Levy legislation moves forward, award received for bridge work in Steubenville

LEVY RENEWALS PLANNED — On Tuesday, Steubenville Council approved the second reading of legislation needed to place levies on the ballot in the May 5 primary election and learned of an award received for the restoration of Beatty Park’s Stone Bridge 2. -- Warren Scott
STEUBENVILLE — City ordinances needed to place two levy renewals on ballots in May and news of an award received for the restoration of a historic bridge at Beatty Park were the focus of Tuesday’s Steubenville Council meeting.
Council approved the second reading of legislation for the renewal of two levies supporting street improvements and other expenses, both of which will be decided by voters in the May 5 primary election.
The two five-year levies are slated to generate more than $6.4 million per year for city.
A 0.7 percent levy will provide $500,000 for street improvements, $300,000 for city equipment and other capital improvements and $100,000 for parks and recreation while 85 percent of a 0.3 percent levy is to be used for wages and benefits, with the remaining 15 percent allocated for street improvements.
Dave Lewis, the city’s finance director, said levy funds have allowed the city to leverage state and federal grants for street projects by providing required local matches usually at 10 percent to 20 percent of the awarded money.
Fourth Ward Councilman Royal Mayo and 1st Ward Councilman Dave Albaugh expressed concern about $100,000 being sufficient for park improvements.
Mayo suggested not many projects can be done with $100,000 alone.
Lewis said council may consider allocating additional funds in that area during budget talks.
During the meeting, Mayo also asked for a report on repairs needed at the city’s various recreational facilities and their estimated costs.
Council also heard from Flora VerStraten-Merrin, founder of the Friends of Beatty Park, a volunteer group that has worked with city officials to pursue improvements to that park.
VerStraten announced at the County Engineers Association of Ohio’s Bridge Conference this week in Dublin, the organization, the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration presented an award for the historic preservation of the park’s Stone Bridge 2.
Built in 1884 and providing access to the park’s Old Stone Lodge, the sandstone bridge was restored last year through a total of $574,000 in federal pandemic relief monies and $290,800 in Community Development Block Grant funds awarded to the city and the efforts of many.
Burgess and Niples of Parkersburg and Fort Steuben Maintenance of Steubenville were the engineering firm and general contractor, respectively, while Pullman Services of Pittsburgh were responsible for the span’s stone work.
Also involved were city crews and many volunteers.
VerStraten-Merrin noted the bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is noteworthy for its aesthetic appeal and durability, outlasting many more modern bridges.
She said its preservation allows current and future generations to appreciate the craftsmanship of its original builders.
VerStraten-Merrin added it’s become a popular site for walking, hiking and photography.
Council delivered a standing ovation to VerStraten in acknowledgment of the Friends of Beatty Park’s efforts through the years to improve the park.
In other business, City Manager Jim Mavromatis reported renovations to the original City Building are nearly complete, with some trim still to be done and new doors to be installed.
He added paving of Sunset Boulevard also is near completion, with crews to spray sidewalks along it to deter weeds.
Mavromatis stressed while the roadway’s surface has been improved, drivers should remember the speed limit there is still 35 miles per hour, especially since school will be resuming soon.
He said City Police will be patrolling the area to ensure it’s followed.
Mavromatis, who plans to retire in March, advised his position has been advertised through the Ohio City/County Management Association and International City Managers Association.
Asked if the ad includes a salary, he said it states the salary will be based on experience, adding it will be determined by council.