Rep plans to seek funds for administration building

NEW MIDDLETOWN -- State Rep. John Boccieri of New Middletown, D-61st, told village council he will try to get money for a new village administration building in the next state capital improvements budget.
He told council he needs a letter from them as soon as possible outlining their need. Council has been talking for some time about expanding the current building.
Also Monday, council unanimously approved rules for Welker Park. The park is undergoing a multiphase improvement project and has new equipment and facilities.
Among the rules are forbidding alcohol consumption in the park, imposition of a 5 mph speed limit, and a prohibition on soliciting items without permission. The ordinance calls for fines from $100 to $500 and a 60-day jail term for violations.
Additionally, lawmakers accepted a $6,254 EMS grant from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. The grant will fund a defibrillator.
They also accepted a $1,150 grant from the Ohio Department of Health that will pay half the cost of a new breath-analysis device to determine if drivers are legally drunk.
Charles Ley III was also welcomed as the village's new firefighter and EMS member.