NEW MIDDLETOWN Officials ask for work on Route 170

Vandalism at Welker Park is being investigated.
BY MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Village officials want the state to do work on state Route 170, which is deteriorating and dangerous in some places.
Bill Morvay, acting village administrator, told council members Monday that he has asked the state to patch the road and grind the shoulders, which are crumbling. He said he was told some time ago that the road will be patched this year if money is available.
So far nothing has been done. The road, the village's main thoroughfare, is slated for paving next year.
Council members commented that the road is heavily traveled by trucks using it as a shortcut to Interstate-680.
Morvay, who is also police chief, reported that an investigation is ongoing in the recent vandalism of Welker Park. He said restroom doors and picnic tables were spray painted.
He said the same thing was done at Springfield Elementary School. Films from cameras in both locations are being reviewed and action will be taken if the vandals can be identified, he said.
Reminder to property owners
Morvay also reminded property owners to inspect drainage ditches to make sure they are clean. He warned them not to fill them in with dirt or allow debris to accumulate because this will cause flooding.
In other business, Mayor Robert Carson reported court costs for mayor's court were raised to $45 effective Sept. 26. They were previously $40. Carson said the increase is because the state has raised its cost to the village by $5.
Council approved several purchases including a $1,199 air compressor from Ed Barnes A.C. Service Inc., New Middletown. The commercial grade compressor will be used for cleaning dump trucks, inflating tires and other village work.
They will pay M & amp;M Excavating $900 to clean a ditch on Meadowbrook, which is collecting sediment from water runoff, and up to $5,800 to repair a sinkhole on Woodland Drive.
Council also accepted an update of village ordinances which has been completed by Walter Drane & amp; Associates, Cleveland. Solicitor Jeffrey Heintz said he will see if the ordinances can be posted online.
Council also accepted the Mahoning County Emergency Management Agency's draft of its emergency plan, which includes New Middletown.
Morvay reported that a plastic playground ship and handicapped-accessible picnic tables have been delivered for the park. They were purchased in part with Green Team recycling program funds.