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Local News

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

Council agrees to begin next 'streetscape' phase
McComb Family Dental
By JIM MAURER

Staff Writer

CAREY -- The next phase of the downtown improvement "streetscape" project on Vance Street will continue, Carey Council decided Monday night.

The state Department of Transportation has earmarked $2.5 million for the project, which includes underground utilities, new street lights, curbs, brick pavers, street resurfacing, benches, trash receptacles and street furniture.

Once completed the area will resemble Findlay Street, which was recently renovated.

The village's share of the project cost is about $500,000.

Village Administrator Roy Johnson said an application for a $250,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission would fund the installation of new water lines, bringing the village's share down to about $250,000.

With Findlay Street done and $90,000 already spent on engineering costs, Council decided the project should continue.

Johnson said the state is in its first of three reviews of the project and Council can still back out.

The state will submit an ordinance to accept the project before construction, and Council could turn down the proposal then, too, he said.

Wastewater Treatment Plant and water Superintendent Doug Keller asked about skipping the pavers on Vance Street because the state has said the snow brush machine cannot be used on the surface.

He also said there are more urgent water lines which need to be replaced in the village other than Vance Street.

On another street issue, Council tabled action to enact a "snow emergency" when there is at least a 2-inch snowfall.

The designation would restrict parking on certain streets until the snow is cleared.

After a lengthy discussion, Council asked Johnson, Police Chief Dan Walter and Law Director Laurie Scheck to discuss the issue further.

Council did agree the ordinance should include a $100 fine for not moving a vehicle after a snow emergency is designated.

The penalty would increase to $250 for a second offense and the vehicle would be towed on a third offense.

The tabled ordinance included Vance, South, Findlay and Patterson streets as roads to be included in the emergency. But the list is expected to be expanded to include at least the streets around Our Lady of Consolation School, too.

Council will discuss the ordinance at its Oct. 19 meeting.

Separately, Council approved an Emerald Ash Borer management plan, with Councilman Tony Wenzinger voted against it.

He said he does not thinking cutting down the trees is always necessary.

The village's tree commission developed the plan which was reviewed by the county forester.

Mayor John Rymer urged residents to report any non-village residents who utilize the yard waste transfer station on the northern edge of town.

He said he has noticed out-of-county license plates and people dropping off shingles and construction materials at the site.

Residents can contact the administration offices or the police department to report improper use of the site.

Separately, Council changed the time of Trick or Treat from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. That is 30 minute earlier starting and ending times that Council previously announced.

Village resident Judy Jenot requested the change so there would be more daylight for the youngsters' safety.

Recyclables will be collected on the regular schedule next week despite Columbus Day on Monday.

The village will hold a fall cleanup of unwanted items on Oct. 28 west of Vance Street and Oct. 29 east of Vance Street.

Residents can put out a maximum of three clear plastic bags.

Resident Sue Blair requested school crossing signs be placed at intersections around the school.

Johnson said the village had to wait until the Findlay Street streetscape project was done and approved by the state Department of Transportation.

The signs will be ordered and installed as soon as possible, he said.

Maurer: 419-427-8420,

Send an e-mail to Jim Maurer
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Steve wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
unknown
“ That would be a personal responsibility choice. We all know what the winter situation is in NW Ohio and we all should be prepar... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:56:48 AM
J wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Citizen........
“ Findlay is located in Hancock County..... Therefore, yes. If Hancock Co goes into a level 3 that includes Findlay.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:17:27 AM
Debbie wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Level 3
“ Weathertech09~ would you like the hospital to be closed because no one is there to care for you or a loved one due to being cite... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:04:12 AM
STEVE wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
LEVEL 3
“ Citizen, Is the City of Findlay in Hancock County? I believe the article ref all the cars stuck in the snow Barker specifically... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 8:55:52 AM
Interested Observer... wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
Unknown
“ In case you've never looked into it, which you obviously haven't. You can buy a used 4WD for the same money as a lot of 2WD veh... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 8:51:30 AM
Yvonne Hendricks wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Level 3 Snow Emergencies
“ Maybe if a Level 3 is called "before" the roads are impassable, those of us who's employers refuse to let us go before a level 3... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 7:54:17 AM
llv wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Level 3
“ Level 3 emergency: Most roadways are closed and extremely hazardous. Employees should comply with workplace policies or contact... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 7:48:01 AM
SARA wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
SERIOUSLY?
“ First off, I think this article has been taken WAY out of context. Cograts to the guys who have received their well deserved pro... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:51:20 AM
unknown wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
interested observer
“ hmm do you have any extra money to help us pay for a 4WD if so let me know so i can buy me one. ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:50:56 AM
Citizen wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Road Level Emergencies
“ If the sheriff issues a level 3 for Hancock County, does that include the city of Findlay? ” Read More...
2/9/2010 6:14:54 AM
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Lauger's Carpet One
News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.