FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- City officials were recently notified Fairview Park was awarded a $68,400 Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) grant for energy efficiency and/or energy infrastructure projects in the community.

"We haven't decided how we're going to earmark it," Fairview Park Director of Public Service and Development Shawn Leininger said. "There are a number of energy efficiency improvements we're considering.

"One of the ideas kicked around has been looking at lighting improvements, whether that's streetlights -- converting some of those over to LED -- or lighting within our facilities. We also have some facility improvements needed elsewhere, including the service garage getting more energy-efficient doors and windows."

Leininger said he's unsure when the city will decide where to focus the grant funds.

"The recent ordinance was simply to allow us to accept the grant." Leininger said. "We'll be back in front of City Council once we find a place to slot it."

The NOPEC grant is expected to be used in 2019; however, Leininger said communities are afforded the opportunity to use the funds the following year.

For example, Fairview Park's 2018 NOPEC grant for $70,000 is going towards the Senior Center's $554,000 roof replacement. The city was also awarded a $150,000 Cuyahoga County Municipal Grant towards the project.

"In addition to the roof replacement, we're also adding installation and attic ventilation to the building, which tied in nicely with the energy-efficiency improvements," Leininger said. "Right now the roof project is in a weather holding pattern. The old roof has been removed and a portion of the new roof -- basically, the vapor barrier -- has been laid down.

"The roof is weather tight. The materials being used need to be put down when temperatures are above 40 degrees and it's dry. As soon as the weather breaks, hopefully they'll get cracking and get it wrapped up."