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MIDDLEFIELD -- Village Mayor Ben Garlich expressed how fortunate Middlefield was during last week's storms compared to many other areas, which lost power. A number of communities continue to be without power in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties.
Garlich reported that fliers went out advertising the Cardinal School District's new programs that were presented by school members in a previous meeting about open enrollment and the programs aimed at getting students ready to enter the workforce when they graduate.
"Also, Mercury Plastics, although not actually in the village, is in close proximity and has invested $15 million in updates and is expanding," Garlich said.
He said this shows how people are investing in the community.
Fiscal Officer Nick Giardina updated council concerning fiscal issues, noting the village is sitting comfortably with nearly $3.7 million in its general fund, which is down 9% from last year. However, he noted the village has a well project going on that ate up a portion of its budget.
The village has two wells on state Route 608 north of the village that supply water to residents and businesses. The two wells can provide up to 442,000 gallons of water a day, according to officials.
South Wind Drilling Company, of Middlefield, drilled test wells in 2019 to find a location for a third well to increase capacity for new housing developments and new businesses. Bids for the project were opened Oct. 27, 2023, and the price tag was nearly $1.2 million.
The line, which will have a 12-inch pipe, will be placed north of town, north of the covered bridge on the Maple Highland Trail into the water plant.
The fire department dealt with 10 fires in July, including six buildings, one vehicle, one brush and two trash fires. There were 38 emergency medical runs with a total of 598 runs to date. The department also took part in training activities and community events, including a Safety Day for the Amish community at the Heritage Marketplace on Nauvoo Road.
There were 497 calls for service to the police department last month, police Chief Joe Tucholski reported.
Leslie Gambosi-McCoy, economic development director, told council there is an $8,000 balance in the Business Storefront Renovation Program. She said she has been busy marketing properties to potential retailers, answering inquiries about available properties and assisting with new projects.
Zoning Inspector John Boksansky reported 19 zoning permits were issued for the month of July.
Discussion was made concerning the possibility of a Community Day to invite residents, especially those new to the area, to meet council members and safety forces. There was also talk of a Harrington Day as things are moving forward to change South Springdale Avenue to Harrington Way out of respect for the late Dave Harrington, who developed much of the commercial land at the intersection of South Springdale and Kinsman Road.
The businesses have all been supportive and expressed a desire to be involved, Gambosi-McCoy said. The date has not yet been set but will likely be a Saturday in September.
Shred Day is set 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 21, with volunteers needed.