I just want to remind everybody the signs have already been posted … if they start work and your (car) is in the way, it will be towed."
Hahn also called a committee meeting for 6:30 p.m. May 30 to discuss the community entertainment district and designated outdoor refreshment area concepts. The Harmonium Project had requested: North End and Murphy in 2018; Belleview fields 3 and 5 in 2019; fields 1 and 2 in 2020, field 4 in 2021 and Jim Wood in 2022.
Fields need renovated every six or seven years, depending on usage, though she said they're awaiting delivery of equipment that could extend the useful life of the fields.
"Hopefully, the new equipment, which is due any day now, will help," she said.
North End Park has drainage issues and residents complain that it's always under water, something recreation Director Lori Fetherolf said should be addressed when the company is on site to renovate it sometime this year.
Hahn also sunshined legislation amending the zoning ordinance to reflect a change for a property at 2220 Powell Ave. from R-1 to B-2.
"There's a dilapidated home that was purchased, (the owner wants) to take that down and turn it into a parking area," she said, adding the zoning board has to hear public comments.
Mavromatis told council architects from McKinley Architecture and Engineering will be in town Wednesday "to go over a few more things." He said they still hope to put the upgrades in the old city building out for bid this month.
The upgrades will target upgrades to the women's and men's restrooms, a women's locker room, upgrades to the community service, evidence and probation areas.
Council also heard second readings of ordinances authorizing Mavromatis to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission grants for the Johnson Road improvements and the 2024 city street hot-mix resurfacing improvements, and to advertise for bids for the resurfacing project.
First reading was given to an ordinance authorizing Mavromatis to enter into a marketing agreement with Utility Service Partners Private Label, Inc. (doing business as Service Line Warranties of America) to make a warranty plan for repair of external water and sewer lines and in-home plumbing available to city residents.
Resolutions were adopted proclaiming:
— May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 14-20 as Police Week in Steubenville.
— May 21-27 as National EMS Week and National Public Works Week.
— The month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.