Village looks to prepare for Baard

WELLSVILLE - At Tuesday evening's council meeting, council member Randy Allmon brought up the increasing possibility that the Ohio River Clean Fuels plant may soon be coming to the village.

Allmon suggested that it might be in Wellsville's best interests to look into hiring a firm for negotiations with Baard Energy to see what the village would get out of having the company in its midst.

Council member Joe Soldano agreed, stating that "before we know it, (the plant) might be there."

Village mayor Joe Surace stated that council should probably "sit down with the Port Authority first."

Council member Tony Cataldo had a suggestion of his own, stating that "the first thing we should do is look into what other communities are doing."

Village solicitor Andy Beech stated that he agreed with Allmon's suggestion.

"It's not just the JEDD (Joint Economic Development District)," he said. "There are a lot of other issues that will arise. (You should) have somebody in place and on top of things."

A conclusive decision was not made at the meeting.

Village resident Nunzio Lombardozzi addressed council for the second time regarding the newly issued rent charges on Springhill Cemetery superintendent Mike Lombardozzi's home on cemetery property.

Nunzio stated that he believed fiscal officer Dale Davis did not consult council before deciding to level the $550 per month rent charge on Mike.

"It just seems very odd that a man's dedicated 20 years to this town and been treated like he just came to town two years ago," Nunzio said.

Nunzio also stated that he "doubt(s) very much that Mr. Davis spoke to Andy Beech" before deciding to apply the charges.

"I do know at this time that that's going into the form of a grievance," Surace replied.

Council member Rosie Goss stated that she has been trying to set up a meeting with Mike and that he and the cemetery committee could hopefully get together next week to discuss the issue.

Soldano stated that he looked into the parking issue at Curves on Wells Avenue.

At the Nov. 5 meeting, Curves owner Bonnie Valentine voiced concern about people who were parking in the alley beside the building, blocking Curves's side parking lot.

Soldano said that Beech helped with the issue by checking into village ordinance.

According to Soldano, Valentine needs only council approval to cut the curb and turn the side entrance into what would be considered a driveway, which would prohibit any parking there.

Soldano stated that Valentine told him she and her husband, as well as the property owner, would take care of the necessary labor to cut the curb down.

Soldano made the request into the form of a motion, asking for council's approval to "cut the curb on the right side of the building for parking purposes."

The motion passed unanimously.

Soldano also reported that he plans to set up a meeting with representatives from Columbia Gas, who appeared at the previous council meeting on Nov. 18 and cautioned council against the village's high fees for opening and closing holes in the streets.

Representatives Jim Weikart, Dave Rau and Michael Schwieterman stated at the meeting that the high fee might prohibit Columbia Gas from doing other large projects in the village.

Soldano stated that he hoped he could meet with the representatives soon "and try to talk that out."

Goss stated that a Clark Avenue resident called her to express gratitude for the street light which had been placed in an area that residents thought was not safely lit.

"I want to thank Mr. Soldano personally for taking care of the matter," Goss said.

Goss also stated that the resident was pleased that the complaint had been taken care of in a timely manner.

Council member John McMahon stated that he plans to hold a meeting with members of the St. Francis Animal Shelter to work out legislation and the issue of who will become the new dog warden, whether it is someone from the Columbiana County Dog Pound or a local resident.

At a previous committee meeting, it was suggested that village administrator Jim Saracco take over the position temporarily until a new dog warden could be hired.

Soldano reminded council that a motion had been passed a few months ago to place an advertisement in the newspapers for a qualified grant writer.

Surace stated that he agreed and would work to quickly place the advertisement.

Council approved an ordinance that establishes the salary and other benefits of the village fiscal officer.

At a previous council meeting, Davis stated that the changes were not just for him, but for whoever holds the position of fiscal officer in future years as well.

Surace announced that last month's revenue from magistrate court totaled $8,064.

Council member Tony Cataldo stated that he plans to hold a finance committee meeting at some point next week.

The next council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Dec. 16.