MCDONALD
MCDONALD
Council agenda
Village council met earlier this week and handled these matters:
Considered the idea of being part of a natural gas aggregation program. Thomas Bellish, president of Twinsburg-based Buckeye Energy Brokers Inc., said residents could form a block and obtain a group rate for natural gas, which can be cheaper. Advantages of such a plan include protecting members from market volatility while mitigating risk, having fixed price options and greater buying leverage, Bellish explained. Billing would come from, and payments would go to, the local utility; the charge from the new gas supplier also would appear on residents’ bills, he said.
Discussed working with homeowners who have or are contemplating buying wood-burning stoves as an alternative energy source, while trying to fight high heating bills anticipated for this winter. Officials want to guide owners of such devices by ensuring they use the stoves properly, which, in part, means burning untreated, clean wood and not trash, noted Councilman Scott W. Seitz. Seitz, who also heads council’s planning commission, said owners also should have wood stacks that are 2 feet above the ridge of their homes so as to minimize problems with rodents; be sure smoke doesn’t pose problems for neighbors; and have a device that is compatible to their needs and lot sizes.
Gave a third reading to an ordinance for a one-time, lump-sum payment totaling $14,235 to 14 full-time village employees. The bonuses should be reflected on the workers’ next checks, Mayor Glenn W. Holmes said.
Praised street department workers for restoring power and removing limbs and other debris after Sunday’s windstorm. Thomas Domitrovich, village administrator, said the north end of McDonald was hit the hardest, with about 400 residents who lost power. Domitrovich said anyone who’s still without electricity should call Ohio Edison at (888) 544-4877, or contact the administration building, (330) 530-5472.
Learned that traffic patterns at and near the elementary and high schools have improved. Police Chief Lou Ronghi said certain one-way streets were opened to allow smoother flow.
Heard from village resident Ken Minor, who wants to start a McDonald Historical Society. Minor announced anyone is welcome to attend a meeting on the idea, which is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the village community room, 500 Ohio Ave.