City of Fremont - 4th Quarter Newsletter 2020

Frem nt

City of Fremont

The City newsletter will cover what is happening in our community.

Police / Fire / Parks / Recreation / Water / Streets

THE CITY OF EST . 1849

OHIO

NEWSLETTER

FROM THE DESK OF THE MAYOR Greetings Fremont!

In early November my wife, Jessica, and I found out we were positive for the coronavirus. Fortunately, we only experienced mild to moderate symptoms. Although our quarantine period has ended we continue to take extra precautions and have limited contact with that outside of work and home. I want to thank everyone who reached out during that time and say that we appreciate every call, text, and email received.

As the City of Fremont continues to conduct business as usual, like many others, we are beginning to see the negative financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. We are among the many municipalities currently attempting to make up for shortfalls in revenue as we prepare to present next year’s budget.

While COVID-19 has upended life for nearly everyone, the first responders, including our police, fire, and emergency services, along with our water & wastewater operators have had to face more perils than most. The continuous threat of coronavirus puts our whole city at risk. Our front line workers have worked tirelessly, showing up with a positive attitude to serve our community during these challenging times. From me to you, and on behalf of our entire community ... a heartfelt thank you. And to the whole community, who has come together during such a testing time, I want you to know that I appreciate all of your efforts. #TogetherWeCan Many blessings to you all during the upcoming holiday season!

Daniel R. Sanchez Mayor

02 / City of Fremont Newsletter / December 2020 CITY NEWSLETTER

The City of Fremont Contact Us

Follow Us www.facebook.com/fremontoh/ www.instagram.com/fremont43420/ www.twitter.com/fremont43420

Phone: 419.334.5900 Fax: 419.334.8434 Address: 323 South Front Street Fremont, Ohio 43420

CONTENTS

04

05

06

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Members of the community celebrated county veterans and dedicated the new Sandusky County Veterans Memorial Park at a ceremony that drew...

COMING SOON! Many of you have seen the recent site work and beginning stages of construction of the new Chipotle Mexican Grill and Aspen...

As a part of Fremont Fire’s preventative maintenance program, all of our fire pumps are tested annually by a third party company to ensure the...

POLICE DEPARTMENT

07

08

09

FINANCE DEPARTMENT

WATER TREATMENT PLANT

WATER/SEWER MAINTENANCE

The Auditor’s Office maintains the financial records for the City which includes, but is not limited to, the central collection of all revenues...

The City of Fremont’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Laboratory consists of two divisions of chemical and microbiological analysis. Each...

Since the cold weather is right around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips to prevent your pipes from freezing...

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION DEPARTMENT

ZONGING DEPARTMENT

10

11

12

RECREATION DEPARTMENT

WATER RECLAMATION CENTER

CITY TAX

Fred W. Recktenwald Ice Arena is open! Online registration is open for Learn to Skate Session 2 & Future Stars Hockey...

The Fremont Water Reclamation Center (FWRC) was contacted by Zuzana Bohrerova of The Ohio State University. She is working on a...

Listed below are some common questions regarding your city income tax return filing obligations.

Am I required to file an annual RITA...

13

14

15

WHAT IS DORA

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

DOWNTOWN FREMONT

In Fremont, DORA is not a person, it’s an experience! it’s a law that allows select areas of our city to be designated as (DORA) or Designated Outdoor...

Jackson Annex Demolition Project.

Great Lakes Demolition was awarded the contract to demo the Jackson Annex at the corner of Arch and Birchard...

Downtown Fremont, Inc. was awarded a Rural LISC grant, along with Great Lakes Community Action Commission (GLCAP). The Rural LISC Creative...

04 / City of Fremont Newsletter / December 2020

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

Members of the community celebrated county veterans and dedicated the new Sandusky County Veterans Memorial Park at a ceremony that drew a large crowd to the downtown area in November. The annual Veterans Day ceremony, held after the dedication of the park, was hosted by Fremont’s Fort Stephenson Post of the American Legion 608. The ceremony honored all veterans who served from Sandusky County and included a traditional laying of the wreaths for the fallen and concluded with a 21-gun salute followed by the playing of “Taps.”

The park, formerly known as Flag Park, had its name changed in 2019. The Sandusky County Veteran’s Memorial Committee asked county commissioners to rename it to honor all local military veterans whose military service dates as far back as World War II. Several of which attended the event.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, with the holiday’s name changed by Congress to Veterans Day in 1954 following the Korean War.

