EAST PALESTINE — East Palestine welcomed a new face and a fresh prospective to village council on Monday, welcoming Olivia Snedekar as the Student Representative from the East Palestine School District.

“Her primary responsibility will be bringing to council the thoughts of our school-aged residents, and taking back to them what she has learned by attending council meetings,” explained Village Manager Antonio Diaz-Guy. “We met Monday midday to acquaint her with Municipal Government processes and council meeting formats and to provide some initial feedback on what is happening in the community. Overall, we are thrilled to continue to focus on bringing all members of the community together, across the age spectrum, to take part in our march toward progress. I remain optimistic that Olivia will bring unique and necessary perspectives to our meetings.”

In other matters, it was announced that the village’s application for a building department has been submitted to the state of Ohio and is pending review and approval. The establishment of the building department will expedite the commercial building process in East Palestine as well as the $25 million park project.

Once approved by the state, the village will be able to enforce building codes and to enter into an agreement with third-party Elevate Business Solutions (EBS) as the village’s “primary contractor for that department.” The park project is in its second phase but the new department will make permits for Phase 3 — which is at 60% in design and awaits approval — quicker to obtain.

Council also passed a resolution granting the East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) agency of the former Jasar Recycling property. The property was acquired to be the site of the now-quashed Norfolk Southern East Palestine Regional Training Center. When the railroad pulled out of its promise to build the center, the property was given to the village as part of the settlement with Norfolk Southern in the wake of the 2023 derailment.

A resolution approving an amended annexation for properties near where the village’s new safety complex will be constructed was also passed as an ordinance to establish a part-time marketing position and wage within the village.

Council also welcomed Faye’s Elegant Beauty as a new business to East Palestine, opening in Early October on Market Street and discussed the success of the recent Fall Festival.

“A big thank you to everyone who was involved in that process and planning. Downtown is starting to feel alive again, and events like that go a long way in bringing people together,” Diaz-Guy said. “Whether it was the unique vendors, ghost/pumpkin bowling, or a downtown rock show put on by local high school students, residents of EP had a lot to be proud of that day.”

selverd@mojonews.com