ST. CLAIRSVILLE City council held its regular meeting Monday in the wake of recent severe storms during the weekend.
Mayor Robert Vincenzo reported that the 70-mile-per-hour winds caused damage, including uprooted trees, but the city's electric crews were on scene and prepared Friday when the wind hit.
"We escaped a lot of damage to electric services as far as outages were concerned," said Vincenzo, adding that most of the power was restored to the city within two hours and by 2:30 a.m. services were back online. The city then provided mutual aid to Westerville and assisted American Electric Power.
He credited the employees from all the city's service departments for their dedication and cooperation during the emergency.
"I just want to congratulate all our city employees," he said. "They're the first ones I want to be around during an emergency."
Other council members seconded the mayor in thanking the employees and the citizens who lent their aid. Council Member Terry Pugh also commended the street department for their work in laying asphalt during the hot weather.
Regarding the city finances, council passed an ordinance to dissolve the General Permanent Improvement Escrow Fund. The fund had been designated for the National Road Bikeway project, which was no longer needed since the project has been completed. The balance, estimated at more than $100,000, will be transferred to the general fund. The money will be utilized for capital projects and permanent improvements.
In other financial matters, council passed the city's budget for 2013. Expected revenues come to about $10,493,250 and budget expenditures are expected at $10,773,044.
In addition, the fire board will hold a meeting and budget hearing July 11. Councilman Frank Sabatino noted that the state fire marshal has sent out warnings of the dry grass and cautions residents who are planning on celebrating Independence Day.
In addition, council granted a request from Chelsea Edwards, staff partner with the American Cancer Society for the use of the amphitheatre Aug. 25 as the start and end point for a Glow for Goal 5-K walk/run. The run will be in town but mainly on the bike trail. The objective is to raise $3,000 to meet the ACS goal from last month's Relay for Life. A post-race party will follow. Edwards thanked the city for its continued support of the Relay and related projects.
In other matters, Michael Kasper came before council with the suggestion that more local talent be invited to perform during the city's Community Days. He noted that John Adams has performed for the past six years and others might welcome the opportunity. In response to a question from Kasper, Finance Director Cindi Henry said the city's contribution to Adams' performance came to $1,500.
A lso, council tabled a decision whether to allow the Chamber of Commerce to sell alcohol at one of their upcoming events at the amphitheatre. Council will ask for more information.
The next meeting is set for July 16, 7:30 p.m.
DeFrank can be reached at rdefrank@timesleaderonline.com