Pic 1 – Leo Bundschuh, 95, served in the Army Air Corps, 2nd Bomb Squadron, 22nd Bomb Group, 5th Air Force in World War II. Bundschuh was recognized as one of the two oldest Sandusky County veterans in attendance.

Pic 2 – An eight-foot, 18,000-pound, four-sided polished granite panel column with military-related etchings was placed inside the park in August.

Pic 1

Pic 2

www.fremontohio.org

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 323 S. Front St., Fremont, OH 43420 419.334.5900

COMING SOON! Many of you have seen the recent site work and beginning stages of construction of the new Chipotle Mexican Grill and Aspen Dental building on the east side of North State Route 53. We are thankful that Chipotle, Aspen Dental, and Pamlico Investments decided to invest in Fremont. It is exciting to see these types of new projects in our community and we look forward to its grand opening in 2021.

As the city’s Economic Development Director, I speak to potential investors daily regarding development projects such as this and am encouraged when told that Fremont is heading in the right direction. I believe we will see more projects, similar to this, coming to Fremont.

Helping Small Business through the COVID-19 Pandemic The City of Fremont was able to provide financial assistance to small businesses/organizations for business interruptions and expenses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic utilizing money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Eligible small businesses/organizations were able to apply for up to $5,000 in Grant Funds to be used for the reimbursement of certain eligible expenses.

Additionally, Governor DeWine announced a $125 million grant fund to provide relief to Ohio businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. Information regarding this program can be found by visiting https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/

Comprehensive Housing Study There has been a significant need for new housing options in Fremont for quite some time now. To help with the availability of new housing, the city has contracted with DiSalvo Development LLC to complete a comprehensive housing study for the City of Fremont. The purpose of the study is to identify housing opportunities within the city and strategies to facilitate housing development.

The report will focus on housing market conditions, demographic, and economic analysis. DiSalvo Development LLC will complete market research analysis and seek information from the public through various surveys that will go out to the public through our city website and social media pages. We plan to put this housing study in the hands of developers, investors, and lenders to launch new housing developments We invite you to offer your input!

Click here to participate in the survey.

Downtown Amphitheater and Green Space Project With the demolition of the Jackson Annex at 223 Arch St. and 310 Birchard Ave. expected to begin in December the city continues with its plans of a downtown amphitheater and green space project. The clean-up of the demolition site is expected to take approximately 12 weeks. As the buildings come down and the site is being restored to its natural green space the city will begin applying for various grants and working with the Rotary Club of Fremont to help raise funds and finalize the plans for the site. It is our goal to begin construction of the new amphitheater in the spring of 2022.

06 / City of Fremont Newsletter / December 2020

FIRE DEPARTMENT 1145 W. State St., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel : 419.332.4131 As a part of Fremont Fire’s preventative maintenance program, all of our fire pumps are tested annually by a third party company to ensure the pumps are capable of producing capacity and pressure as originally designed. Within our fleet, we have two aerials (ladder trucks) and three engines that each have a pump designed to flow 1,500 gallons of water per minute. These trucks have a thirty-year life within our asset management program serving fifteen years as a front line or first out truck. The remaining fifteen years are spent as backup, or plan “B” trucks.

The pump test is just one part of an extensive preventative maintenance program ensuring this community investment lasts the full thirty years.

POLICE DEPARTMENT Tips for fall driving:

1141 W. State St., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel : 419.332.6464

Lane markers and potholes could be hiding under leaves!

• Reduce your speed when driving on roads covered with leaves and use caution when making turns.

• Give yourself more distance than usual when coming to a stop behind another car. Just like on ice or snow, the leaves can cause your wheels to lose traction and slip even after you’ve braked.

• Free your windshield wipers of any leaves before getting into your car. You want to make sure these are leaf-free in the event it begins to rain as you’ll need full visibility through the windshield.

• Be extra cautious of children near the road. Kids are likely to be playing in the leaves outside of their homes in the fall, so avoid big piles of leaves and go extra slow in residential areas.

• Avoid the chance of a fire hazard from the exhaust system by parking your car in a leaf-free or at least lightly leafy spot.

Now is a great time to have your tires checked by your mechanic to ensure they are safe for upcoming winter conditions.

www.fremontohio.org

FINANCE DEPARTMENT 323 S. Front St., Fremont, OH 43420 419.334.3867 The Auditor’s Office maintains the financial records for the City which includes, but is not limited to, the central collection of all revenues, the issuing of non-payroll checks to vendors for goods and services received, the payroll function for all City employees, and maintaining the City’s general ledger and cash fund balances. Detailed financial reports are prepared for City Council monthly and are available for the public on the City’s website, www.fremontohio.org/departments/finance/.

