ASHLAND — At Tuesday’s meeting, Council approved a contract modification with Page Excavating for its Center Run Trail project.
The ongoing project involves the demolition of properties located along the city’s Town Creek, or Center Run. According to Mayor Matt Miller, the structures are being removed to restore the riparian corridor, as the structures exist within a flood plain.
Demolitions began along portions of Cleveland Avenue, Main Street and Miller Street in April 2020.Â
The contract modification adds the demolition of four residential structures on Miller Street.Â
The modification costs $37,500, of which the Ohio Public Works Commission pays $28,125 and the city of Ashland pays $9,375.
A timeline is yet to be determined for the extra demolitions, Miller said.Â
because the city acquired more properties along Miller Street than anticipated.Â
The latest at Main Street Plaza
The city accepted a $196,000 grant Tuesday evening for its Main Street Plaza.
The sizable grant comes from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for Capital Improvement Community Park, Recreation and Conservation Grant funds.Â
The mayor anticipates the plaza will be open by June for a mid-month concert.
Business growthÂ
Return Polymers of 400 Westlake Drive is expected to add 58 new jobs with a $2.5 million payroll.Â
Ashland City Council approved a 10-year, 75 percent tax incentive Tuesday for the project, which will be a $5.9 million investment.Â
The business will add 4,800 square feet to its existing facility.Â
“This is one of those unsung companies in our town,” councilman Dennis Miller said. “To see this growth and what they have currently… we’re very fortunate to have them in this community.”
Last year, Return Polymers processed 62 million pounds of plastic/PVC. By August, the business intends to be on pace to process $122 million pounds, Mayor Matt Miller reported. Â
“And they expect their growth won’t stop there,” he said.Â
Other news from Tuesday’s meeting
— Council approved entering a contract with Simonson Construction for the Forestdale Road water main replacement. The project’s cost is $42,972.
“They are old cast iron pipes, probably 50 to 70 years old,” Mayor Miller said.
The street has seen issues and water main breaks on numerous recent occasions. This repair is urgent, he continued.Â
— The hydro pillar, located near the fairgrounds, is expected to get a facelift and other repairs.Â
City leadership authorized up to $35,000 for the hydro pillar’s rehabilitation via a contract with Dixon Engineering.Â
— Council approved the mayor to move forward advertising for bids and entering a contract for the Mifflin Avenue culvert replacement project.Â
An engineering estimate for the project was $229,837.Â
— Council approved a  contract with Sarver Paving for the municipal court parking lot resurfacing project.Â
The city of Ashland will contribute a portion of the cost. The municipal court is expected to contribute $25,000 towards the total cost of $44,227.Â
— Storm sewer improvements will be made along Valley Drive.
Council approved a contract with Simonson for the 2021 Valley Drive Storm Sewer extension project. The cost of this project is to be $35,925.Â
— The city is to enter a partnership agreement with the Ashland County Commissioners for the administration of the 2021 Community Housing and Preservation (CHIP) grant program.Â
— Â Council approved the city’s participation in the ODOT road salt contracts for the coming year.
