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GIRARD -- The city has hired a grant-writing firm to help secure funds for projects including repairs to the Girard Upper Lake dam and the Wellman Theater remodeling.
Mayor Mark Zuppo said at Monday's council meeting that KO Consulting LLC of Youngstown was hired at $3,000 per month to help the city obtain grants. He said he has spoken to the mayors in Campbell and Struthers, who also have used the firm.
"What they have said is they will help us get in grant money three times or more what we will be paying them," Zuppo said.
He said Girard officials have met with KO Consulting representatives to prioritize projects.
Zuppo said first on the list are repairs to the Girard Upper Lake dam. He said the city is waiting on results of soil-boring tests to determine what will be involved to repair the aged dam.
"The Wellman Theater is also on our list to seek grants. What I like is that the company not only goes for state and federal money, but also for foundation money. This company will help us big time and was recommended by Struthers and Campbell officials," Zuppo said.
Plans are to restore and reopen the historic theater on West Liberty Street. He said there also are plans to seek grants for downtown revitalization.
SPEED CAMERAS
In other business, council gave final reading for the disbursement of the speed camera fine totals from 2023.
Auditor Julie Coggins said, in 2023, the cameras raised $1,529,841. Forty-six percent will be placed in the general fund, 25% in the street construction fund, 20% in the capital improvement fund, 3% in the Wellman Theater renovation special capital improvement fund, 5% in the capital improvement safety fund and 1% to the bike trail fund.
Coggins said the bike trail fund and the Wellman Theater fund are both new and replaced the recreation fund.
The street construction fund was increased from the previous 18% to 25% this year and the capital improvement fund increased from the previous 5% to 20%.
Also, Safety / Service Director Sal Ponzio reported the police department needs more officers because one resigned to accept a position in Youngstown. Officials will be interviewing three candidates to fill the spot.
Ponzio said a goal is to hire three more officers to help cover shifts that have resulted in shortages and overtime.
Council also decided to change its April 8 meeting to April 9 because of the solar eclipse April 8.
Councilwoman-at-Large Lily Martuccio said events are being planned for the solar eclipse and changing the meeting date allows council and residents to attend local and out-of-the area eclipse events.
Officials said nothing has been set in Girard.