A summarized schedule of financial activity for the City’s major operating funds are listed below: CITY OF FREMONT, OHIO

CASH BALANCES REPORT – SEPTEMBER 2020 Balance

Year to Date

Year to Date

Balance

1/1/2020

Revenues

Expenditures

9/30/2020

101 General

2,892,508

7,521,693

7,612,390

2,801,811

201 Municipal Income Tax

1,603,334

7,364,082

7,028,355

1,939,061

211 Public Recreation

261,438

539,895

569,768

231,565

222 Street Maintenance

467,517

777,789

702,686

542,620

510 Water Operating

3,581,102

6,227,278

6,307,101

3,501,279

570 Sewer Operating

19,000,633

6,205,400

7,641,812

17,564,221

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION DEPARTMENT 323 S. Front St., Fremont, OH 43420 419.334.5900 City leaders welcomed Chari Mullen as Fremont’s first Diversity and Inclusion Director on October 6, 2020, at Terra State Community College’s Neeley Center for an hour-long program announcing Mullen’s appointment to the newly created position.

The Diversity & Inclusion office will strive to create a diversified, inclusive culture through training department heads, implementing inclusive hiring practices, working with the Fremont Community Relations Commission, and boosting minority economic development efforts.

Members of the community are encouraged to join the Courageous Conversations to discuss diversity and inclusion planning for the city. Please visit the Diversity & Inclusion webpage at https://www.fremontohio.org/departments/ diversity-inclusion/ to learn more about the department goals, plans, and joining the Courageous Conversation.

08 / City of Fremont Newsletter / December 2020

WATER TREATMENT PLANT 1113 S. Tiffin St., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel : 419.332.3581 The City of Fremont’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Laboratory consists of two divisions of chemical and microbiological analysis. Each division is required to be certified by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to operate in the State of Ohio. Approval initially takes four weeks to complete for each new analyst. Every three years analysts must complete the renewal process to maintain certification. In the State of Ohio, certification is assigned only to the laboratory that an analyst is working in.

There is currently one full-time Laboratory Technician that operates both of our labs with two additional certified analysts who can assist and fill in as needed. There are five operationally certified analysts for chemistry.

This operational certification is required in order to be approved to operate the City of Fremont’s Water Plant.

In September, our Laboratory received a full renewal certification for microbiological testing.

This certification is approved for three analysts.

We use a testing method that produces results within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. This testing is completed to make sure that there is no total coliform or E. coli bacteria in the City of Fremont’s water supply. Every month our public water supply (PWS) is required to test a minimum of twenty samples. Our Laboratory Technician collects these samples Monday through Thursday each week from all areas of our water system. These samples routinely test negative. Positive samples are required to be reported to the public. I am proud to say that we have never had to report a positive result. This is a direct reflection of the hard work that all of the employees at the City of Fremont’s Water Plant provide to the public on a daily basis.

ZONING DEPARTMENT 323 S. Front St., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel: 419.334.8963 How do I Report a Zoning Violation?

There are a few different ways to report a zoning observation / violation within the City of Fremont assuring you all complaints are kept anonymous.

Office of Engineering and Zoning Office 419.334.8963 Zoning Code Enforcer, Brian Woods 419.463.3336 https://www.fremontohio.org/departments/engineering-and-zoning/ Upon receipt of a concern or complaint, the information is sent directly to our Zoning Code Enforcer.

The Code Enforcer will conduct an investigation and, if requested, will contact the complainant.

Depending on the nature of the concern/complaint, the Code Enforcer will visit the reported property of concern and will work with the property owner/resident to correct any issues found. Depending on the severity of the violation a follow-up inspection could be required. From the date a Notice of Violation is issued, the owner/resident will receive a specific timeframe in which to correct any violations and come into compliance. A Notice of Violation can be verbal, a door hanger, a written notice, or a phone call if that information is available to our department.

What Should I Do if I Receive a Notice of Violation?

If you receive a Notice of Violation, please reach out to the Engineering and Zoning Office or the Zoning Code Enforcer.

Our office is here to help and is willing to work with owners/residents to remedy any violations and maintain compliance.

