Mayor commends services of Graham and Burris
Mayor Joel Day, left, commended Cheryl Graham for her many years of dedication and service as a music teacher for New Philadelphia Schools and to the community during the pandemic.
New Philadelphia Mayor Joel B. Day recognized two individuals with official letters of commendation for what he called their bravery and commitment during the Jan. 25 meeting of city council.
Cheryl Graham was commended for her many years of dedication and service as a music teacher for New Philadelphia Schools and to the community during the pandemic. Day said Graham faithfully delivered her home-baked goods to the city police and fire departments every Monday morning since March 2020.
Day also commended New Philadelphia firefighter Brock Burris for heroic action while off duty on Dec. 18, 2021. Burris and his wife were driving along Mill Avenue when he spotted a person lying in the grass along the Tuscarawas River. Burris started life-saving interventions, which kept the man alive until city paramedics arrived and transported the man to the hospital, where he made a full recovery.
In his mayor’s report, Day spoke about the recent announcement that semi-conductor giant Intel will build two plants near Columbus. Day said the city should work to attract Intel’s suppliers to New Philadelphia.
Finishing his report, Day said he and members of the New Philadelphia Business and Community Association will meet with Francis Jo Hamilton, the director of revitalization for Heritage Ohio, about having an assessment made of downtown businesses, strengths and weaknesses.
Upcoming road and sidewalk projects
Service director Ron McAbier announced a number of projects his department will tackle this year including the following:
—Water line improvements on Park Lane Drive.
—Improvements on Glen Drive.
—Curb and sidewalk work on Second Street Northwest, North Avenue Northeast, Poplar and perhaps others using Community Development Block Grant funds.
McAbier also said he is currently working with Battle Motors on a price for a new diesel trash hauler. The company will offer the city a trade-in credit of $100,000 for the old truck.
Health board updates
Councilman Dean Holland reported for the health board, saying the city health department is offering COVID home test kits and has all vaccines available by appointment.
In addition, Holland said the Federal Emergency Management Agency COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program can help pay final expenses for those who were lost due to COVID. For more details on the program requirements and reimbursement rates, visit www.fema.gov or call 844-684-6633 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Councilman Kelly Ricklic said every U.S. home is eligible to receive four free COVID test kits, which can be ordered at www.covidtests.gov.
Legislation passed
Council passed several emergency resolutions to allow the purchase of seven vehicles for various city departments including the following:
—Two vehicles from Ferris Chevrolet for the park department: a 2022 Chevy Silverado 3500, not to exceed $43,875, and a 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTD, not to exceed $31,875.
—Two 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 trucks from Ferris Chevrolet for the street department, not to exceed $35,723 each.
—A 2022 Chevy Silverado from Ferris Chevrolet for the sanitation department, not to exceed $35,723.
—A 2023 Hino L7 from Brechbuhler Truck Sales for the sanitation department, not to exceed $166,000.
—A 2022 Vacall truck for the wastewater department, not to exceed $375,000. McAbier said the city currently has a Vacall from Gradall and would like to stay with them since they are a local company.
Before adjourning, Holland asked the mayor and council members to consider moving council chambers to the third floor and allowing the service department to be moved into the current area. “It would be more accessible for citizens who come to City Hall,” said Holland, who went on to suggest it may be time to think about a new City Hall to offer more space as the city grows.
The next meeting will be Monday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in council chambers in John Knisely Municipal Centre, 150 E. High Ave.