Walbridge: Council OKs CARES fund projects

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Improvements to the Walbridge administration building that will be funded by CARES Act grant money will make the building safer for employees and the public, Mayor Ed Kolanko said last week.
In all, the village has received approximately $226,000 in grant money.
Village council has approved several projects, including replacing heating and air conditioning units in the building.
“One area is rented by the senior center so we want to keep the air quality as good as we can make it. The new units will have a special ionization air filter system which helps purify the air,” the mayor said. “The other unit will cover the reception area at the front of the building.”
Noron Inc. submitted a bid of $29,524 to install the units.
Council also approved the construction of a vestibule wall at the main entrance and in-filling a firewall opening for $49,985. Rudolph Libbe, Inc. is the contractor.
Carpet will be removed from the police department squad room and office and the kitchen area of the building and replaced with vinyl flooring. Carpet Source Plus, with a bid of $7,125, is the contractor.
The village may purchase “no soliciting” stickers for residents after hearing complaints of door-to-door solicitors who aren’t wearing facemasks and not socially distancing.
The mayor said Walbridge will pattern its effort after a similar program in Oregon. CARES Act funds can be used for the stickers, he said.
“We’re seeing a lot of these door-to-door people are not wearing masks and we’re getting a lot of people complaining not only about the solicitation but also the people coming to their door trying to sell them something without any facial covering,” the mayor said.
The village received about 20 grant applications from local businesses for CARES Act funding and each will receive about $1,100 to offset expenses they’ve incurred due to the pandemic.
The village has purchased 50 grocery gift cards from the Meijer Store for $50 each to benefit residents who’ve been financially hurt by the pandemic.
The cards are being distributed through the office of the village fiscal officer. Residents seeking a card must provide proof they’ve been affected by the pandemic.
For details call the village administration office: 419-666-1830.
“We want to help where we can and make sure they have a good holiday meal,” the mayor said.
In other business, council has approved an ordinance requiring buildings and homes in the village to have signage depicting the address of the structure.
Mayor Kolanko said the ordinance is designed to assist first responders with locating a residence during an emergency.