Shelby’s latest council meeting highlighted the success of The Polar Express, Community and Economic Development Committee, an update on the Justice Center. In legislation, resolutions passed allowing the mayor to enter fire protection contracts.
One attendee was especially pleased with the success of the recent visit by the Polar Express.
“A Night of Christmas Magic was the most awesome thing I have ever seen in the city of Shelby. It absolutely bypassed most Bicycle Days, it was just awesome,” commented Pat Carlisle, a member of the public. “So many people from our community bundled up and it was so heartening and gave me such hope to see so many people so happy and celebrating in the city of Shelby. Christina Thompson, thank you so much and anyone else in the city of Shelby who had anything to do with making that a success.”
Councilman John Garland Gates made note of business developments and changes happening in Shelby. “The Holiday Store is open again during the holiday season. It is at 24 West Main Street and they are opened on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Connection opened up this last summer and it has expanded its store front, so they are now a double store front. Shelby Monuments is relocating from 44 East Main to 69 West Main Street. The establishment that was originally known as Stompin’ Grounds is morphing again into The Little Brew. The grand opening will be on Sunday, December 8 from 1-4 p.m. I know there are many people in town that are glad to have a coffee shop back in Shelby,” said Gates.
Gates also noted that construction at North Central State College Shelby campus for their conference center is coming along nicely and will open soon. “There will be a Holiday Open House at Marvin Memorial Library on December 12 from 6-8 p.m.,” said Gates.
Mayor John made council aware of an error that was made in the electric rate ordinance passed. “There was a rate error that we just missed. The rate that was passed was actually higher than what it should be. It will be on the next council to pass because we want the rate to be what it should be, which would be a lower rate. That will be coming on the next council agenda,” said John.
Mayor Marilyn John also thanked Christina Thompson, Shelby Area Business Group, MedCentral Shelby, Mr. Ed, Ashland Railway, Chief Roub, the Shelby Police Department and Richland Source for their contributions to A Night of Christmas Magic.
Later, Community and Economic Development Coordinator Christina Thompson thanked all the previously listed organizations and also thanked Shelby Area Business Group, especially Carolyn Clarke, Jennifer Arms, and Kerry and Judy Nutter.
“Without the cooperation and participation of the downtown businesses that wouldn’t have happened. So many businesses opened their doors,” said Thompson.
Thompson recognized Pioneer students for making cookies for the event and noted that the Shelby firefighters made lots of hot chocolate that night.
“I would say there was easily over 3,000 people in that area but there were people you couldn’t see because they were in the businesses doing some of the activities,” said Chief of the Shelby Police Department Charlie Roub.
“I saw adults with tears in their eyes as the train was coming in and it was very special, so thank you again to everyone,” added John.
Gies gave an update on the construction of the Justice Center. “About 99 percent of the drywall is hung and taped and a vast majority of it is painted. They have started framing out the judge and jury box and the dividing wall is framed in. The parking lot lights were turned on and they are LED lights. That was a free upgrade and we were told they could last 25-30 years. That was a very nice free upgrade for us. It is coming along very nicely,” said Gies.
In legislation resolution 37 and resolution 38 passed, allowing Mayor John to enter a fire protection contract with Sharon and Jackson Townships. The contract with Jackson Township will last from Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2018 and the contract with Sharon Township will last from Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2016. Also council passed ordinance number 37, ordinance number 43, ordinance number 44, and ordinance number 45.
“So many people from our community bundled up and it was so heartening and gave me such hope to see so many people so happy and celebrating in the city of Shelby,” said Pat Carlisle.
