WALBRIDGE – New curbs, streets and sidewalks,
plus park improvements, are in store for the new year in the village.At Wednesday’s meeting, council
approved the 2014 budget, which is heavy on grants – some with matching funds – for
infrastructure."Definitely the highlight of the budget is our commitment into investing in our
infrastructure," said Mayor Ed Kolanko after the meeting.The main project is repaving, updating sewers
and installing new curbs on Union Street from Main to Dixon streets, with the work starting in early summer.
The village received an Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement Grant, also known as Issue 1,
for $209,000. Walbridge has to match it.Walbridge also received a Community Development Block Grant through
Wood County for $49,980, with a $5,000 cost to the village. It will pay for Americans with Disabilities Act
curb ramp improvements.Kolanko said the village also hopes to use a state NatureWorks grant and a Wood
County Park District grant to fund improvements at the parks.The mayor said expenses are expected to be a
little higher in 2014, with revenues anticipated as "slightly" higher. But 2013 was a good year,
he said, and the village budget is in "good shape."The total budget amount for 2014 is $1.7
million.Also at the meeting, council:• After some discussion, approved an annual agreement with the YMCA of
Greater Toledo to provide a recreation program for village seniors ages 55 and older. The $2,000 that the
village pays allows Active Older Adults to use the Oregon facility on weekday mornings. Councilwoman Sue
Hart-Douglas, who is chairwoman of the parks, recreation and community events committee, said the village
could contract with the YMCA on a person-by-person basis. Kolanko suggested council look into that option
for 2015. Village residents pay $20 to join the program; there were about 20 participants this year. Kolanko
also hopes the village can better publicize the program this year and re-energize it.• Approved paying
$1,000 to Workplace Resources, Toledo. Services provided include counseling and educational opportunities
for village employees.• Approved an agreement with Sander Farms LLC to rent 73 acres of farm land on
Walbridge Road and East Broadway Street that is village-owned. The land is currently leased, but this new
agreement will bring in approximately $6,500 more to the village in revenue. The new contract is for five
years and $155 per acre. This was the third reading on the ordinance.• Decided to give $300 to Community
Care-A-Van, which provides free transportation to area residents to medical appointments. It serves the
Walbridge, Lake Township, Northwood, Oregon and East Toledo areas.• Voted to give volunteer John Bitter, who
works with the food pantry, a $100 a gift card.• Moved full-time police officer Christopher Buck to Step 2
pay of $16.77 an hour. Officer Jeff Goetz was promoted from part time to full time, with a $32,552 annual
salary.• Recognized the winners of the best decorated holiday homes: Lennie and Juanita Zunk, 310 Parkview
Drive, first place; Sandra Downey, 219 Guy St., second place; and Daniel and Carolyn Sisler, 212 Breckman
Drive, third place.• Heard the block watch schedule for 2014. The first few topics: laws, Jan. 8; missing
persons, Feb. 12; and mental illness and crime, March 12. They are held at 6 p.m. in the town hall.• Thanked
Council President Jan Sawaya for her service. She was not re-elected to a second term in November.