Twinsburg City Council Approves Grant to Better Serve Seniors

When the city purchased a wheelchair-accessible van in 2006, they thought it would be able to transport area seniors for many years before they had major problems with it.

But five years, 58,000 miles, and $9,000 in repairs later, Parks and Recreation Director Derek Schroeder is looking for a better option. He is hoping to purchase a new van using the Kaiser Permanente Ohio 2011 Thriving Communities Grant worth $30,000.

“Kaiser said ‘Hey, you guys should apply for this,’” Schroeder said.

Council unanimously approved a resolution that would allow the city to apply for the grant, which is due on Friday.

The new van would cost $60,000, half paid for by the grant if awarded and the other half covered by Twinsburg. Schroeder said they would look at other options to pay for the city’s half.

Laura Siefer, recreations coordinator, said the city serves 250 to 300 seniors a month, taking them to dialysis, physical therapy and doctor appointments.

“We need to make sure we have a reliable vehicle for our seniors,” Siefer said.

The service is used by many in the community who no longer have cars or are physically unable to drive.

“Many seniors have commented on how thankful they are for our service and I want to continue to provide that service for them,” Siefer said.

Here are other notes from Tuesday night’s meeting:

• They had a second reading of three ordinances. One would allow two Twinsburg High students to serve on the Environmental Commision. Another would change the charter regarding business operations in enclosed buildings. The third would transfer money to the Public Works Department for waste water treatment.
• Council heard a first reading that would put on the November ballot changes to the city charter. The first would allow the mayor to oversee the police and fire departments, changing how chiefs are appointed. The second would make changes to positions in the charter over the Civil Service Commission. Finally, an ordinance that would update the city’s ordinances on the police and fire departments to ensure they are consistent with today’s language and usage.
• Council unanimously appointed John Boyko of Ward 5 to the Environmental Commission.
• They approved 7-0 the purchase of a $120,000 water pump for the GlenEagles Golf Course.
• Unanimously accepted a bid from Columbus Diversified Construction to make manhole improvements in the city for $35,000.
• Finally, they accepted a bid from the Buckeye Excavating Company to demolish the Liberty House for $9,000.