Hubbard rates uses for money | News, Sports, Jobs

HUBBARD — Council’s finance committee has submitted four projects for officials to review and consider funding with the $777,148 in American Recovery Plan money the city has received.

Second Ward Councilwoman Robin Zambrini said Monday the finance committee has recommended the four projects based upon input from residents and a review of infrastructure projects proposed by council and city officials:

• Hall Avenue sanitary sewer replacement estimated at $302,955;

• Sanitary lift station improvement project estimated at $302,995;

• Caroline Avenue waterline replacement project estimated at $509,895;

• Hubbard Union Cemetery joint city and township paving improvements at a cost not determined yet.

“We feel this will be worthwhile use of the ARP monies for projects and improvements that will benefit the most citizens and help us save money in the future on repair costs,” Zambrini said.

“We asked for ideas and thoughts from residents and officials. We focused on projects that would benefit everyone,” she said.

Mayor Ben Kyle said council will make the final determination.

Of the $777,148, the first half — $388,574 — was received in 2021 and the same amount is expected this year. The funds must be planned out by December 2024 and used by December 2026.

The finance committee’s opinion to officials indicates “the most worthwhile use of the ARP funds for long-term infrastructure improvements that will benefit the most citizens, head off potential future failure of the mentioned systems, save the city money in the repair costs, and … each represent a project that might not otherwise be able to be completed without receipt of these one-time ARP funds.”

In other business, Kyle said Hubbard High School seniors will help the city with a cleanup and beautification day 9 a.m. to noon April 25.

“This is the first time the schools have done this. It will really help us in cleaning up the litter throughout the city,” Kyle said.

He said buses will take the students to various locations, including the parks.

Republic Services will help the city with an additional trash pickup once the cleanup is completed, he noted.

Council also approved moving forward with a sidewalk installation and road resurfacing.

The city entered into an agreement with the Ohio Department of Transportation for the $178,100 construction of sidewalks along Myron Street with the city paying nearly $150,000, including engineering costs. This is 1,000 feet of sidewalk between Main Street (state Route 62) and Stewart Street.

The city is applying for federal Surface Transportation Block Grant program funds through Eastgate Regional Council of Governments for the Elmwood Drive resurfacing. Kyle said the more than $175,000 project set to be done in 2026 will have the city’s share at $150,000.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com