MAHONING CO. Reading center to be moved

A renovation of the administration building may be in the works.
BY MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Purchase of a new location for the New Middletown Reading Center will be announced next week by Mahoning County library officials.
Police Chief Bill Morvay told New Middletown Village Council on Monday that library officials have set the announcement for 10 a.m. April 19 at the village administration building on state Route 170.
Library officials told Morvay on Monday they will announce the purchase of the building that houses Heaven Sent, a Hallmark store at the corner of state Route 170 and Woodland Drive. The purchase will allow the reading center to move from one room at the village building into its own quarters, a move which was recommended several months ago by the library board.
Council had earlier indicated it would like to use the space, which will be freed by the move for a renovation of the administration building. Mayor Robert Carson said a meeting will be set for the building, parks and grounds committee to begin planning the renovation.
Also Monday, council awarded contracts for two projects. J.D. Martin Construction Co., Columbiana would do the sidewalk project on state Route 170 for $77,074, the lowest of four bids received.
Council also awarded a contract to Butch and McCree Paving Co., Hillsville, Pa., which bid $23,685 to construct a basketball court in Welker Park.
Other matters
In other business, council approved spending up to $4,000 for M & amp;M Excavating, New Springfield, to construct a manhole at Foster and Linford Drives. Morvay, who also oversees the road department, said a blockage there is causing a resident's basement to flood.
UMorvay also announced the village has received an $18,830 grant from the Mahoning County Green Team for paving a grassy area on the south side of the village administration building, as well as extending the parking area at the water tower. About 27 new parking spots will be created. The village will have to provide a $4,450 match.
UCouncil learned that Police Sgt. Kenneth Goist was chosen from a group of school resource officers in Ohio to attend a seminar in Maryland sponsored by the National Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Law-Related Education Program. He also will serve as project evaluator at the 10th annual Ohio Youth for Justice Summit in Columbus next month.
UCouncil authorized Morvay to apply for a $17,000 Green Team Grant to buy picnic tables, playground equipment and a hard plastic material the fire department would use to stabilize vehicles during extrication efforts.
UCouncil declared May 16-22 National EMS Week, May 9-15 National Police Week and May 15 National Police Officer Memorial Day.
UCouncil agreed to spend $1,000 for flowers and shrubs to beautify the municipal building.