The-Press-News.com - E.C. residents warned about advertisement, invited to 'crime' meeting

EAST CANTON --During the regular meeting held on Feb. 1, residents were warned that the village of East Canton is not involved in any way with a mailed advertisement about insurance for water line repairs in the East Canton area.

According to mayor Reggie McGee, the ad states: "State of Ohio, Stark County, City of East Canton, Water Line Service Coverage for: (name and address)." McGee said none of those entities are a part of this advertisement. He asked residents to be cautious before making any decisions and call the Better Business Bureau (A similar warning was given the week before at the Osnaburg Township meeting).

Resident Donna Robinson brought up the topic of organizing a Crime Watch for the community of East Canton. She reported residents have been concerned about their safety. One example she gave was a resident who had gone shopping for the day and stopped at a local business on the way home. She left her car unlocked, and upon returning to the car, found all her items were stolen.

Mayor McGee said residents tried to start a Crime Watch program for the community in 2006, but it had little support. McGee said he thinks there is a need for a Crime Watch program, but residents need to take action. Robinson asked if a meeting could be held with a respresentative of the East Canton Police Department present to talk and answer questions about ways residents can protect themselves and their property.

McGee said he was in favor of such a meeting. Robsinson said anyone interested in attending a meeting such as this should call village hall 330-488-0220 or the Osnaburg Township Hall at 330-488-0235

During public speaks, resident Brenda Fuller informed council members she has watched many drivers take short cuts with their vehicles across the parking lot of Subway to avoid the red light. She was almost involved in an accident because a car took this short cut, she reported. Village Administrator, John Shirley noted he too has witnessed close calls when people used the parking lot as a shortcut. Mayor McGee said he would notify the police chief of this matter.

Fuller also reported a committee is working hard to put together an East Canton Alumni event to take place on May 29. (See related story on Page A5).

Shirley said he talked to the school about the run-off water causing a flooding area on Belvoir, but he said nothing has changed since a roadway was put in for access to the school. Village solicitor Charlie Hall said he would draft a letter to the school concerning this matter.

In other business, council:

* HEARD council member Steve Botean ask about the building in the center of town, which was being remodeling, but has now been left undone, and he was told Blaine Strawder had sent a letter giving the owner 30 days for a response about plans for the building;

* APPROVED an ordinance authorizing a three-year agreement for technical assistance with the Stark County Soil and Water Conservation District and establishing payment of the contract;

* PAID invoices of $6,937.26, plus payroll of $12,371.58;

* HEARD the mayors report for January-- fines-$2,216.00, local cost- $1,066.00, state cost-$1,669, parking tickets- $5;

* ENTERED into an executive session to discuss legal matters.