–– Negotiations with builders and developers continue as spin-offs from the request-for-proposals process.

–– Improvements for the water system in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency equipment demonstration grant, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and private sources are coming closer to fruition.

–– Disposition of the old bowling alley (Ultimate Trip building) is being negotiated.

–– Water customers are being properly billed.

–– The expired, soon-to-expire and transferring of leased residential properties are being negotiated and monitored by the board.

–– Tax returns have been filed for 2005, 2006 and 2007.

–– In the last month, audits have been done of both sales taxes and workers’ compensation taxes.

DEBRIS REMOVAL GIVES PARK A BRIGHT SIDE

With a terrible eyesore now removed, the Trustees of Conneaut Lake Park praised the work of two area businessmen who cleared the debris left by a destructive fire at the park’s Dreamland Ballroom in February.

“Things are looking a little brighter inside the park now that the Dreamland Ballroom debris has been removed,” trustees said in a Wednesday news release.

The fire, ruled arson, destroyed the historic dance hall, which wasn’t insured. A suspect has been charged with setting the blaze and is in Crawford County jail awaiting trial.

The two businessmen, Larry Kebert of Kebert Construction and Norm Eaton of Meadville Metal, offered their services to remove the debris. The pair recently used their company equipment and employees, and many hours of their own time, to complete the work.

Scrap from the debris was removed and sold, and once the two men recovered the costs associated with the cleanup, they returned a balance of $6,500 to the park Trustees.

“The Trustees are very appreciative of (their) efforts. ... The expediency, professionalism and public spirit of these two businessmen have made a huge difference not only in the appearance of the site, but also in the emotional impact when you visit the park,” read the news release.