Ohio 63 extension project gets support of Trenton leaders

Resolution designates project multi-modal to speed up funding.

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer 12:00 AM Friday, May 22, 2009

TRENTON — City Council officially threw its support behind the long-awaited Ohio 63 extension.

City Council unanimously passed a resolution Thursday, May 21, that supports the Butler County Transportation Improvement District’s designation of the extension as a multi-modal project. City Council introduced the legislation in April and passed it Thursday after the customary three readings.

Since the initial reading, state officials have made it clear that projects designated multi-modal “get outside assistance sooner rather than later,” said Bill Triick, the executive director of the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce, who spoke at the meeting.

The extension, originally scheduled to be put in place decades ago, is considered particularly important for Trenton, which does not enjoy easy access to an interstate.

City Council also had been set to approve three purchase orders for the fire and police departments: a $20,217 heart monitor for the fire department, two in-car cameras for the police department costing a total of $16,046, and three police cruisers at a total cost of $66.159.

These purchase orders were “overlooked” in submitting them to council, said Trenton’s finance director, Mike Engel.

However, council tabled the action, with members saying they wanted to see information more specific than just a purchase order.

“In my opinion, that’s not a good way to do business, especially when we’re trying to keep a close eye on the budget,” said Councilman Ray Nichols.

The city’s annual paving project will get under way soon, with council passing a motion awarding a contract for the project to Normac Company for $125,016, which is under the $150,000 set aside in the budget, Engel said. The streets due to be paved are Marcia Drive, Charles Street, Delhi Drive and Jupiter Court.

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