Council talks budget, future street paving; fluoridation one step closer

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WILMINGTON — The 2017 budget was at the center of the City Council’s agenda during their meeting Thursday night.

Copies of the current budget plan for 2017 were presented to council to review. Council President Randy Riley proposed that they hold a special meeting at a later date so they have an opportunity to look at the budget. The meeting will take place on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., when they will be discussing any concerns with the proposed budget.

Riley hopes that a first reading takes place during the meeting.

Council member Mark McKay expressed his gratitude to the citizens for getting the tax levy passed, but said council has a big responsibility.

“We have been giving an amazing opportunity but we’ve got to make sure we do it right,” said McKay.

Brian Shidaker, Director of Public Services/Public Safety, spoke during the discussion about the budget listed for street paving/project expenses. He told council about a major project for next year called “The South South Street” project.

According to Shidaker, the project would start at the city limits on South 68 and go into town, stops at Locust Street, picks up at Lorish Avenue, and works its way pass the drive-in theater to the city limits. Shidaker stated that the estimate he received from the Ohio Department of Transportation was $626,000.

“If the levy didn’t pass, that number would be zero,” said Shidaker, “I know what’s listed is a large amount, but this what I hear from the people. They want improvements in the quality of life in the city of Wilmington, maintain our services, and improve our streets. That’s what we’ll demonstrate these next five years.”

Also during council:

• David Wagenseller, President of the Murphy Theater’s Board of Trustees, gave an update on the construction of the Murphy. He said they hired a third-party consulting firm to look at the Murphy to see what can be done to restore it to what it was.

“If we have a mild winter, we hope to have the scaffolding down by spring,” said Wagenseller.

• There was a first reading of an ordinance mandating the fluoridation of the public water supplies controlled by the City of Wilmington. Council Member Lonnie Stuckert spoke out against it and encouraged people to ask the administrative assistant for some of the peer-reviewed publications and references he sent her. He believes water fluoridation isn’t safe. Council passed it with a 4-2 vote, with Stuckert and Joe Spicer voting against it.

• Lee Hendee of Wilmington’s radio station WALH told the council that Kelly Thompson is currently accepting donations to take down to Gatlinburg, Tennessee to those affected by the wildfires. According to Hendee, she’s collecting plastic totes, duct tape, and Visa and Kroger gift cards. She’s also collected new socks, hats, gloves, towels, and coats. Donations can be dropped off at the radio station any time of the day up until Wednesday.

• Council member Kelsey Swindler gave praise to the Wilmington Police Department and Chief Duane Weyand for their quick response to a report made involving a concerned citizen spotting hate speech graffiti in a neighborhood. The graffiti contained two swastikas, the phrase “white power”, and a racial slur, according to Swindler. Council President Randy Riley added that under no circumstance is it acceptable to display something like that.

• Samantha Armon of Dayton Power & Electric spoke about the Gift of Power program that provides emergency relief funding to customers who cannot pay their winter heating bills. This partnership with the Salvation Army is accepting donations, and if anyone needs to sign up for it, they can do so from Jan. 17 to April 15.

Brian Shidaker spoke to council and those in attendance about upcoming street projects during the budget discussions at Thursday night’s council meeting.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/12/web1_IMG_2293.jpgBrian Shidaker spoke to council and those in attendance about upcoming street projects during the budget discussions at Thursday night’s council meeting. John Hamilton | News Journal

David Wagenseller shows council the plans for restoring the Murphy Theatre.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2016/12/web1_IMG_2285.jpgDavid Wagenseller shows council the plans for restoring the Murphy Theatre. John Hamilton | News Journal
Fluoridation one step closer

By John Hamilton

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Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574

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