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Leetonia zoning inspector to offer ordinance for fee on vacant buildings

LEETONIA- Village Council will soon be presented with an ordinance addressing vacant buildings in the village.

Zoning Inspector John Rydarowicz Wednesday night told council he is preparing an ordinance that will levy a fee against owners of vacant commercial and residential buildings that should ensure their upkeep. He said the fee, described as significant, will pay for such actions as mowing lawns, boarding windows or removing garbage.

Rydarowicz addressed the issue after discovering 55 empty buildings (of an approximate 800) on his first drive through of the village.

Several council members voiced concerns about the proposed ordinance, but Rydarowicz said he wanted to present it to council first and then discuss it.

In other business, council approved as an emergency the third and final reading of an ordinance changing High Street between Oak and Elm streets to one-way eastbound flow due to deterioration of the narrow roadway. The signs are ready to be erected and the ordinance takes effect immediately.

Council also agreed to advertise for sealed bids for the vacant pizza shop building at 314 Walnut St. and to request the EMS Department to submit to council until further notice monthly statistics of calls responded to and those which are not due to lack of personnel response. Council also agreed to not meet on July 3 for vacation.

Village Administrator reminded residents that Spring Clean-up starts the week of May 6 and continues through May 17. Only brush and bagged leaves will be collected. All brush and bagged leaves should be stacked in the front curb lawn for pick up. The village will not pick up mixed piles of materials such as leaves and brush mixed together. Brush must be cut in lengths no longer than 4 feet and must be stacked all in the same direction. No appliances, furniture or any other types of debris that has to be hauled to a landfill will be collected.

Phillips said residents may drop off household furniture and appliances, electronics and passenger and light truck tires (without rims) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17 and 18 at Village Hall. No bags of garbage or hazardous wastes will be accepted and identifications will be checked to make sure those dropping off items reside in the village.

An Arbor Day celebration is scheduled for 11 a.m. May 11 at Wick Park.

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 15 at Village Hall, preceded by a Parks/Coke Ovens Committee meeting at 6 p.m.

Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net

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