LORDSTOWN — Village officials are reviewing options for the aging Kunkel building off Tod Avenue, deciding not to spend $450,000 to replace the two roofs at the building and instead tearing it down.

Village council at its meeting Monday decided to not approve a bid for two roof replacements but instead contact the Trumbull County Land Bank on what needs done to have it demolished. The building is located at the village’s commerce center, and includes a large area and a smaller area, both with roofs above them.

Fire Chief Travis Eastham said the fire department uses the building to store a 16-foot boat from 1974 that is no longer used, as well as an old fire truck and backup engine. He said the smaller building is in better condition, but does not have the space to store all the items that the larger building does.

Eastham said when it rains, water gets inside. He said to rebuild the structure would cost more than $1 million.

Mayor Jackie Woodward said grant money could be sought for the building. She said she will contact the Trumbull County Land Bank to see how they can help if village officials decide to demolish the building,

“Right now we are in preliminary discussions and need to further discuss options for the building,” she said.

In a related matter, Parks / Grounds Superintendent Martin Nelder said the recreation building near the park off Tod Avenue had sinks taken out and a problem with a leaking roof. Nelder said the center could be updated to allow Scouts to use the building again. Nelder said trophies displayed in the building were given to the high school for display.

Councilman Lamar Liming said the recreation committee will review what to do with the building.

CSX SITE PLAN

In other business, Planning / Zoning Administrator Kellie Bordner reported the village planning commission last week rejected a site expansion plan review for the Lyntz Road location submitted by CSX for a parking lot expansion. Bordner said CSX can resubmit the plan with revisions and updates.

“If CSX addresses the concerns that were raised by the planning commission they can resubmit the plan for review and reconsideration,” she said.

Bordner said there were concerns raised about increased truck and railroad traffic, lighting and noise pollution, and a need for a western landscape barrier. The plan is to double the amount of parking spaces there.

In other matters, council:

• Approved Edward Hawk as a full-time police officer effective Sept. 29.

• Approved a new two-year agreement with Joseph Fritz to serve as prosecutor for the village at $16,800 per year from November 2025 to October 2027.

• Heard from Engineer Chris Kogelnik the village is submitting an application to the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments for Ohio Public Works Commission funds for the Lyntz Road resurfacing project and using American Rescue Plan funds for the Hallock Young Road connector line project at $220,000.

• Heard from Kogelnik of plans to seek funds for fixing the shoulders of the road along state Route 45 after vehicles have used the shoulders as travel lanes.

• Announced safety day will be 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the school complex parking lot, which will be like a National Night Out event with police officers and firefighters. The school’s Parent-Teacher Organization is planning a pumpkin walk Oct. 24 in the wooded area by the fire department.