Orrville Mayor Dave Handwerk shared his State of the City address at Rotary's meeting at its pavilion in Orr Park.
Orrville Mayor Dave Handwerk shared his State of the City address at Rotary's meeting at its pavilion in Orr Park. Having served on city council for eighteen years before his election as mayor in 2008, Handwerk's presentation noted that his administration met almost daily during the height of COVID-19 in order to navigate, with utmost importance, the safety concerns of not only the city's employees and families, but the local businesses and citizens of Orrville. Following his statement that "all things considered", the city and its finances and businesses were relatively stable, Handwerk outlined Orrville summer projects completed, namely a 50/50 grant of state and local funding for numerous neighborhood overlay and concrete street paving projects; curb work and recurring discussions concerning the city's sidewalk paving project. Other successful initiatives completed included replacement of overhead doors at fire station #1; upgrading tornado warning system; adding new roof to Rehm Pavilion in Orr Park; paving, benches and signage at Gateway to Orr Park; Story Book trail; and completely overhauled tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. City projects under consideration discussed by Handwerk involved issue of retirement of several city employees, need for new hires, and power plant projects. Important city successes also included Orrville's Fourth of July activities; all-class reunion; Lions Club Rib & Music Fest; and Orrville Community Day. A brief question and answer period followed the mayor's informative presentation. Orrville Area United Way executive director Dawn Cazzolli was a prospective member and guest at the meeting.
