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Resident seeks permission for ‘food kiosks’

LISBON — There are four food pantries in town, but a local family believes there is a need for more.

That is why Kodiealyse Ferro approached Village Council at this week’s meeting seeking permission to erect two “food kiosks” in town to provide free food to those in need who feel uncomfortable going to a local food bank or need food in an emergency.

These kiosks are more like large containers — 4 feet high by 3 feet wide and 2 feet deep — where donated non-perishable food items and toiletries could be stored. Anyone could stop by and take what they need at anytime, which is an advantage over traditional food banks that have set hours and days.

Ferro’s mother, Bonnie, said many people are uncomfortable going to a local food bank and signing up for the free groceries they are going to receive. While this is done to prevent people from going from one food bank to another, she said others simply do not like having to provide identification. She said these food kiosks are a way to reach those people, especially around the clock.

Kodiealyse said they have volunteers willing to keep the kiosks stocked and to make sure they are maintained. During winter cold-weather clothing could be added. “It’s more like a pay-it-forward type of thing,” she told council, adding she has received overwhelming positive feedback on Facebook.

“It makes my heart so happy that I’m not the only person in Lisbon who feels this way,” Kodiealyse said.

While the Ferros would like to locate a kiosk near one of the schools and another by the police station, they would be fine with any sites selected by council.

Council President Roger Gallo said while he agrees with the concept in theory, he is concerned about how the kiosks would work. Someone pointed out Wellsville tried having a food kiosk outside village hall but it had to be moved into the police department after someone stole all of the contents.

Resident Bill Hoover expressed his support for the idea but was concerned whether any liability would accrue to Lisbon by agreeing to host these kiosks. Village Solicitor Megan Bickerton agreed, saying she was concerned about non-food items being left in the kiosks and children getting hold of them. Kodiealyse said they would police the kiosks at all times.

Councilwoman Dawn Thomas, who also liked the idea, suggested the matter be tabled until the Ferros return with more details about how the program would work.

In other action, council voted to hire two new dispatchers for the police department: Aurora Smith of Salem, who fills a vacant full-time position, and Alexis Gross of Salineville, who was hired part-time.

Councilman Peter Wilson reminded his colleagues and the administration that time was running out on an offer from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to place Willow Grove Park under a permanent conservation easement, which would protect it from development in perpetuity and possibly generate an estimated $100,000 for the village.

He said the application deadline is in August and they called him recently to say they had yet to hear back from the village if it was interested. Mayor Joseph Morenz did not indicate whether he had pursued the matter other than walked the property with a logger.

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