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LEETONIA -- The village could be the first in Columbiana County to establish a special district to help fund energy efficiency projects.
Mayor Kevin Siembida reported this week the village is eligible to establish an energy special improvement district (ESID), according to Tad Herold of the county port authority. The village is eligible since the port authority is conducting a $150,000 energy efficiency project at its property on Cherry Fork Road.
Siembida said the port authority would assume all responsibility and cost of setting up the district. Council would only have to approve the action.
An ESID can help secure funding for energy projects and create energy savings for properties within the district. Siembida said the village does not write off any taxes, but the district provides a way for companies to save money.
Siembida said he wanted council to be aware of the opportunity and said Herold would provide further information at a later date.
In other business, council agreed to discuss two properties that may no longer hold any use for the village: 74 Main Street and 10 acres near the sportsman's club.
The village has received interest for purchase in both properties, according to Siembida. Council must first declare the properties as no value to the village before selling them, he said.
Council will discuss the issue at a finance committee meeting following its April 21 meeting.
Council also tabled a request from a property owner near the sportsman's club to remain an agricultural district. The district provides protection against nuisance suits and special assessments regarding water and sewer. The property will retain the agricultural district status since council will not be holding a hearing on the issue.
Also at the meeting, council hired Nick Noel as a part-time street employee.
Additionally, Siembida reported brush pick up will be completed May 3 through 14.
Village Administrator Gary Phillips also reported paving of East High Street from Main east to the village limits on East High will begin at 7 a.m. Monday. He is asking motorists to avoid this work area as the road will be closed most of the time. The community park also will be closed to vehicular traffic during the construction time. After the East High project is completed, the contractor will be paving Somer Street from Cherry to Lisbon Street. There will be a parking ban in effect during the work. R.T. Vernal Paving and Excavating will be doing the work.
The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 21 at village hall, followed by the finance committee.