Mayor’s 2021 State of the Village

2020 is a year we won’t ever forget. Covid-19 affected all of us. We had many residents and their families who had to directly weather the virus and some lost loves ones due to it, including our own Village employees. Condolences go out to anyone who experienced that loss. With the vaccines approved, Newcomerstown has applied to be a Covid pod (Point of Delivery) site for administering the vaccine. With the vaccine, we hope to see an end to this virus.

As for progress for the Village, we have had a good year. The big item that stands out was the demolition of the Simonds factory. Everything was brought down except for the old administration building and one beside it. After the site is cleaned up more and made safer, we will be inviting the community in to share some ideas. Several residents have brought ideas of a community center, apartments, and festival sites.

Starting at the beginning 2020, Councilman Allen Collins suggested and created a 7 question survey for residents to complete. It was mailed out to every resident with their water bills. Its results set the tone for a number of goals and programs that were initiated last year and this year.

The purchase of the Systems III building across from the Senior Center was a direct result of the community survey that residents turned in for us. Having to climb the steps to visit the mayor’s office is too strenuous for some of our residents due to age or ailments. When completed, residents will have an easier time without having to deal with steps when visiting. Completion date is the end of 2022.

A new plan process was created for dealing with buildings and properties needing demolition. Run down properties will go up for sheriff’s auction if back taxes over two years are owed, or the property is abandoned. Anyone interested in those properties will either have to renovate to county standards or tear down the building.

A new sidewalk incentive was introduced for businesses to repair and replace sidewalks. We would like to thank Fit 4 U (Jen and Mike LaVigne) and several residents for being the first to try the new ordinance out.

A new railroad spur was started and is almost complete as part of a new business coming into the Industrial Park. The spur has already generated more corporations looking at the Industrial Park, especially since it received a state certification- one of only 27 in the state of Ohio. Congratulations goes out to George Brode, Alan Bambeck and the Newcomerstown CIC for this accomplishment. We would also like to thank the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation for all they did to help the CIC get through the process.

2020 saw many residents step up and go out of their way to improve their homes, their streets, and their businesses. The year started with a community make over contest with HGTV. A group of residents created a plan with Daniel Bias. Daniel with his drone footage and a great turnout of residents for a Sunday afternoon rally, created a great video view of our town and impression on Main Street

I am most proud of Martin Luther King Drive residents for all their work to improve their street. Many residents there did a great job on properties that needed drastic help. More permits were issued this year for building and improving residences than any other during my time in office.

The new Our Village organization created a wonderful new event Christmas Reimagined that attracted many people to the downtown area in December.

Michelle Mozena brought the idea for a splash pad to replace the little pool at Cy Young Park. Several local community groups have donated but the pandemic slowed down progress. A layout plan of a baseball diamond and field has been created as an initial look. This will add a new dimension to the pool and fun for our younger kids. We will be working with Michelle to write grants and continue to seek donations.

A new secure recycling site was set up and paid for by the Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne County Soil, Water and Recycling District at cost of approximately $25,000. The site was moved due to all the household garbage and furniture being left at the other site. This site will be open from dawn to dusk and will be locked at dusk. It has lights and a camera recording system so the County and Village can prosecute offenders with recorded evidence.

The water/wastewater department initiated a new credit card system for payment.

Erica Gress, our Executive Assistant coordinated the renovation of the new website which is more informational and easier for the public to interact with.

Lisa Stiteler, our Fiscal Officer, had her audit for finances for 2018-2019 come out perfect with no findings against the Village.

We were fortunate to be able to keep the Cy Young Pool open all summer with no incidents while following Health Department and State Covid Guidelines.

The Village received a $75,000 paddling grant to construct a new boat ramp by the River Street Bridge. It is slated to be done by June 30^th. We also hope to open the new Simonds/Heller Nature Park at the time.

We are also working with OMEGA and ODOT to receive a $400,000 Safe Route to Schools Grant for sidewalks and creating safer crossings around our schools.

The Village set up a Cares Act Grant program for businesses and non-profit organizations. This was federally funded out of money the village received. $125,000 was granted to help 37 businesses and non-profits. Businesses had to be registered with the state to receive funding.

Each year, each department supervisor sets goals for their projects, procedures and equipment. Last year had 105 goals of which 85 were met. 2021 has 98 goals in place. These goals are on file for requests. Some of the important goals are a survey to businesses to inquire on what we need to do better to help them. The Park Hill Water Tank will be renovated, updated, and painted. The new boat ramp will be constructed and hopefully walking trails will be open at the Simonds-Heller Park. Southside Park will be getting some new playground equipment.

As always, the Village with the CIC and the Tuscarawas County CIC and Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation will continue to work together to search and invite companies to inspect our area of Ohio for opportunities to locate in Newcomerstown.

We are also inviting housing development companies to see the land opportunities for new housing, including new apartment complexes.

The Village Council will be losing three seats this year. Council people Jim Friel, Randy Little, and Heather Stein Wells will not be seeking re-election. The Village thanks them for their service and wish them the best in their future. We are looking forward to the next set of citizens willing to step and work to continue what these Council people have initiated.

I would like to thank the residents of our Village for all they have done this year to make our town better. You did it with taking care of your homes, by participating in the events and projects that we were able to have, and by showing your pride in your community.

I would like to thank our Council, department supervisors, and employees for all of their hard work this year. It has certainly been interesting.

Each year we are working towards improving our Village with its living and recreational environments, service to the community, and increasing job opportunities. There have been many accomplishments to show that positive direction. But we have a ways to go. With all of the help and ideas we are receiving from the residents, that positive direction will keep pushing us towards a better future.

We are looking forward to a better and exciting year for Newcomerstown.

Sincerely,

Pat Cadle, Mayor

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