STEUBENVILLE — City Council has hired its grant writing consultant.

At Tuesday’s meeting, council gave the go-ahead to sign a one-year retainer with Aspire Grant and Development, a woman-owned-and-operated consulting firm headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa.

Fourth Ward Councilman Tracy McManamon, who floated the idea months ago, had said there “are so many projects, so much infrastructure need and so many ways we can help Steubenville grow” by tapping into grant money.

“Having a dedicated, professional, accountable enterprise working directly for the city of Steubenville will, hopefully, show our citizens that we are doing everything we can to enhance the quality of life in the city of Steubenville,” he’d said recently.

McManamon said Wednesday he’s “very optimistic that not only will we see some immediate needs met, (but) going down this path with this level of expertise our city will benefit for a long time here.

“(An) interesting fact is that many of their municipalities have engaged them year after year, which tells you about those cities return on investment,” he added. “We have to be much more proactive as city leaders. We need to think outside the box. I think our city’s future has to be aligned with high quality partners. This is just one of those relationships we hope and pray benefits Steubenville now and for years to come.”

Councilwoman at large Kimberly Hahn called it a “significant step forward” Wednesday.

“We can multiply our dollars through grants to make significant improvements to our downtown, our parks and for our infrastructure,” she said.

“I think it’s worth the risk,” 4th Ward Councilman Royal Mayo said, pointing to Aspire’s track record of generating at least 200 percent of a municipality’s initial investment in grants. “I don’t think it’s going to be anything that fundamentally changes the way the city operates — 200 percent of $30,000 isn’t going to change the way city operates, but if you spend $30,000 and get $150,000 back, it was worth it. We don’t have anybody doing it now, and it sounds like a fair deal. If we only get $20,000 back then we’ll have lost $10,000 trying to improve the city.”

Third Ward Councilman Eric Timmons agreed that “anything is better than nothing.”

“Plus, it frees up time for the department heads,” Timmons said, a reference to department heads who in the past have tried to write their own grant applications with mixed success while juggling their regular job responsibilities.

“We spent $30,000 to have ‘Steubenville’ put on an overpass, which I was not in favor of,” Timmons pointed out. “As long as they (Aspire) bring the city $30,000 for meaningful projects, this will benefit the city.”

Fifth Ward Councilman Willie Paul, who chairs council’s finance committee, said he’s hoping Aspire can help them get a bigger bang for their American Rescue Program Act bucks. The city has about $12.9 million remaining in its federal ARPA allotment, he said, but has massive infrastructure spending needs — including a new water tower in the West End, a laundry list of sanitation projects and consent decree work as well as street repairs. They’ve also got requests from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and Old Fort Steuben Project.

“We need direction on where we’re going to funnel this money,” Paul said. “I know every council person has a wish list — I want to spend it prudently, do the right thing for the citizens. It’s not what I want, it’s what they need.”

“I’m hoping they can fund us grants (we) need,” he said. “If Aspire can find us funds, more power to them.”

The Old Fort Steuben Project requested the city’s assistance funding construction of restrooms and a meeting room, asking for $400,000 in ARPA funds.

In a letter to council, Assistant Director Judy Bratten pointed out the park and its facilities attract 25,000 to 50,000 visitors annually.

“As a part of the Ohio River Scenic Byway and Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Fort Steuben Park hosts summer concerts and events” to entertain community residents as well as visitors to the city, Bratten said. “The first thing they ask for is a restroom.”

Currently, the Visitor’s Center has limited facilities — a men’s room and a ladies room, both of which can only accommodate two people at a time so the lines are long when there’s a tour bus or school group.

“We have spent thousands of dollars to rent portable restrooms,” Bratten wrote, adding, “We have had architects give us a possible design that provides more suitable restrooms, along with a much-needed meeting room and have raised some funds toward the projects.”

Bratten said the expansion would “contribute toward tourism efforts.”

Jefferson County Commissioner Tony Morelli, meanwhile, was on hand to give City Manager Jim Mavromatis a $10,000 recreation grant.

Morelli told council requests this year far exceeded available funding.

“We tried to give some to everybody,” he said, adding, “I’m a firm believer that we need to invest in recreation all over the county.”

In line with the federal government declaring Juneteenth a holiday, City Council voted to close city offices Monday. As a result, garbage collections will be delayed one day.

≤ Hahn said the park’s department’s Meet Me at the Marina for Shoreline Fishing event will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No license is required, poles will be provided to those who need them. Prizes will be awarded. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Hahn also announced the ribbon cutting for the Marina Shared Use Path will be at noon Saturday during the fishing event.

≤ Hahn reported two Eagle Scout projects were completed at Beatty Park: One Scout built a walking bridge and managed water on the Purple Trail, the other installed seven benches throughout the park and on trails. She also said Paws in the Park will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25, with registration required. The first 50 dogs registered will get a “Save the Bridge” bandana and dog treats.

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