TROY — The Troy City Council authorized the city to seek bids for the fleet maintenance program at its Monday meeting.
The city has been contracting out maintenance for its vehicle fleet since 2012. The current contract cost the city $377,172 for 2022 and is expiring at the end of the calendar year.
Councilman-at-Large Todd Severt, speaking on behalf of the finance committee recommended the city “advertise for bids and enter into a contract for a fleet maintenance program at a cost not to exceed $425,000 for each calendar year of the contract.”
The city is seeking a three-year-contract period and as many as two, one-year-contract extensions.
The council also authorized the city to submit an application for an urban canopy restoration grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“This grant would fund 50% of an identified project of planting 120 trees within the public right-of-way,” said Jeffrey Whidden, first-ward council member.
The grant would provide $25,000 towards a $50,000 project to plant 120 trees along Ridge Avenue, West Main Street, and the Southwest Historic District.
The detailed report cites “the critical need to restore and improve urban forests, reduce stormwater runoff, and reduce the impact of climate change, while building resiliency through tree planting in urban communities where trees are critical to human health,” as the reasons for the project.
The grant application is due Oct. 14 and awardees will be announced Oct. 27. All projects receiving these ODNR grants must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.
Later, the council authorized an agreement with the Local 1638 of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). This agreement sets the wages, benefits, and terms of employment with those represented by the IAFF for the period of 2022-2024.
This agreement was reviewed by all present members of council during executive session held at the start of Monday’s meeting.
In other business, the council authorized the director of public service and safety to enter into an easement agreement with Busted Brick Realty Group LLC.
This easement is related to the former Mayflower Art Theater which has been sold with the intent of redevelopment. The building encroaches 1.2-feet into an alleyway owned by the city on the north side of the building.
“This committee supports emergency legislation so that the redevelopment of the building can commence without delay,” said Bobby Phillips, fourth-ward council member.
The easement authorization was approved unanimously.
The three-reading rule was suspended for all legislation that required it. Third Ward Councilman Samuel Pierce was absent from Monday’s meeting.
At the end of the meeting, Director of Public Service and Safety Patrick Titterington issued reminders to the public.
“Trick-or-Treat is Thursday, Oct. 27. Rain or shine and good or bad weather from 6 to 8 (p.m.) Leaf collection starts Oct. 17. The proposed map, which is subject to change depending on weather, is available online on our website. The schedule is also on our website,” said Titterington.
No members of the public spoke at Monday’s meeting. The next Troy City Council meeting will take place on Monday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
