New Franklin Council discusses future plow truck purchases

NEW FRANKLIN — City Council members discussed plans for future paving projects and the purchase of vehicles in the Service Department at its Oct. 18 meeting.
Mayor Paul Adamson said the city’s most recent $1 million paving project was a good use of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, but the city must address how or if it can continue funding paving at that level.
“We have to look at if we can continue to devote $1 million a year, [but] we can this year,” Adamson said.
Councilman Kevin Powell (at large) suggested the city also consider lease-to-own options for snow plow vehicles, with the average cost of such vehicle around $270,000. Powell said the city currently has eight plow vehicles, each with an approximate 10-year lifespan and the lease-to-own option could allow the city to purchase two vehicles at a time and begin a more regular fleet rotation. Council members unanimously agreed that this would be a positive approach.
Also at the meeting, Adamson announced several planned parks improvement projects in 2024 and 2025 including a pavilion and playground equipment at Grill Park and a walking trail, playground equipment and permanent restrooms at Sisler Park.
Council also approved:
• applying for federal Surface Transportation Program funds through the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study for pavement improvements on South Turkeyfoot and State roads;
• a $6,075 reimbursement payment to Grace Bible Church for municipal water line installation and well capping on the church property at 5781 Manchester Road related to an Environmental Protection Agency grant agreement for the city to provide a public water system to the property;
• creation of a fund for the third phase of a federally funded road project on Cleveland-Massillon Road and appropriating $551,880 to the fund. Finance Director Susan Cooke explained this represents the 80% of the project costs that are “pass-through” funds the city must account for in its budget; and
• amending the first three articles of the New Franklin Zoning Code to include extending notice to adjacent residents affected by zoning change requests from 10 to 14 days and adding an amendment to also provide notice of such actions in a local news publication.
Council next meets Nov. 1 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 5611 Manchester Road. The meeting is also available for viewing on the city’s Facebook page.