GREEN: City Council members acted Tuesday to take the Nexus natural gas pipeline fight to the next level.
Members unanimously voted to hire a Cincinnati law firm to find options to oppose the location of the 250-mile-long high-pressure pipeline that will stretch from Ohio to Canada. The current path of the pipeline will take it right through Green.
Council hired Frost Brown Todd at a cost not to exceed $10,000. Council was not expected to act on the measure until its Feb. 28 meeting, but council members opted to address the issue this week in light of changes at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Law Director Diane Calta said FERC does not have a quorum because Chairman Norman Bay resigned Friday night, leaving just two members on the commission. Calta said three commissioners are needed to have a quorum, which is required for voting for requested pipeline approvals, including Nexus. She emphasized it could be weeks or months before a new member is added to the commission.
According to the city’s website, the lack of a quorum leaves Nexus in limbo and likely has delayed the project, which was slated to start early this year and be completed in November.
Calta added that other communities in the Nexus target area, including New Franklin and Medina, could be asked to assist with paying for legal fees.
In other business, council:
• Voted to piggyback on Summit County’s pavement maintenance program to get a better price on center-line striping. Other striping still will be done by the city, said Paul Pickett, the city’s engineer.
• Agreed to hire the Burgess & Niple engineering firm of Columbus for the final design of the Massillon Road North redesign project at a cost of $845,995. The project runs from the exit ramps of Interstate 77 to state Route 619.
During his report to council, Mayor Gerard Neugebauer said fundraisers are being planned to aid the construction of the First Responders Memorial.
He said a Shamrock Dance Party will be held March 18 at the hall at Queen of Heaven Church. Cost is $25 per couple. On June 4, an Honor Our Heroes Poker Run will be held, with motorcyclists starting at Fire Station 1 and ending at Legends restaurant. A Valor Ball is planned for July 8 at the MAPS Air Museum on Massillon Road. Neugebauer said details will be announced soon.
Councilman Justin Speight also said plans are underway to mark the city’s 25th anniversary this year. Included will be a silver coin challenge, which will be explained within the next few weeks along with other celebrations, he said.