mgreier@salemnews.net
SALEM Parks Director Shane Franks said he’s received nothing but strong support for a project to upgrade Centennial Park lights to LED.
Franks discussed the project during a public hearing held Wednesday night regarding the grant being sought to help pay for the lighting upgrade.
The Salem Department of Parks and Recreation is applying for a NatureWorks grant of up to $10,000 through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The grant would cover 75 percent of the cost and the parks department would need to fund the other 25 percent.
Franks said he received an initial quote of $7,355 from YESCO Electrical Supply in Columbiana for at least 38 lights, but he asked them to add two more so the quote will be updated for 40 lights.
mgreier@salemnews.net
SALEM City council’s Parks Committee approved forwarding resolutions to establish Salem as a Bee City USA and seek a grant to update Centennial Park lighting.
The committee chaired by Councilman Dennis Plegge met Tuesday night in council chambers at city hall, with Councilmen Steve Faber and Ron Zellers also present as committee members.
Mayor John Berlin, Parks Director Shane Franks, Councilman Sal Salvino and city Service/Safety Director Joe Cappuzzello also attended the brief meeting.
Both resolutions will be sent to city council for action. The city Parks Commission, which is responsible for operating city parks, already gave its approval.
Staff Writer
SALEM The Salem Parks Commission agreed Wednesday to go forward with plans to become a Bee City USA.
Commission members first heard about Bee City USA from Parks Director Shane Franks at last month’s meeting, but requested additional information regarding the benefits since the cost was $200 per year.
On Wednesday, city resident Sara Baer and master gardener Marilyn McKinley addressed commissioners about the idea, urging them of the importance of bees to pollinate plants and how Bee City USA can provide educational materials for programs in the community.
McKinley helped design the pollinator garden at Waterworth Memorial Park and talked about how crucial bees are to the food chain.
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SALEM Operation Harassment has begun against the geese at Waterworth Memorial Park.
On Wednesday, city Parks Director Shane Franks and Parks Foreman Jim Grimm informed parks commission members about the scare tactics being employed to thin out the goose population.
Those methods include firing off noise effects known as bangers and screamers twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon, and equipping police with laser pointers to harass the fowl later in the day during park patrols.
Franks said the intentional harassment techniques were recommended by the Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation District in a management plan accepted by the board last year for improving water quality and eliminating geese.