Mayor predicts successful year in 2014

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer put his rose-colored glasses on for his State of the City address, noting economic development successes and a better financial picture for the city in 2013.

The mayor first talked about the financial problems caused by the recession that began in 2008, noting the county saw its unemployment rate skyrocket to 15.2 percent. Today, the jobless rate is 6.1 percent.

From being one of the worst 10 counties in the state for unemployment at one time, Van Wert now has the 23rd lowest unemployment rate.

Mayor Farmer also noted that local manufacturing firms have added 300 jobs in the past year, with more expansion planned in 2014.

Retail development has also increased, thanks to the efforts of Main Street Van Wert and others, the mayor noted, while there has been other retail development outside the downtown area as well.

Mayor Farmer talked about the recent street projects seen in the city, adding that more projects are being planned for the future as well.

The mayor also cited parks improvements, including the new ballpark and concession stand at Jubilee Park, as well as future park developments on the sites of the former Franklin and Washington elementary schools.

Mayor Farmer also commended city code enforcement efforts, as well as efforts to demolish a number of unsafe buildings within the community.

Other community assets include the new Wassenberg Art Center site, Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, Van Wert Civic Theatre, Brumback Library, Van Wert County Hospital and its related facilities, the YMCA and YWCA, new or newly renovated Van Wert City Schools buildings, Vantage Career Center, Wright State University-Lake Campus’ association with Vantage, local University of Northwestern Ohio facilities, the Van Wert County Historical Museum, Van Wert County Foundation, the local parks system and “the individuals, organizations and businesses that contribute time and money for the betterment and future of Van Wert”.

The mayor also talked about the city’s two industrial parks, the Towne Center retail development and the infrastructure work done at the 1,500-acre Jobs Ready Site north of the city, including the installation of a rail spur to the site.

Mayor Farmer commended Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming and Auditor Martha Balyeat for their work and for City Council for providing “legislation that has led to the improvement of our community, now and in the future.”

The mayor also said he is optimistic about what the current year will bring. “I look forward in what 2014 has to offer the City of Van Wert, and will continue to be dedicated in making decisions that will lead to a better Van Wert in the near and distant future,” the mayor said.

Also during the regular City Council meeting, Fleming noted that city workers moved 60 vehicles off city streets so snowplows could clear streets and also repaired 60 frozen water lines in the city during the recent cold weather.

Council also approved a request from Jacob Smitley to establish a new city taxi service, approved contracts with non-union city workers and re-authorized the use of an online site to sell city equipment no longer being used.