21-05-2025
Village seeks more grants for Memorial Field project
JEFFERSON — Village council approved two grant applications that could be used for the construction of the Memorial Field inclusive playground that will also hopefully include other fun options for families.
Village officials were able to secure a grant last year from the Ashtabula County Board of DD, and assistance from the Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners, toward the construction of an inclusive playground, that could also include other features, like a pair of trails at the property.
The village hopes to find financial support from area businesses, and draw people from throughout northeastern Ohio.
Jefferson Village Administrator Steven Murphy said the grants would help pay for a portion of the the cost for a proposed Storybook Trail and a loop walk around the property.
Village council also approved an ordinance to start the process to renew a 1.55-mill street lights levy, and a one-mill fire levy. The resolution empowers the Ashtabula County Auditor to certify the tax evaluation and the dollar amount that would be generated by the renewal levies.
They would not involve any new tax money.
Murphy said he did a comprehensive look at available parking spots in the village. He said there are a total of 576 parking spots, including the county courthouse parking lot.
Village officials explained their rationale on the use of a speed bump on South Market Street near the entrance to Giddings Park, after a resident asked for officer patrol instead of the device.
Jefferson Mayor Jim Chiacchiero said village police can't be everywhere at the same time, and believe placing the bump in the area where a child was killed was the best option, from a safety standpoint.
Jefferson Police Chief Chris Mackensen said the village is looking into a grant to pay for a speed table that would replace the bump. The resident said he would be in favor of that solution.
Murphy also credited the street department for saving the village thousands of dollars in outside contract money, as they fixed an East Jefferson Street catch basin.
