Progress & Legislation Report 2015

Dear Neighbor:

​The vitality or life of the City of Mansfield depends upon an active and engaged citizenry. My office is committed to maintaining transparency and an open-line of communications to help engage all of our citizens. The Progress & Legislation Report highlights the legislation passed by City Council in 2015 that promotes meaningful development and progress for the entire City of Mansfield. The legislation selected represents policies that I believe are steps toward moving opportunities forward.

However if you’re a Progressive person, then you may agree with me in saying the legislation below isn't nearly enough. If you’re a Millennial, then you may agree with me in saying, we have to move faster on getting results that will develop into meaningful employment opportunities. If you’re tired of seeing vacant houses with boarded-up windows in your neighborhoods, then you may agree with me in saying, enough is enough.

Moving forward isn't always easy, which is why we must make working together a priority for 2016. When I say working together, I mean it. To our business partners in the community: I encourage you to take a chance and include or hire someone you wouldn't normally consider. Open the door of opportunity for someone completely outside of your circle. Invest in new possibilities and watch how opportunities begin to move forward for your business and for the community.  

This was a great year of progress. But let’s make 2016 even better. Visit www.donbryant.com/ideas and share an idea that will benefit your neighborhood and our city.

2015 signing out,

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Streets & Traffic

Streets & Traffic Committee is chaired by Councilman Butch Jefferson, with Councilman Bryant serving as Vice-Chairman. Much of the work on our streets re-pavement program, city infrastructure repairs and construction projects, could not have been done without the expertise of our City Engineering Department and the hard work of all of our city employees at the City Services Complex. ​

Bill 15-153:  Supporting the creation of an “Inner-City Bike Route” through the painting of pavement markings known as “sharrows” and installation of signage, recognizing the efforts of Richland Public Health, the Ohio Contractors Association and Richland Moves.

• Selected for the intent to improve public health and for taking action to make Mansfield a city that is more “livable” and Bicycle Friendly.​

• See www.donbryant.com/Biking to see a short-list of the benefits of biking.

Parks & Recreation

Bill 15-057:  Authorizing the city to advertise for bids and to enter into contracts for the construction of a new pavilion at South Park.

• South Park is home to Mansfield’s historic Blockhouse, a prominent feature of Mansfield for over 200 years.

Airport

2015 has been a phenomenal year for our Airport. In this year alone, we have seen an increase in airport traffic, a ground-breaking deal with NASA and a renewed partnership with the 179th Airlift Wing. 

Mayor Tim Theaker, Councilman and Airport Committee Chairman Don Bryant and Mansfield Aviation and Metropolitan Commission Chairman Jeff Gorman, commissioned several new developments at Mansfield Lahm Airport to help add to it's successful growth. ​
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Much thanks to Airport Manager, Mark Daugherty and his staff for all of their hard work this year.

A view of Runway 5-23 before the re-pavement project

NASA Super Guppy landing at Mansfield Lahm Airport in November

Bill 15-028:  Authorize city to file & accept grant from Federal Aviation Administration for improvements.

• Funding for the redevelopment of a runway and the removal of one taxiway.

Bill 15-045:  Authorize city to execute Addendum No. one to the Airport Joint Use Agreement with the United States of America and the State of Ohio.

• Allows for the continued partnership with the 179th Airlift Wing.

Bill 15-054:  Authorizing City to enter into a contract to timber and harvest 61.4 acres of certain airport property.

• Selected for encouraging local business and trade.

Bill 15-086:  Authorize city to accept and appropriate donations from an anonymous donor $50,000 to be used at the airport.

Bill 15-104:  Authorize city to accept and appropriate funds obtained from timbering certain airport property. $107, 697 to be used for modifications to the airport terminal building.

Bill 15-105:  Authorize city to advertise for bids & enter into a contract for the renovation of the Mansfield Lahm Airport terminal building to accommodate Fixed Base Operations.

• Selected for the high potential to attract a new Fixed Base Operator (charter service) and to improve the building facilities for visiting pilots, clients and others utilizing Mansfield Lahm Airport.

Bill 15-192:  Authorizing City to file and accept a grant application from ODOT Office of Aviation to advertise for bids & enter into a contract to replace supplemental wind-cones relating to grant.

• Selected for taking steps to make landing experience at Mansfield Lahm Airport easier and safer for all users.

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Safety

       The majority of safety legislation this year regarded funding for continuing operations. Although, there are only two pieces of legislation highlighted below, it must be noted that our safety forces hold incredible responsibility for keeping Mansfield safe. W