Our Zoning department team works with the community through communication and education of our ordinances with a goal of voluntary compliance, all while encouraging responsible property maintenance.

www.fremontohio.org

WATER / SEWER MAINTENANCE

1111 Oak Harbor Rd., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel : 419.332.3181

Since the cold weather is right around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to share some tips to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Tip #1: Keep the Heat On If you or your tenants are leaving for a long time, leave the heat on. Convincing your tenants to leave their heat on when they are away may be difficult, especially if they are responsible for paying the utility bills. You should inform them that the heat can help prevent pipes from freezing, and if pipes freeze and burst, it can cause a lot of water damage to the property and their possessions.

The heat does not have to be as high as you would keep it if you were actually on the property, but keeping it set above 50 F is ideal. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and to prevent any water inside from freezing.

Tip #2: Allow the Faucet to Drip If you are afraid a pipe will freeze, you can open the faucet fed by that pipe to allow the faucet to drip slightly. Doing so will relieve pressure in the system. If a pipe freezes, it is the pressure that creates the blockage and the faucet that will cause the pipe to burst. Allowing the faucet to drip will prevent this pressure from building up; therefore, keeping it from bursting. If the faucet is served by both hot and cold water pipes, open both taps slightly, or set a single-handle faucet (such as a kitchen faucet) to warm.

Tip #3: Keep Interior Doors Open Pipes are often located in cabinets. When the temperature drops, it is a good idea to keep these cabinet doors open so that the heat from the rest of the house can keep the pipes warm. Also, keep all interior doors open so that the heat can flow throughout the home.

Tip #4: Seal Up Cracks and Holes Seal gaps around holes where pipes run through walls or floors, especially where the hole is letting in cold air. Use caulk or spray foam insulation (such as Great Stuff) to fill the gaps. If possible, seal holes on both the interior and exterior of the wall or floor. Cold outdoor air

that gets in through holes and gaps can make a cabinet compartment, which is usually pretty cold, even colder.

Tip #5: Apply Heating Tape Heating tape works like an electric blanket for pipes, supplying heat directly to the pipe, keeping it warm during cold spells. This can be a good solution for short sections of pipe that are at high risk for freezing and are easily accessible so you can install the tape and can monitor it for problems.

There are two types of heating tape. One that turns on and off by itself when it senses heat is needed and the other is plugged in when the heat is needed and unplugged when not in use. It does not have an automatic or manual on/off switch. Much like a space heater, these products can be dangerous, so you must follow the product’s direction and safety procedures exactly.

Tip #6: Add Extra Insulation Pipes that are located in areas that do not have proper insulation, such as basements or attics, may need extra insulation to keep from freezing. Pipes in basements or attics are not the only ones that may not be properly insulated from the cold. If you have had a problem with pipes freezing anywhere in your home, extra insulation could be the cure.

Pipes can be fitted with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. This can be an easy solution for pipes that are exposed but can get expensive if walls, floors, or ceilings have to be opened to properly insulate the pipe. Additional insulation can also be added to walls and ceilings to keep pipes warm.

Insulation can help keep a pipe closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe, but it does not add heat to the pipe and will not prevent freezing if the pipe is exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.

If you have any questions about freezing water pipes, feel free to give us a call or email us. bward@fremontohio.org 419-332-3181

10 / City of Fremont Newsletter / December 2020

RECREATION DEPARTMENT 600 St. Joseph St., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel : 419.334.5906

Learn to Skate Session 2:

Future Stars Hockey Session 2:

Fee: $45/Members $50/Community Wednesdays Jan 1 – Feb 10 5:30-6:20pm Mondays Jan 11 – Feb 15 5:30-6:20pm

Fee: $45/Members $50/Community Saturdays Jan 9 – Feb 13 9:30-10:30am

Boys and Girls (4th & 5th Grade) and Boys (6th) Grade Basketball Programs : FCS Students only – All teams will be based by school of the child Registration: Nov 11 – Jan 03 Fee: $40

Online registration is open.

Must register at https://fremontreccenter.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs

Ice Skating Hours

www.fremontohio.org

WATER RECLAMATION CENTER 1019 Sand Rd., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel : 419.334.3876 Covid -19 Testing in Wastewater The Fremont Water Reclamation Center (FWRC) was contacted by Zuzana Bohrerova of The Ohio State University. She is working on a project with Ohio EPA and the Ohio Department of Health for testing of COVID-19 RNA in wastewater and has asked the City of Fremont to participate. The project is funded by CARES Act monies and will run through the end of December.

Project personnel is hoping to extend the funding through the end of spring.

