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EAST PALESTINE -- East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway asked village residents to be patient this week and particularly on Friday -- the day President Joe Biden is set to visit the area over a year following the Norfolk Southern train derailment.
"President Biden is coming on Friday and we expect it to be pretty hectic and pretty chaotic," Conway said. "We just ask everybody to be patient and help us get through the week."
The exact details of Biden's visit have not been made public, but the White House confirmed he will be in the village on Friday to discuss how the Biden Administration is working with officials to "hold Norfolk Southern accountable and support the community as it moves forward."
In legislation matters, first readings were held for modifications to the teamsters contract, contracts for salt and road maintenance, a tax evaluation for a renewal street levy that will be placed on the November ballot and permission for East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) to act on authority of the village. Legislation to appoint members to the CIC was tabled until all council members can be present.
Village manager Chad Edwards announced that a dilapidated building inventory is underway in the village. He also announced Dog Days -- the village's annual day of giving back and volunteerism - will be set May 18.
Street Committee Chairman Lenny Glavan reported work on South Market and is now complete and said gravel, dust and cleanup on the roads are being addressed.
In other village work-related matters, it was reported the waterline replacement and construction of the structure to house the carbon filters at the water plant continues. The carbon filters, which are now in place, were bought by Norfolk Southern and manufactured by Calgon. They are precautionary protection for the municipal water supply from any impacts from the derailment. No derailment-related contamination has been detected in the water supply.
Fire Chief Keith Drabick reminded residents that in conjunction with the American Red Cross, a Sound the Alarm Campaign that will install free fire alarms and test current ones will begin April 20. Forms are available at both the city building and the fire station.