McDonald wants grant

Six full-time department heads will get one-time
bonuses later this month.

By SEAN BARRON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

McDONALD — A major hurdle has been cleared for adding sidewalks to portions of a busy thoroughfare, as well as to parts of several other streets.

The village was recently awarded an application to apply for a $250,000 share of a federally funded Safe Routes to School program, which would be used to add sidewalks to make it safer for pupils who walk to Roosevelt Elementary or McDonald High School, Councilman Richard Harvey noted.

Meeting Wednesday, council approved a resolution to apply for the grant money. The funds for the sidewalk projects are being disbursed through the Ohio Department of Transportation.

The main leg of the project would see sidewalks being installed along a stretch of McDonald Avenue, Harvey noted. The estimated cost of that work is about $226,600, he said.

If approved, sidewalks also would be built on portions of Second and Sixth streets as well as Iowa Avenue, Harvey explained.

The paperwork has to be completed by Sept. 7, and the next step is for ODOT to accept bids, Harvey noted.

Other business

In other action, council approved a resolution that will give six full-time department heads one-time bonuses later this month. Those to receive increases are Police Chief Lou Ronghi, $1,768; police Lt. William Woodley, $1,193; Village Administrator Thomas Domitrovich, $1,905; Shawn Stevens, foreman of the street department, and Denis Dean, foreman of the water department, $1,075 each; and Charlene McCracken, village office manager, $1,325.

Also at the session, officials passed a motion authorizing roof and shingle repairs to the McDonald Recreation Center, estimated at $20,000, said Councilman B.J. Farr, who also heads the parks and buildings committee. The building also houses the post office and a senior citizens center, Farr said, adding that he hopes the work is wrapped up next month.