GIRARD — City officials have approved an agreement with the Millennial Theater Company for the operation and management of the Wellman Theater on West Liberty Street.

Mayor Mark Zuppo said at Monday’s council meeting the agreement will allow the city and MTC to work together in seeking grants and foundation money for improvements and upgrades of the building.

Zuppo said the partnership is designed to better secure needed funds for the project.

The city purchased the former Wellman Theater with plans to turn it into a smaller version of the Robins Theatre in Warren. It received a $300,000 state grant to help with renovations, which was part of Ohio’s Capital Improvements Budget.

Zuppo said recently asbestos abatement was done on the theater, with the next work to be done on the roof.

Revenue generated from speed cameras has provided $38,889 for work at the theater, Zuppo said.

SPEEDING CONCERNS

In other business, resident William Bell of East Prospect Street pointed out he has seen an increase of speeding vehicles in his neighborhood, including many that ignore stop signs.

“Drivers are running the stop signs left and right,” said Bell. “I have sat on my porch and seen the cars roll right through the intersections. They do not even slow down.”

Bell is concerned because there are children in the neighborhood who play outside and cross the street.

Bell said he is aware there are problems in other neighborhoods in the city.

Zuppo responded that the police department has a traffic officer who will increase patrols in the areas of Elruth, Wellman and Highland avenues.

“We are aware of the bad spots with cars parked in front of fire hydrants. We will be cracking down on speeders in town and parking issues,” Zuppo said.

Council also heard from Troy Rhoades of FirstEnergy about plans to install smart meters in Girard in late April.

Rhoades said meters will be installed on both residential and commercial buildings. The meters will be automated and provide more efficient readings.

Rhoades said Wellington employees will assist FirstEnergy with installation. Residents will be notified by mail of dates for the meter change.

He said residential properties that do not have a smart meter will be charged $28 to have meters read manually.

Also, Zuppo said he contacted state representatives about lost revenue because of changes in the Ohio tax structure regarding marijuana sales in the city.

State legislators propose to give cities 36% the first year of taxes from the businesses, 20% the next four years, and after five years, nothing.

“I have spoken to or sent letters to state reps on the city’s concern over this,” Zuppo said.