3/4/2010 - West Side Leader
     

DOWNTOWN AKRON — Summit County Council moved forward on its Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for the next few years, but not before reducing the funding for two items on the extensive list during its March 1 meeting.

During the Finance Committee meeting the previous week, the committee agreed to increase funding in the CIP for 2010-15 for Regional Storm Water Basins/County Ditches from $194,300 to $400,000, the amount requested by the Summit County Engineer’s Office.

But this week, Council amended the legislation to reduce that amount to $294,300.

Steve Brunot, director of Administration for the Engineer’s Office, said the office reluctantly agreed with the latest change.

“I would prefer to keep it where it is at, but I understand the financial condition we’re in,” Brunot said.

He added the extra $100,000 the office is set to receive would help bring back some employees who were laid off due to lack of work.

Finance Chair Jerry Feeman (D-District 6) said the committee believed there would be a $1.8 million balance left in the CIP budget at the end of this year, but members later learned that the amount is actually expected to be just $4,500, which prompted the change.

Council members also raised concerns about a $100,000 increase the committee recommended the week before for the Ohio & Erie Canalway Corridor, which would provide funding to complete a portion of the Towpath Trail in the Barberton area, as requested by Tim Crawford (D-District 7).

“I cannot see us spending another $100,000,” said Nick Kostandaras (D-District 1). “This is not in the best interest of our finances.”

Gloria Rodgers (R-District 3) said she’s concerned about funding projects that are just in one district.

“I don’t think this is a priority at this time,” she said.

Crawford defended the additional funds, which were to be added to $125,000 originally slated for the project.

“This is an economic situation, not a district situation,” he said. “If you look at where most of the development of the Towpath has been spent, it has not been in District 7.”

Council members considered putting the legislation, which had already been through the required three readings, on time. But Brunot said holding up the legislation could hold up the Engineer’s Office as it gets projects started.

Council then amended the legislation to reflect the reductions and adopted the resolution by a vote of 10-1, with Crawford in opposition.

Also at the meeting, Council adopted on first reading a resolution urging the Ohio Legislature to enact House Bill 313, which would authorize the establishment of a land bank and allow the Summit County Fiscal Office to use alternative redemption periods in action to foreclose on abandoned property.

Council also adopted on first reading a resolution that establishes an Abandoned and Vacant Property Planning Committee, which will oversee recommendations made by the county’s Abandoned and Vacant Property Task Force.

Also on first reading, Council adopted a resolution that will allow the county to enter into an agreement with the city of Columbus to license its GreenSpot Program Web site at no charge.

“This is a very nice first step,” said Ilene Shapiro (D-at large), who chairs the Summit County Green Policy Task Force.

The Web site will be a centralized location for local residents to find answers to questions and resources on environmentally friendly programs and actions, she said.

Council also adopted on first reading a resolution in support of Issue No. 1, which would extend the Ohio Third Frontier program, and encouraging residents to vote in favor of it in the May 4 Primary Election.

Council also adopted its first Report on Staffing after several months of work. The report, which Council voted last year to require each year after it was proposed by Councilman John Schmidt (D-District 2), sets forth the number of full-time, part-time and seasonal positions within each job classification.

Summit County Council is scheduled to meet for committee meetings March 8 at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on the seventh floor of the Ohio Building, 175 S. Main St.

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