With Governor Mike DeWine’s announcement of plans to lift most pandemic restrictions beginning next month, the City of Youngstown is preparing for a return to the “old normal”.

Over the past year, health precautions to stem the spread of COVID-19 resulted in the cancelations of many public events and activities in the city.

On Thursday, the city Board of Control approved several items indicating that the town is ready to reopen.

The board approved spending $3,000 to help plan this year’s First Night New Year’s Eve celebration.  The event, which usually offers entertainment venues and vendors throughout downtown, was limited to a firework display this past year because of social distancing concerns.

Also approved was the expenditure of more than $26,000 to repair pumps at the Northside Pool and supply chlorine and other chemicals that will be needed for the summer swimming season.

The pool, along with Youngstown’s playgrounds and basketball courts were closed last year.

The board also elected to spend $8,000 to rent portable restrooms at various locations as people once again prepare for what they hope is an end to memories of the year of quarantine.