HUBBARD Sidewalk funding receives initial OK

Councilwoman Bonnie Viele asked for legislation concerning a travel policy.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- A regional planning subcommittee says a project to replace sidewalks and curbs along West Liberty Street is possible.
Kathleen Rodi, project engineer with the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, said possible funding has been approved by agency's transportation enhancement subcommittee.
The project calls for new sidewalks and curbs along the south side of West Liberty. The work must be approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation.
If the project is approved, Eastgate will provide $150,367, and the city must come up with $67,556.
A three-year pedestrian enhancement project calls for replacement of walkways on West Liberty, from North Main Street west to Parish Street.
In addition, it includes sidewalks and curbs on North Main, from West Liberty to School Street.
Mayor George Praznik made the announcement at Monday's city council meeting.
Travel policy
Also Monday, Councilwoman Bonnie Viele, D-1st, chairwoman of council's finance committee, requested legislation that would formalize a travel policy for all employees and officials.
Viele, who worked on the policy with city Auditor Michael Villano, said the state auditor's office suggested such a policy.
Those staying at a hotel in Ohio would be reimbursed a maximum $100 per night and $150 for an out-of-state overnight stay.
Mileage would be reimbursed at 34 cents per mile.
Maximum for in-state meals would be $6 for breakfast, $8 for lunch and $16 for dinner; the out-of-state rate would be $7 for breakfast, $10 for lunch and $18 for dinner.
During a caucus session before the meeting, Viele said most hotel chains provide a lower government rate, but the rates can be amended by council.
Councilwoman Lisha Pompili-Baumiller, D-3rd, said she thinks the dinner rates are too low because hotels charge higher prices for food.
yovich@vindy.com