Edwin Martell News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

PORTSMOUTH – Fifth Ward Councilman Edwin Martell said farewell to voters, residents, city workers, and fellow council members at Monday evening

City considering building a new code enforcement division By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — To boost its response to code enforcement matters in the city, CE officer Andy Gedeon and City Engineer Nathan Prosch proposed multiple changes to the department before Portsmouth City Council Monday. In the past few weeks, Gedeon, Prosch, City Manager Sam Sutherland, and City Solicitor John Haas have been discussing what can be done to improve the department’s abilities. “As we all know, we have been battling a big fight with code enforcement,” said Sutherland during the...

Extra lifeguards, $50,000 going to McKinley Pool By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest PORTSMOUTH — Low lifeguard numbers and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to last year’s delayed reopening of the McKinley Pool. Now at least the former should not be an issue as the pool is set to open its doors on Memorial Day. In addition to two investments totaling $50,000, $30,000 through the Capital Investment Budget Program and $20,000 from an anonymous donor, the lifeguard shortages that have plagued McKinley are not expected to be an issue this year. Through conversations with Shawnee State Un...

Council back to public attendance on Monday By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth City Council will convene on Monday, taking a look at seven items on its agenda primarily in first reading. For the first time in more than a year, the council and the City Managers session following its conclusion will be open to the public. Starting at 6 p.m. at the Shawnee State University Ballroom, all attendees are expected to wear masks and to practice social distancing. Proclamations for the SSU men’s basketball team and the Community Action Organization of Scioto County ...

Roads, Police, and Fire make-up majority of C.I. budget By Patrick Keck - pkeck@aimmediamidwest.com PORTSMOUTH — Coming next Monday, Portsmouth City Council will give a first reading to approve a 2021 budget item for varying city departments. With a vote in favor during the council’s next session, $1.7 million would be set aside for Capital Improvement Budget Funds 301, 606, 622 and 623. Road work, identified as a pressing need during the city organizational meeting in February, makes up the lion’s share of the CI budget with more than 40% dedicated to its services. “We really need to...