Politics & Government

Council Quick Takes: West Maple Street Widening Project & More

Here's a quick rundown of what happened at the North Canton City Council meeting Monday night

Here's a quick recap of what happened when City Council met inside Monday night: 

  • Council met at 6:45 p.m. for a special meeting to consider four ordinances dealing with streets and alleys. One ordinance would allow the mayor to apply for a grant through the Federal Highway Administration for the West Maple Street Widening Project. The project would widen West Maple Street from Ream Street to Main Street by introducing a turning lane. The project also would include a new traffic signal at Ream Street. 

Council considered a similar ordinance authorizing the mayor to apply for the Portage/Charlotte Streets Improvement Project (from Wise Avenue NW to North Main Street). Both ordinances will see their third readings next week.

  • Also during the special meeting, Council discussed a resolution to send a request to the Stark County Auditor regarding the amount of money that would be generated by a renewal of a 1.5-mill EMS levy. Council President Jon Snyder said the levy generates about $683,000 a year. Snyder said the levy is expected to be on the ballot in November and residents would see no tax increase.
  • Council discussed the North Main Street Reconstruction Phase 6 and allowing the mayor to hire MS Consultants to provide services for $300,000. The $3.8 million project will improve North Main Street from Applegrove Street to Orion Street by adding a center turn lane. Councilman Doug Foltz said he's concerned there won't be enough trees and greenery lining the roadway after the construction is complete. He said he intends to look over plans for the project with the city engineer to ensure there's adequate greenery lining Main Street. Construction is slated to begin in mid-July.
  • Councilman Dan Griffith discussed an amendment to the housing code regarding unsafe buildings. The city has  that are structurally defective, unsanitary or have inadequate maintenance because of continued vacancy. Griffith said he's working on a draft that explains how the city will get judicial approval before tearning down any building.
  • Council will meet again at 7 p.m. Monday. U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci is expected to attend the meeting.

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