City council discusses steps to working with Kraft Foods on possible expansion
COSHOCTON – Mayor Steve Mercer had good news to share at city council’s final meeting before taking a summer break.
He informed those who attended the July 28 meeting that Kraft Foods narrowed its choice of cities to expand in between Coshocton and Springfield, Missouri. Mercer also explained that the state taxation authority recently approved a 60 percent job creation credit for the company. The Kraft Foods and city and county officials now plan to work together on a tax abatement and enterprise zone agreement.
“I’m very encouraged that Kraft is considering upgrading here and doing a 40-50 million dollar expansion,” Mercer said. “This happened with them about seven years ago and we were awarded the expansion. We are going to be aggressive to get this and put our best foot forward.”
City Service Director Jerry Stenner was pleased to announce that progress is being made on potholes.
“We’ve had some cooperation from God on the weather and are making some headway,” he said. “We also believe we have the flaw in the high school traffic light fixed.”
Utilities Director Dave McVay also announced that work will soon be done on the water department.
“In about three to four weeks we are going to be putting scaffolding up at the water department so some much needed repairs can be made,” he said.
Council also passed legislation 24-14, which deals with appropriations and legislation 20-14, which established new fund #225 street levy fund.
Resolution 614 also was added to the agenda and passed so the city can move forward in working together with ODOT to get State Route 541 repaved.
The meeting ended with the now traditional recognition of a hometown hero, but this time the solider was present.
Sergeant First Class John Lonsberry received a certificate of appreciation from the council for his service in the U.S. Army and the Ohio National Guard.
“Thank you very much for your service to our country and thank you to your family because they also have sacrificed a lot,” said Councilman Brad Fuller, who presented Lonsberry with his certificate.
Lonsberry lives in Coshocton with his wife and three children. He did a tour of duty in Afghanistan and is currently part of the 1484th Transportation Company in North Canton.
“This is very nice of them to do this,” he said. “When I went into the service in the early ‘80s you didn’t have this kind of support, but that was a different time.”
The city council meeting room was full of Lonsberry’s family and friends who came to share in his moment of recognition.
“I thank city council for doing this,” he said. “I’ve never lived in a community that was so tight. This is a great city.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Government
