NEW PHILADELPHIA The New Philadelphia City Health Departments appears to have gotten a reprieve from a proposal in the state budget that could have potentially forced it to consolidate with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
On Tuesday, state Sen. Jay Hottinger, R-Newark, crafted an amendment that was accepted in the Senate s version of the budget that would prevent that from happening.
In April, a provision was inserted in the House version of the budget that would require health departments in cities with less than 50,000 residents to participate in a feasibility study within 18 months after the official announcement of 2020 census results. The Ohio Department of Health would develop the criteria along with the state auditor on what needs to be in that study.
NEW PHILADELPHIA The New Philadelphia Fire Department has begun putting placards on vacant structures in the city that are in such poor condition that it would be too dangerous for firefighters to enter to fight a fire.
At Monday s city council meeting, Mayor Joel Day displayed one of the red and white placards that are being placed on dilapidated structures in New Philadelphia.
Fire Chief Jim Parrish and Fire Inspector Jim Sholtz assess a building s condition to determine if the warning sign is necessary, the mayor said. If such a building should catch fire, only defensive measures will be taken to keep the blaze from spreading.
Plans for the two events were discussed at Monday s school board meeting.
Graduation will be held on May 22 at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium.
Superintendent David Brand said the district is working with health officials to ensure the safety of those attending.
The district may have to restrict the number of people who can be present, he said. From mid-March to May, lots of things could change and for the better, he said. We may have to open both sides of the stadium and change where the stage is. We want to get as many guests for the graduates as possible.
Southside Community Park remains construction site, mayor says
NEW PHILADELPHIA Mayor Joel Day is reminding residents that Southside Community Park is not open for use and remains a construction site. On Sunday I drove by the new entrance to the park on Oldtown Valley Road and had to stop to rehang the chain across the entrance road that had been taken down, he told city council on Monday. Over the past three months, the city has received reports of the entrance chain being removed and vehicles entering the park. Please don t. The park is still under construction.
Bridges in the park have yet to be inspected, he said.