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LISBON -- Mayor Peter Wilson took the opportunity at this week's meeting to remind village council how much they have accomplished this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Nonetheless, we continued to provide a high level of service under very trying circumstances," he said. "Although the virus was on everyone's mind, we did accomplish a lot."
Wilson said first they delivered on a promise made to voters that police department employees would receive significant pay raises, to keep them from leaving, in exchange for raising the village income tax from 1.5 percent to 2 percent.
Council recently approved purchasing a first response vehicle for the fire department and plans are underway to also acquire a new pumper.
The $170,000 in federal COVID-19 aid was used to purchase materials and equipment to protect village employees so they could continue to serve the public in as safe a manner as possible.
Wilson said they asked departments to save money where they could, and this resulted in a 7 percent reduction in general fund spending. Later in the meeting, fiscal officer Tracey Wonner reported the general fund was on track to end the year with a carryover $225,000 balance or more, up from $40,000 in 2019.
"And like I said before, that is due largely to Tracey," he said.
Wonner said some of that was due to more revenue generated by the increase in the income tax, but most of it was the result of department heads taking a closer look at spending.
"I just want to thank all departments that worked so hard and cooperated so well in a year that was difficult," she said.
The village obtained a record $1.6 million in grants this year, most of which was for the South Market Street bridge project, and Wilson said they are awaiting word on another $500,000 in grant applications. The village also received nearly $100,000 in grant money from county commissioners to resurface Lions Club Road.
Wilson said the village continued to resurface and repair streets during the summer, "and the clinkity clank from the manholes on Lincoln Way were finally addressed."
Water and sewer rates were raised to make the village eligible for state grants to undertake utility improvements. "Yes, village residents are paying more, but now we can apply for loans and grants to help repair and upgrade our utility lines," he said.
Wilson also praised the police department, especially after Lisbon became the focus of weekly protests, first by people opposed to pandemic restrictions enacted by the governor, and then following the George Floyd shooting in Minneapolis.
"There was a time, especially between May through June, when Lisbon was the scene of nearly weekly protests and demonstrations. Police made sure all the protests were peaceful, and they kept the situation under control," he said.
Wilson also thanked all those who volunteered to make Lisbon a better place to live.
"When we had problems at the cemetery, volunteers stepped in repeatedly to help us mow and trim," he said. "Volunteers have also transformed the downtown, first by replanting the square and then with Christmas decorations."
In other action at the meeting:
-- Council named Jim Landfried to the cemetery board, replacing longtime member Barry James, who stepped down. Landfried was recommended by Wilson and the cemetery board.
-- Wilson was given permission to seek a 100 percent grant available through the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association to hire a consultant. The mayor wants to hire a consultant to advise them on making recreational improvements to make Lisbon more friendly to the bicyclists who come to town use the popular Little Beaver Creek Greenway Trail.
"I'd like for them to spend more in the village, and maybe a consultant can help us do that," Wilson said of the bicyclists.
Wilson said he also intends to seek a 75 percent grant from the Clean Ohio Trails program to make improvements to Willow Grove Park. He said the village's 25 percent share could perhaps come from entering into a conservation easement with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, which has been discussed at prior meetings.
-- Council again thanked the Lisbon Beautification Committee for the decorating the village square.
"It looks like a Hallmark Christmas movie down there," said council member Ryan Berg, to the agreement of all.
-- Wilson reported 256 vehicles participated in the drive-thru reverse Christmas parade held on Dec. 5 at the county fairgrounds.
-- Wonner reported they have not received any hotel bed tax payments from the Days Inn since January, despite sending four letters since October. The village solicitor indicated he would take action at the appropriate time.
-- Council member Linda Donnalley said while the improvements to the Carter Lumber intersection are finally completed and the lights are operating, motorist still think there is a right-hand turning lane when coming from the east, which is no longer the case. She said this is making for a dangerous situation and suggested the lines be repainted to better define it is only one lane. Street supervisor Jim Oliver said nothing could be done until spring.
tgiambroni@mojonews.com