City paving project proceeds

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WILMINGTON — The city has taken the next step for the 2017 street paving projects.

During the Finance Committee report, the council approved an ordinance that would appropriate $880,000 to cover street paving project expenses. The council suspended the three-readings rule, a move Mayor John Stanforth said he wasn’t a fan of, but he said time is of the essence.

“We were late getting started, we will not do that next year. We will have a plan in line. We already know the quadrant that we’re doing next year. And we’ll do it in three normal readings,” said Stanforth.

Safety and Service Director Brian Shidaker stated that the quick nature of approving the funds for the project doesn’t reflect their project planning.

“This wasn’t something we just threw together in the last couple of weeks,” said Shidaker. “This is something we’ve spent many, many hours developing.”

Shidaker stated that many of the projects will occur simultaneously, resulting in multiple lane and road closures.

“You’ll have to keep checking the newspaper because they’ll be several press releases on road closures in August and September,” he said.

Medical marijuana cultivating updates

During the Judiciary Committee report, Chairman Matt Purkey said they’ve received three different applicants for a cultivating license for medical marijuana facilities. Among the three are CannAscend Ohio LLC, a Level 1 applicant and David Haley of Ancient Roots, a Level 2 applicant.

A Level 1 would have 25,000 square feet for cultivation, while a Level 2 would have 3,000 square feet.

Purkey says he doesn’t know when they’ll be approved but if they are, they would have to move fast in regards to obtaining a license.

Council member Joe Spicer asked what this would mean in regards to jobs. According to Purkey, if it is CannAscend it would start with 40 to 60 positions, but it could reach up to 300 positions. He added that while some jobs will be paid more than others, these would be jobs that could support a family.

Spicer asked Wilmington Police Chief Duane Weyand for his opinion. Weyand, who met Jimmy Gould and Ian James of CannAscend, said they have a good business model.

“I asked them if their employees could use products and they said absolutely not,” Weyand said. “They’re going to have a (Human Resources) Department and they’re very strict on badging. I was impressed with the business side of it.”

Also during council:

• During the Cemetery Committee report, Chairman Jonathan McKay said they are looking for funds for the Darrell French Bridge, which is still out. McKay stated funds are stretched tight.

“If anyone wants to help out with the bridge, that would be most welcomed,” said McKay. Safety and Service Director Shidaker advised that they should contact him if someone wants to help.

• During the mayor’s report, Stanforth said that the Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church, 290 Columbus St. in Wilmington, will be giving out school supplies on Aug. 4.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Matt Purkey shares updates on potential medical marijuana cultivators.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/07/web1_purkey_p_f.jpgJudiciary Committee Chairman Matt Purkey shares updates on potential medical marijuana cultivators. John Hamilton | News Journal
Updates on medical marijuana applicants

By John Hamilton

[email protected]

Reach John Hamilton at 937-556-5766.

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