Personnel at the FWRC started collecting samples the week of October 26th and are collecting samples twice a week. Samples get sent to a laboratory in Miami Lakes, Florida for analysis. If there is an increase in the amount of COVID-19 RNA in the community’s wastewater, our local Health Department is contacted so appropriate action can be taken. Hopefully, this will help to prevent a widespread outbreak in the area as an increase in the RNA will be an earlier indicator than testing of symptomatic persons.

Test results can be accessed on the ODH’s website at https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/dashboards/ wastewater/wastewater Sandusky River Clean Sweep The City participated in the Sandusky River Watershed Coalition’s Sandusky River Clean Sweep held September 26th in the downtown and Rodger Young/ Walsh Park areas. Trash was picked up along the river banks and disposed of properly, resulting in a cleaner park for residents to enjoy, preventing debris from being washed into the river. If you would like to participate in this event in the future check the websites of the Sandusky River Watershed Coalition (https://sanduskyriver.org/) or the City of Fremont https://www.fremontohio.org/) for dates.

12 / City of Fremont Newsletter / December 2020

CITY TAX

323 S. Front St., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel : 419.334.8969 Listed below are some common questions regarding your city income tax return filing obligations.

Am I required to file an annual RITA tax return?

Resident individuals who are 18 years of age and older must file an annual return, even if no tax is due. Residents under the age of 18 who earned wages and did not have any municipal income tax withheld from their pay must file an annual return. Non-resident individuals who have earned income in a RITA municipality and did not have any municipal income tax withheld from their pay must file an annual return. Non-resident individuals who conduct business in a RITA municipality, including self-employment activity and landlords who own rental property in the municipality must file an annual return, even if no tax is due.

How do I file an Extension?

For taxpayers on a federal extension, a separate request for a municipal extension is not required. Submit a copy of the federal extension with the filing of the extended municipal return. For taxpayers not on a federal extension, an extension request must be submitted on or before the date the municipal income tax return is due. Download and complete a Form 32 EST-EXT. Please remember that an extension only extends the time allowed to file an annual return, not the time allowed for payment.

I am retired, do I need to file a RITA tax return?

Retired individuals with no taxable income (for example W2 wages or Schedule E income) are required to file an Exemption Form and attach a copy of page 1 of their Federal 1040 return. An Exemption form is only required for the first year that this applies. You are required to resume filing Form 37 if your status changes and you receive taxable income.

What documents do I need to provide when I file?

If you file electronically, no documentation is required at the time of filing. RITA may request documentation from you after the filing is reviewed. If you file a paper return you will be required to submit the following forms and schedules, as applicable: W-2 Form(s); Federal Form 1040; 1099 Form(s); Federal Schedule A; Federal Schedule C; Federal Schedule E; Federal Schedule F; Federal Schedule K-1(s); and Federal Form 2106.

I attend a college in a NON-RITA municipality, but I use my parent’s address for mailing purposes. Do I need to file a RITA tax return?

Yes, unless you can provide proof that you have changed your permanent residence to your school address. Acceptable proof may include a copy of your driver’s license showing school address or first page of your Federal tax return.

I moved during the year, do I need to file a return with my former municipality of residence?

Yes; you must allocate your taxes based on actual income earned for the time you resided in each municipality during the year of move.

I cannot pay my taxes in full, can I get on a payment plan?

Yes. If your account reflects “filed balances” due of $250 or more, you may request a payment plan by contacting the Collections Department at 800.860.7482, ext. 5004. In order to qualify as a “filed balance”, the tax return for the tax year or years that you owe at least $250 MUST already be filed with RITA. Have more questions?

Taxpayer assistance is available by contacting the Regional Income Tax Agency at 1-800-860-7482 or the Fremont City Income Tax Department at 419-334-8969.

www.fremontohio.org

TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE BY TYPE OF TAX FEDERAL INCOME TAX – FORM 1040 INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE WWW.IRS.GOV TAX QUESTIONS: 1-800-829-1040 TAX FORM REQUESTS: 1-800-TAX-FORM REFUND STATUS: 1-800-829-4477 STATE INCOME TAX – FORM IT-1040 OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION WWW.TAX.OHIO.GOV TAX QUESTIONS/FORMS/REFUNDS: 1-800-282-1780

SCHOOL INCOME TAX – FORM SD-100 OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION WWW.TAX.OHIO.GOV FREMONT CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT CODE: 7202 TAX QUESTIONS/FORMS/REFUNDS: 1-800-282-1780

