Resident’s efforts push project

Larry Klipstein’s work is paying off after frequently requesting the refurbishment of a worn basketball court at West Park in Elyria.

The Elyria native has attended City Council meetings in the past asking the city to work on the court for those who attend West Park.

Resurfacing and updating the full-size court can and will be done, said Elyria Safety Service Director Mary Siwierka and Parks and Recreation Director Carrie Reardon during Council’s finance meeting.

Reardon said the park’s only court is in fairly good shape, but work is needed.

The project would cost nearly $11,000 to complete the resurfacing, she said.

To bring the court back up to updated standards, it would need two inches of asphalt, Siwierka said.

Funds are available and will come from the Issue 6 — .5 percent income tax fund — Capital Needs Department Capital Needs Account, Finance Director Ted Pileski said.

A similar project at East Park recently was completed for $7,000 and paid for by golf outing funds, Siwierka said.

Ward 6 Councilwoman Donna Mitchell thanked Klipstein for his hard work and letting Council be aware of the issue so it could be fixed.

Mitchell said that work frequently was done at other major city parks.

She said she is happy to see West Park receive some well-needed maintenance.

“Kids need something, too, at West Park,” Mitchell said.

Ward 5 Councilman Marcus Madison also expressed his gratitude of the continuous efforts from Klipstein.

“Any time we have the opportunity to listen to residents and (help) their needs, it’s a great opportunity,” Madison said. In other news: The state Route 57 and 113 light project is looking to begin in July, but the city now will have to purchase the energy-efficient lights through Issue 6 funds rather than receiving a larger rebate of those funds back.

Siwierka said the city will purchase lights at its original price of $218,000.

But, some reimbursements and the time in which they will be reimbursed has changed.

Siwierka reassured Council during the June 25 meeting the city is not spending anymore than what was allotted.

Elyria will update 375, single and double head light poles on Route 57 from Lorain Boulevard and Chestnut Ridge Road, but at a less cost that will be reimbursed back to Issue 6.

Siwierka said the amount for the poles will remain near the $30,000 purchase.

Electric company PJM Interconnect initially was going to give a rebate at $45,000.

A change in their rebate program made June 1, dropped the rebate to $1,614, according to Tom Sherman, a consultant with Sustainable Energy Services.

Siwierka said First Energy Corp. was giving a rebate of $72,000 over four years.

Now, it will rebate $12,000 in a one year time frame, she said.

The Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council will provide about $160,000 for the project and would be rebated immediately back to Issue 6.

Siwierka said the city is going to save tremendous amount in electrical costs and will see a sooner return on investments.

The other portion of the project is to reactivate six lights on Route 113 where poles have been knocked down or are in bad condition due to unprotected and corroded wires.

A reactivation of lights near bridges and railroad tracks between Lake and Clemens avenues will occur.

Siwerka said once the matter is passed by Council in July, the city can order supplies and complete the project by August or September.