Financial support for NEDC has been postponed

NORWALK — Legislation to financially support Norwalk Economic Development Corporation has been tabled until a July 7 regular session of council. Council was busy Tuesday. Mayor Dave Light said he was "pleasantly surprised" by Norwalk's VFW Post 2743 to help sponsor Fourth of July fireworks. Norwalk's VFW has committed to match up to $10,000 of what is donated for the fireworks display. Donations for fireworks can be dropped off or mailed to the Huron County Chamber of Commerce and all checks should be payable to VFW Post 2743. Stuart O'Hara, Norwalk's law director, notified council of Monday's Supreme Court ruling and said he will be reviewing the city's employment policy. The Supreme Court ruled firing someone due to their sexual orientation or gender identity is a form of sex discrimination that is illegal under federal employment laws. Safety-service director Ralph Fegley said the COVID-19 testing for Huron County is up and running. He said a lot of antibody testing will be done over the next couple of weeks to see how many are carrying the virus. Joe Lindenberger, park superintendent, said the playground equipment around the city is open to the public again and being cleaned daily by general services. The Ernsthausen Recreation Center will be moving into phase two of reopening, opening the outdoor pool, indoor track, fitness rooms and opening the basketball court. Lindenberger said the indoor pool's opening has been postponed a week due to maintenance. He said that making reservations to the pools will be "essential" because of COVID-19 guidelines less than 70 people can be in the pool area at one time. Lindenberger said those wanting to swim will have to call and reserve a spot. He also said residents should expect to see improvements across the city in parks, such as revamping signs and cleaning up weeds. During their meeting, council passed an emergency measure accepting the dedication of the plat of Emerald Parkway. This will allow for work to begin soon on extending the street to Theatre Drive. A resolution that would financially assist Norwalk Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) has been tabled until the next regular session of council. The legislation would give the economic development agency to receive $40,000, which is $20,000 less than previous years. In a previous meeting, Light said he wanted to be conservative with the funds to make sure the city's finances will be able to handle the donation. He also said he would be happy to offer more support to NEDC down the road when the city is in a better position. Councilman Steve Euton said the corporation does a good job with their work and he wants to fully support the agency. Councilwoman Samantha Wilhelm said the city should be cautious and the funds can be renegotiated later. The legislation needed six votes for to pass, but councilman Brian Lamb was unable to attend the meeting and Steve Schumm voted against, so the legislation was set aside for now. Steve Euton, council president, thanked Kelly Lippus, director of Huron County Chamber of Commerce, for helping council stream their meetings to Facebook. He suggested council start to think about a long-term solution with hardware for streaming meetings and re-examine the location of the meetings because the Ernsthausen gym will be reopening.