GIRARD — City officials have received help from Ohio Sen. Sandra O’Brien in securing $300,000 in state funds for fixing up the Wellman Theater.

Safety-Service Director Sal Ponzio told city council Monday he has spoken with O’Brien about the funds. The city also has earmarked $150,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for the theater.

The $300,000 from the state capital appropriations bill would need approval by the Ohio House, Ohio Senate and governor’s office. Ponzio said three bids, all under $50,000, are being reviewed by the city engineer for asbestos removal.

Ponzio said other work needs done, including roofing, heating and air conditioning, and restrooms.

“The end game is to have a theater there again,” Ponzio said.

“We are glad funding is coming in for the theater,” said Third Ward Councilman Jeff Kay.

Funding, if approved, is expected to be received by October.

Also, Wastewater Plant Superintendent Mike Scoville said residents will receive a survey in their next bill in which they will be asked what type of service line they have — lead, copper, plastic or galvanized steel.

A penny can be used to scrape the line and whatever color shows up will indicate the type of line. Residents can then write it on the survey and return it. “We have to do this for every home in the city,” Scoville said, noting the deadline is October.

Ponzio, who said he checked his house’s line and it is copper, said a house built after the late 1980s is likely not going to have lead sewer line.

Ponzio said the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is mandating this and a $50,000 state grant will help cover any costs.

“We want to make sure the drinking water is as safe as possible,” he said.

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA

Mayor Mark Zuppo recently said recreational marijuana dispensaries would be welcomed in parts of the city, so officials want to make sure there are guidelines on the books.

Councilwoman-at-Large Lily Martuccio said parameters for recreational marijuana are needed.

“If we get applications, we need to have something in place. This is all new for us and we want to cover all our bases,” she said, indicating guidelines are in place for medical marijuana facilities.

In other business, council:

• Was informed a dedication will be 10 a.m. July 13 by the boat launch on the Mahoning River to officially name it in memory of Don Rex who was a city councilman and school principal. Plans are for an engraved rock to state Don Rex Canoe / Kayak Launch.

• Heard from Fourth Ward Councilman Thomas Grumley about having a traffic study done on a signal at Davis Street and Trumbull Avenue. Funding from Eastgate will help with the study and others that may need done on other traffic signals needing repaired or replaced, Grumley said.

• Heard from fire Chief Jim Petruzzi the new ambulance and a used one will arrive in July. He said there were 27 applicants for part-time firefighters to be at the station when ambulance service returns to the city.

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