LEETONIA — Council members tabled action on an agreement with Norfolk Southern to lease 2.34 acres along the railroad tracks next to the village’s splash pad until their solicitor can review the language.

During Wednesday night’s regular meeting, Roman Ferry, Leetonia’s assistant village administrator, did confirm that Abbey Minamyer, the village’s legal counsel, had been unable to review the contract as she  currently is on maternity leave.

Council unanimously agreed to table the lease agreement for action until she could review it. 

The village of Leetonia would pay approximately $1,250 per acre to lease the property annually, per Ferry. He said that the village had negotiated that down from $10,000 per acre, which was Norfolk Southern’s original asking price.

As America’s 250th birthday approaches, the village is considering joining Independence Day festivities being organizations by local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars’ chapters instead of electing to participate in Lisbon’s celebration at the Columbiana County Fairground. 

Citing that a substantial donation and volunteers would be needed for the event, which is 15 miles away, Ferry said that Leetonia officials were unsure how many village families would make the trip to the event, thus wanted to hold something closer to home. 

Ferry noted there would be a private donation matching grant available if hosting their own event. 

Street superintendent Ed Allen successfully had the Bobcat repairs completed. Originally quoted at $3,426.64, Sensing was able to complete the work for $1,352.23, saving the village more than $2,000.

He also billed OmniFiber $17,677.54 for damages and water use while installing lines within the village. To date, OmniFiber has paid $7,410. 

Orchard Estates’ work is progressing, according to assistant administrator Ferry. 

The initial phase is to build 25 new homes, leaving 10 acres undeveloped.

However, there has been concerns expressed regarding the road within the development, which Ferry suggests the village use the 2027 Ohio Public Works Commission Revolving Fund moneys to facilitate. The projected cost is $92,000. 

Council next meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 in council chambers. 

In other action Wednesday:

— Three area residents expressed concern about a High Street property’s possible zoning violations, which village officials followed up on Wednesday morning with the occupant. 

— Members agreed to read and pay the bills, which totaled $113,525.20, as well as appoint residents Tony Greier, Marilyn Camp and Suzanne Tobuck to the Leetonia parks board.

— Council agreed to pay $425, which is half of the cost to remove a curb lawn tree at 104 Lisbon St. with the resident paying the remainder of the $850 bill.

— Ferry updated council on the status of two properties set for demolition. The home at 193 Main St. has been razed except for the foundation which is buried. The house at 27 Main St. is expected to be demolished soon pending approval by Elevate Building Solutions of the new construction plans. 

— Members voted to hire C.J. Faulkner as a reserve officer to the Leetonia police department. Faulkner will attend the police academy at his own expense. 

— Council agreed to draft legislation to change the EMS collection company from Eagle Billing to Medicount, citing a 1.5 percent  cheaper collection rate. 

— Street employee Kyle Bourne will be moved from part-time to full-time effective April 1 at a rate of $15.30 per hour. 

— Council was advised that Ferry will make committee assignments to be presented at the next meeting and asked members with particular assignments of interest to contact him.