HUBBARD — City council is moving forward on a second bridge in the community to honor veterans — but no one in a golf cart will be allowed to cross it.
Council on Monday approved supporting the renaming of a bridge on state Route 304 as the “Purple Hearts Veterans Memorial Bridge.”
Council also approved an ordinance prohibiting the operation of golf carts on any public street, right of way or sidewalk.
Mayor Ben Kyle said he and other officials are pleased a second city bridge will honor veterans.
He said the bridge is located off East Liberty Street (Route 304) near Hubbard Square and the U.S. Post Office.
“Our goal is to send this ordinance to state Sen. Sandra O’Brien (R-Ashabula), who will work with us to get all the necessary paperwork passed at the state level,” Kyle said.
He said officials would like to have the official dedication and naming on Memorial Day.
“It is a real honor to those who have served to know that the city and the township support them. These bridges will have an important connection to our veterans,” Kyle said.
Last May, a bridge on Myron Street was dedicated as the Hubbard Veterans Bridge. Kyle said that bridge had undergone rehabilitation work.
As for the golf carts, city Safety Director William Bancroft said those who violate the rule will be cited into mayor’s court.
He said the golf cart inclusion was needed in the ordinance, which prohibits four-wheelers and other such vehicles from the public streets.
He said people had been driving golf carts in the streets, often with passengers including children.
In other business, city officials are continuing negotiations with the police department union on its next contract.
Kyle said the contract expired in 2020 with the 15 police officers represented by the union working under a contract extension. He said at the last meeting council rejected a fact finder’s report, so negotiations are moving into the next phase, which is binding arbitration.
“Talks and negotiations have been ongoing,” Kyle said
Council also recognized 4th Ward Councilman Michael Toda for his six years of service. Toda was defeated in the November election, with his term ending Dec. 31.
“I appreciate all the help I have received as a councilman. I always said to keep a handle on spending the money and to keep the constituents in our thoughts,” Toda said.
At Monday’s meeting, his last official meeting, Toda served as council president with the absence of Bill Williams.
Kyle said there also have been discussions, which will continue into 2022, on reviewing rates for electric and water,
“We are looking at having an electric rate study and water rate study being done,” Kyle said.