By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
CONNEAUT — Dozens of Conneaut citizens agreed Tuesday night that the appearance of the city is of paramount importance.
More than 80 people attended the invitation-only Conneaut Cafe II, a follow-up to the meeting held in May to help local leaders plot a course for the city’s future. The latest version, held at the Conneaut Human Resources Center, attracted more than 80 people.
Deb Ballam, of The Ohio State University, moderated the event. Residents, representing a cross-section of the community, met in groups of three and four to discuss questions posed by Ballam.
“This is a wonderful second step,” Ballam said.
By the end of the evening, the group had devised a list of five initiatives they felt could be accomplished primarily by townsfolk, without the aid of local government.
Tops on the completed list was the overall physical condition of the town. Many of the participants broached the subject in a variety of ways and offered a wide range of suggestions to solve the problem, including cleanup parties.
At number two on the list was a push to enhance local tourism. Many suggested expanding the annual D-Day re-enactment, which attracts thousands, while others said volunteers should set up a booth at local events to pass out promotional material.
Other finalists on the list included the need to devise and promote more lakefront and winter activities in town. The fifth most popular idea would create a community clearinghouse to help residents and visitors with information about municipal services and events.
After the list was compiled, the attendees broke into groups to discuss ways to make the ideas become reality. A member of each group was charged with arranging future meetings on the subject. The group leaders are Gary Phillips, Ward 4 Councilman Tony “Dino” Julio, Renea Roach, Chris Newcomb and Tim Kraus.
The Conneaut Cafe, patterned after a world event, was the brainchild of former Conneaut minister Chuck Graham, who enlisted the help of others to organize the event. The premise is that every resident offers special insights and experience to help solve problems.
“The wisdom you need to grapple with issues comes (from) within you,” Ballam said.
