GALION, Ohio–The Galion Area Betterment Commission listened to a presentation from Crawford Transportation Collaborative (CTC) at its Dec. 1 meeting. Among other needs and concerns, the commission heard from the chamber of commerce, economic development authorities, and the YMCA.
“It’s a shame that a good hard-working individual can’t keep a job because of lack of transportation,” said Vince Ponziani, mobility manager for CTC. The CTC was formed, to help people get to work, to doctor appointments and other important meetings.
The program is funded through a grant from Ohio Department of Transportation which is being administered by the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said Ponziani.
“My main duties have been focused on the collaboration of services between public agencies in order to create transportation options that will meet the identified needs,” said Ponziani. “It has been my pleasure to meet with many of the leaders in our community and work together with them to eliminate the barriers of unavailable transportation.”
The CTC is tied in with the new 2-1-1 communication system and works in coordination with CONTACT Crawford County, Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Crawford County Family and Children First Council, Crawford County Job and Family Services, Crawford County Public Transportation, Restore Ministries, and the Crawford Office of the Ohio Heartland Community Action Commission.
CTC is looking for volunteers, said Ponziani. He added that the volunteers they now have are great about helping with last minute requests for rides, even to Toledo or Columbus. Volunteers are using their own vehicles. He added that no reimbursement for fuel is currently available, but drivers choose where and when they will drive and are able to set their own rules.
The Betterment Commission takes time each month to share their organizations needs and news. Items discussed on Monday included concerns and upcoming events.
Joe Kleinknecht of the Galion-Crestine Area Chamber of Commerce said the CSC Cycling Center, a new business in the Uptowne, is now open from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. each evening.
Gary Frankhouse of Crawford County Economic Development asked Betterment members to call his office with ideas for a new application he is working on titled America’s Best Communities. The competition is for $3 million to be used for economic development within the community.
Mayor Tom O’Leary reported that many Galion residents were without power and the line department was working to get it back on as soon as possible. The problems are related to ongoing difficulties with the Dawsett Street Substation. O’Leary commented that there will continue to be trouble with the aging substation until the upgrade is complete.
Terry Gribble of the Galion YMCA announced the Y’s Open House is Dec. 15. Residents can tour the newly remodeled facilty. He asked that visitors bring a new pair of socks, which will be donated to those in need. Gribble also announced that all members of any statewide YMCA can attend any Y in any city because of a new cooperative agreement.
“If you belong to one, you belong to the Y,” he said.
Galion Health Commissioner Stephanie Zmuda announced that the health departments in Crawford County are merging and will be working on a county-wide health survey.
Rick Maddox of the Galion Ministerial Association reminded attendees of the tree lighting ceremony at 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 6, a part of the Come Home to Galion event. He also reported that the church leadership met with the city to hear about the new electric rates and said churches may be impacted by the change.
The next meeting of the Galion Area Betterment Commission will be Jan. 5, 2015 at noon in the Galion Community Hospital Cafeteria Board Room with election of officers on the agenda. For more information on the Betterment Commission, call 419-468-7737.
