New Franklin is alerting residents about FirstEnergy’s upcoming smart meter installation program. The utility company will replace existing electric meters over the next several weeks to modernize the distribution system and provide more detailed billing information.
Meters accessible from outside require no homeowner presence, while interior meters will require access. All installers will carry photo identification and wear FirstEnergy uniforms, with company logos on trucks. The city has requested more specific timing information from FirstEnergy to provide residents advance notice of installation in their neighborhoods.
Summit County Engineer Alan Brubaker announced a two-day closure of Van Buren Road beginning Monday, October 6. The section between Vanderhoof Road and Center Road will be closed for bridge maintenance, including sealing the bridge deck and approach slab. Access to homes and businesses will be maintained during the closure. The detour route involves Vanderhoof Road, Grove Road and Center Road, with all work subject to inclement weather.
Trick-or-treat schedules vary by neighborhood in New Franklin. Norton will hold trick-or-treating Saturday, October 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. Coventry follows Saturday, October 25 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Northwest observes Friday, October 31 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Manchester holds trick-or-treating Saturday, November 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. Residents are encouraged to turn on porch lights to participate.
Mayor Paul Adamson thanked U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes for securing $950,000 in congressionally directed spending that enabled water line extensions to the Turkey Foot Lake area, calling it crucial for economic development. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the visitor center is scheduled for October 10 at 1:30 p.m.
In other updates, railroad crossing improvements on Center Road are underway at no cost to the city, initiated after a citizen presentation to council. Council member Devin Allman praised resident Guy Rainbow for bringing the issue to the city’s attention, leading to quick resolution.
The 14-week farmers market concluded with an average of 1,105 visitors weekly despite rainy weather, according to Council Member Judy Jones. She also reminded residents about Rose Remembrance Day on October 4 and encouraged donations to the Barberton Area Community Ministries, which assists local residents in need.
The city is seeking to fill a full-time road maintenance worker position in the Service Department. Application packets are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15. Information and applications are available at City Hall and at NewFranklin.org/jobs.
Mayor Adamson announced the city will present an ordinance at the next meeting addressing discontinuance of abandoned facilities in rights-of-way, a measure that will apply to both existing and future abandonments.
The next council meeting is scheduled for October 15.
Related coverage: New Franklin Moves Forward with $5M Gateway Improvement Plan for Route 619 Corridor | Council Advances Grill Road Bridge Project, Fire Department Secures Federal Grant
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