CITY INCOME TAX – FORM 37 REGIONAL INCOME TAX AGENCY AND FREMONT CITY INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT WWW.RITAOHIO.COM TAX QUESTIONS/FORMS/REFUNDS: RITA: 1-800-860-7482 LOCAL: 419-334-8969

PAYMENTS:

BY PHONE: 1-800-860-7482 ONLINE: WWW.RITAOHIO.COM IN PERSON: 323 S. FRONT ST. FREMONT OH 43420

14 / City of Fremont Newsletter / December 2020

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

323 S. Front St., Fremont, OH 43420 Tel: 419.334.8963 Jackson Annex Demolition Project Great Lakes Demolition was awarded the contract to demo the Jackson Annex at the corner of Arch and Birchard. It is likely to commence December 1st and is anticipated to be complete by the end of January. The building served as home to what were considered luxury apartments of Fremont’s wealthy residents and as rooms for overflow customers from the Hotel Jackson in the 200 block of S. Front St. The building, constructed in 1902, has been vacant since a Christmas Eve fire in 1980.

The City recently acquired the property to complete the demolition and to retain the lot for future development.

Spieldenner Rd. Bridge Replacement Aside from a few restorations remaining, the Spieldenner Rd. Bridge replacement project is complete. The original steel truss bridge with wood and asphalt deck was removed and replaced with a new, pre-stressed concrete beam bridge and deck. Prior to the replacement, emergency services had deemed the old bridge unsafe for emergency vehicles; however, it remained open to other vehicular traffic. The project was completed with a grant from the Municipal Bridge Program through the Ohio Department of Transportation. This program provides federal funds to Municipal Corporations and Regional Transit Authorities for bridge replacement or bridge rehabilitation projects.

North Coast Inland Trail Extension Work on the North Coast Inland Trail (NCIT) extension is underway and is expected to be complete by November 20th. The extension begins at the west end of the Miles Newton Bridge and crosses Hayes Ave. and Avis St. It follows Avis St. through Swartzlander-Rotary Park to Birchard Ave. The extension connects the existing trail to downtown Fremont and is a safety improvement for both cyclists and pedestrians. This project is being completed using grant funds from the Ohio Department of Transportation.

www.fremontohio.org

DOWNTOWN FREMONT 315 Garrison Street, Fremont, OH 43420 Tel : 419.332.8696 Benches Downtown Fremont, Inc. was awarded a Rural LISC grant, along with Great Lakes Community Action Commission (GLCAP). The Rural LISC Creative Placemaking Initiative focused on cultivating creative small business development and supporting local artists. The grant brought funding to Downtown Fremont by helping to assist the Great Eastern Theatre-Paramount Cinema with the renovation of the theatres’ marquee sign along with five artistic benches that were designed and painted by local artists. The benches which were made of metal were a complete design of Christy Machine and Conveyor. Downtown Fremon, Inc. conducted a contest via social media, of all the designs that were submitted to be painted. The top five designs with the most votes were chosen to be painted and displayed in Downtown Fremont. The completed benches were unveiled at The Crop Circle event on October 3 for the community to see.

The partnership with Great Eastern Theatre-Paramount Cinema, Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), and Downtown Fremont, Inc. is an example of three different organizations working together for the betterment of our community. GLCAP was an important partner for writing the grant with Great Eastern Theatre-Paramount Cinema having the willingness to support the revitalization of our downtown.

Mural The Ohio Arts Council awarded Downtown Fremont, Inc. a grant to create intimate vignettes in our downtown alleyways. The current alleyway is strung beautifully with lights & has four benches placed in pairs facing one another. The vignettes will be installed behind each bench, framing the individual or group on the opposite bench. The goal is to transform a walkway into a space for coffee dates from the shop next door, a quick lunch with a coworker, or between a meal and a movie under the glow of lights, making you Think Fremont, oh how it has grown.

With these funds, four small scale murals will be painted in areas of the downtown alleyway. The artist, Megan Cannon of Maude Studio, has designed the murals from references of local architecture, flora, and culture from each of the seasons. The murals will be located on the sides of Ralph’s Joy of Living, Down Thyme Cafe & Live Edge Center, Coco Beans Candy Cup Cakes, and more.

Shop Small When you Shop Small you have a BIG IMPACT. Your continuous support helps make a big difference to our community, small businesses, and the people who keep them running. Let’s keep the #ShopSmall energy going not just today, but every day in Downtown Fremont.