Three state-of-the-village summaries were provided to Ada Area Chamber of Commerce members during the chamber’s annual dinner meeting on Feb. 19.

Presentations by Mayor David Retterer, Village Administrator Jami Hall and Tree Commission member Don Traxler provided a view of 2019 anticipated activity in Ada.

Mayor’s report
Ada’s major 2019 projects include:
• Willeke phase 2
• Ream Street project
• Village municipal building – addition of an elevator and building rehabilitation, cost estimate, $700,000
• ODOT paving project – State Route 235 (Main Street) and State Route 81 (North Avenue). These roadways will be ground and resurfaced this spring
• Mayor Retterer said that many of Ada’s biggest challenges relate to the drug traffic into and within the village.

While the Village of Ada is in sound financial shape, and the mayor credited council members and others who monitor revenues, wages and assets and investments of the village.

Village administrator’s report
Focusing on the work of the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), Hall explained the purpose of this non-profit organization.

Ada’s CIC first organized in 1979. It made property available for an industrial park development. Over the years it has promoted the industrial park, promotes the Lincoln Highway Buy Way sale and launched a major water resource project.

CIC membership is open to anyone in the community at a $25 annual membership.

Tree Commission report
Traxler noted that Ada’s tree commission has existed for 38 years. In each of the past five years the village received a growth award for its tree efforts. A poster contest continues annually for third graders, as does an Arbor Day commemoration.

For the past 10 years Ohio Northern University carries a “Tree Campus” designation based upon its tree efforts.

The tree commission’s budget is $20,000. The funds assist in maintaining trees in the downtown area and with problem trees in the village.

Traxler said that the Ada Kiwanis Club has given $500 to the tree commission each year for the past 36 years.

Ada’s commission will assist the Upper Scioto Valley communities in starting tree commissions there.