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WINTERSVILLE -- Wintersville Council was updated on ongoing and proposed projects and approved the appointment of a new fiscal officer on Thursday.
Mayor Mike Petrella told council proposed additions to Edward P. Laman Community Park will be among about 30 community projects, with an estimated total of $98.5 million, included in an application to the Appalachian Community Grant program by Jefferson County officials.
The county is one of 32 in the Appalachian region of Ohio invited to apply for $500 million in funds through the Ohio Department of Development.
The village is one of several communities the Jefferson County commissioners has encouraged to submit plans for projects aimed at boosting economic development, revitalizing neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for residents.
In many cases, community leaders have been working with county agencies to outline their projects for possible inclusion.
Petrella praised the efforts of Aaron Dodds, project manager for the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, for his effort in preparing Wintersville's proposal, which includes the addition of an amphitheater, picnic pavilion, fishing and paddle boat pond and walking trail for the 13-acre site.
Located behind the Village Building on Grove Street, the park was named for the former, long-time Wintersville police chief in September.
Petrella said the grant is slated to be reviewed in January, with the funds expected to be awarded in March.
If accepted, the project must be done in October 2026, he said.
On Thursday, council agreed to establish a fund for a related project: the creation of a dog park within the park.
The village has been awarded $100,000 in State Capital Budget funds, with the help of state Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, and $10,000 from the county commission's recreational fund for the effort.
Plans include drinking fountains for the dogs and benches for their owners, with other features to be determined.
Petrella said the village has advertised for its design and construction.
In other business, Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi said the implementation of new, radio-read water meters is proceeding -- with about 900, or half -- installed.
Kosegi said he may still need to seek an extension for the Dec. 31 deadline required by a $341,000 state grant awarded for the $985,000 project.
A $535,000 10-year, no interest loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission also is being used to supplement local funds for it.
Through the installation of a radio transmitter on the village's water tower, the village will be able to collect readings from the meters remotely.
Because most of the current meters are indoors, staff with the village and Newman Meters, the contractor hired to install them, have needed to enter many homes to change them.
Kosegi said an internet connection is being extended and new billing software will be implemented to allow the village's water customers to pay their bills online sometime next year.
Also on Thursday, council approved the appointment of Rachel Morrison as part-time fiscal officer for the village at Petrella's recommendation.
The mayor said Morrison has served as clerk-treasurer and assistant to the Cadiz village administrator and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from Heidelberg University.
He said she is expected to work up to 24 hours per week and will receive training initially from Melanie Smith, a visting clerk with the state auditor's office who has been handling the village's financial records since the departure of former fiscal officer Denise Geanangel.
Also on Thursday:
• Kosegi advised the village's street paving for the year has been completed, while Petrella noted crews have applied thermoplastic striping to Winters, Luray and Woodridge drives and to an area at the intersection of Fernwood Drive and Main Street.
He said the plastic striping, which is essentially melted onto the streets' surfaces, has been found to be more durable than paint and may be used again.
• Petrella reminded residents the village's Christmas lighting contest will be held Dec. 16 and 17, with winners to be awarded $50 gift cards.
He also announced garbage for local businesses only will be affected by the holiday and New Year's Day and will be collected on the following Tuesdays.
• The mayor and others voiced praise for the many involved with the Winter Weekend event, with Councilwoman Pennie Scarpone expressing thanks to many who donated materials and labor for the village's float, a recreation of the Polar Express.
Petrella noted an impromptu chase involving Police Chief Lou Vandeborne and The Grinch was staged by the chief and Eastern Construction Services and since being posted on TikTok, has been viewed 1.6 million times in five countries.
• Petrella thanked the Indian Creek High School softball team and their coach, John Kuczykowski, for assisting village staff in decorating the Village Building, including council chambers, for the holidays.
He also acknowledged Mimi and Keith Wilson and their grandchildren, Emma and Parker Lamp, for decorating the gazebo at Winters Drive.