Village projects to update water tower, repave roads

The chief plans to increase patrols to make the high school's Prom Week safer.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
McDONALD -- Improvements to a water tower as well as to sections of a handful of streets are the top village projects set to get under way soon.
At Wednesday's village council meeting, officials approved a motion put forth by Councilman Michael O'Brien to advertise for bids to resurface several roads this year. The work will include repaving a portion of Iowa Avenue between Marshall Road and Fifth Street; Pennsylvania Avenue between Fifth and McKinley Boulevard; and McKinley Boulevard.
About $160,000 has been set aside this year for the project, Village Administrator Thomas Domitrovich noted, adding that three or four smaller side streets also could be paved toward the end of this year or in 2007, depending on funding and how quickly the project's first leg moves.
Water tower project
Domitrovich explained that work on the 45-year-old water tower on McDonald Avenue will consist of replacing an outdated pumping unit, adding new piping, performing some electrical work and replacing two water flow meters.
One benefit of installing new equipment and repairing other pieces will likely be a lower electric bill for the village, he said. Antenucci Inc. of Warren is scheduled to do the work, slated to cost $41,915.
Also at the meeting, Police Chief Lou Ronghi said his department will increase patrols to make Prom Week at McDonald High School later this month safer. Ronghi said he plans to give a presentation at the school to increase students' awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.
In other business, Mayor James W. Border appointed Cynthia Green, a junior at Mount Union College in Alliance, park attendant supervisor. Green's duties will include conducting various summer programs and creating others, Border said, adding that he also plans to appoint eight part-time, temporary park workers at council's next meeting May 17.
Officials announced a Village Cleanup Day, set for 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 13. Volunteers will pick up litter and clean the park, some baseball fields and other areas, Border said. Those interested in participating should meet at Ramsey Pavilion.