Planning grant for Dunkirk library eyed

DUNKIRK — A $50,000 grant to plan for future expansion of the city  library is being sought to alleviate crowded conditions there.
After holding a brief public hearing on the topic Monday night, Dunkirk council members agreed to continue their efforts to secure the grant funds. No one spoke out in opposition to the idea, city-clerk treasurer Jane Kesler said.
She added that the Dunkirk Library Board has agreed to provide $5,500 in matching grant funds from its Rainy Day account to support the application process.
Currently city and library officials are studying their options in connection with selecting a firm to perform the planning work.
In other action at Monday night’s meeting, council members voted to establish a Dunkirk Redevelopment Commission, as recommended by Jay County Development Corporation director Bill Bradley.
According to the ordinance approved Monday night, all the territory within the corporate boundaries of the city of Dunkirk shall serve as a taxing district for the purpose of levying and collecting special benefit taxes for redevelopment purposes.
Dunkirk Redevelopment Commission will include five members, three appointed by the mayor and two appointed by the common council, the ordinance states.
Also at Monday’s meeting, council members:
•Heard a report from Tony Franklin of the Dunkirk Improvement Committee about plans to establish a safe route for children to walk or ride their bicycles to school. Grant funds might be available to help with this project, Franklin added.
•Were reminded by Dunkirk resident Ailesia Franklin that the annual Dunkirk Community Social was scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 25, in Dunkirk City Park. Swimming at the city pool will be free on that day, and a variety of free games and other activities will be offered, she added.
•Listened to a report from councilman Tom Johnson that the Second Harvest Food Bank in cooperation with the United Way of Jay County and Community and Family Services Agency will be sponsoring a free food giveaway at Dunkirk City Park from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, July 21.
•Heard that the application process has concluded for hiring a part-time employee for the water department. Candidates will now be interviewed and a selection made as soon as possible, Kesler said.[[In-content Ad]]