After his first month in office, Shelby Mayor Steve Schag delivered the mayor’s annual report, known as the “State off the City” address, during the council meeting on Monday evening. Schag touched on a number of accomplishments in the city of Shelby throughout the past year and alluded to exciting projects to come in 2015.
Schag prefaced his report with a word of thanks to Director of Finance Bob Lafferty, Law Director Gordon Eyster, members of City Council, the City Hall staff, Safety Forces personnel, and the many municipal employees across Shelby.
“I think it is also appropriate to recognize our former mayor Marilyn John for her very capable leadership in the year 2014,” said Schag.
The city’s first major accomplishment in 2014 came with the occupancy of the new Shelby Justice Center on Mack Avenue in March 2014.
“This functional facility jointly houses our Shelby Municipal Court and jail under the same roof,” said Schag. “This move certainly enhances the safety and convenience of our court personnel, police force, and citizens as well.”
In 2014, ArcelorMittal also broke ground on a $36 million investment, including an addition to the present Plant 2 building as well as new equipment. The project is projected to bring 45 new employees with an estimated $1.9 million payroll.
“The Black Fork Commons Park Project also broke ground last year,” said Schag. “This project is an exciting conversion of land that once was occupied by homes that were damaged by the 2007 flood. This park will provide an incredible recreational area in the Central Business District including an amphitheater and walking trail.
“This project was recognized by FEMA as a ‘best practice’ for flood mitigated properties,” Schag continued. “The Shelby Park Board of Commissioners is to be commended for their vision and the Shelby citizens for their financial provision for this extraordinary downtown enhancement.”
Schag highlighted the Central Ohio Industrial Park, which continues to experience a good deal of business activity. He noted the Excel Logistics Company expanded operations at the Central Ohio Industrial Park and now utilizes over 1 million square feet of warehouse space.
“We have been blessed with the sustaining presence of many small businesses and industries in Shelby,” said Schag. “Some of them have expanded to increase productivity and services. There have been some businesses that have transitioned under new alliances or management as well.”
In 2014 the secondary digester gasholder floating cover was repaired, and the city entered into an Agricultural Land Use Agreement with Shelby City Schools, which provides for Shelby FFA students to farm 16.5 acres of ground in a wonderful partnership effort.
Shelby also replaced approximately 2,000 feet of 8-inch water line on Edgewood Drive and Wentz Avenue. The north well at the Water Treatment Plant site was also abandoned and sealed, as per EPA specifications.
Looking ahead to 2015, Schag stated the city would continue with the Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade process. 2015 projects for the Water Treatment Plant and distribution also include the East Maxwell and West Maxwell replacement of distribution lines. Schag stated the city also plans to abandon and seal the south well at the plant site as per EPA specifications.
Due to the passing of the 2014 1-mill levy, Schag stated the city would be able to maintain public health service to the residents of Shelby.
“These services include vital statistics like birth and death certificates, environmental health such as food inspections and public health nuisances, and nursing services such as immunization clinics, communicable disease reporting, health screenings, emergency preparedness and health education,” said Schag. “We are anticipating starting the process of accreditation this year as well as adding some more nursing programs for the community. We have also added a new website where there is informative and education material from our registered sanitarians and health commissioner.”
Schag stated the much-anticipated paving of State Routes 96 and 61 from corporation line to corporation line will begin in August of 2015.
“I’m sure this comes as good news to all of us who are dodging potholes this time of year,” said Schag. “I might add that in the year 2014 and our street crews laid down 80 tons of cold patch in an effort to repair road surfaces.”
Under the heading of Floodplain Management, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District will acquire the services of an engineering firm for flooding solutions for the city of Shelby and surrounding area, said Schag. This project is part of MWCD’s Blackfork Subdistrict, and Shelby officials have been working with MWCD since 2010 on this effort.
“The engineering firm will use studies and other information to formulate an ‘official plan’ on how to alleviate flooding,” said Schag. “This official plan will be submitted to the Conservancy Court of MWCD for approval in June of 2016.”
In addition, North Central State’s Kehoe Center will receive the new RAMTEC state-of-the-art robotics and advanced manufacturing training center. This center was secured with the efforts of State Representative Mark Romanchuk, and will be one of 10 throughout Ohio.
“The year 2015 will be one of changes and challenges,” said Schag. “If all goes according to plan, we will have a new Fire Chief, Chief of Police and appointed Director of Finance. This also is the year of elections where all elected officials’ offices will be on the ballot.
“It has been said, ‘Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.’ Let it be our united goal to perpetuate a first-rate city of Shelby, and not a mere imitation of other municipalities around us,” Schag concluded. “Because I truly believe Shelby is a unique city with a storied past, and a promising future. May God bless the city of Shelby.”
