IRONTON — Following a summer that saw Ironton City Council tackling issues ranging from widespread basement flooding to the approval of new contracts for its unionized workforce to mapping out its financial future, the city’s legislative body got a reprieve Monday night with a very light agenda.

Heading into the final third of the year, council’s first meeting of September saw minimal items brought before it. It was also the first sparsely attended council meeting in some time as several previous meetings were near capacity with concerned residents.

Among the items considered by council on Thursday were:

Council adopted by a 6-0 margin an ordinance that vacated Poplar Alley between 12th and 13th streets as the alley is no longer used needed for thoroughfare purposes.

Council adopted by a 6-0 margin an ordinance that renewed for one year the city’s contract with Rumpke of Ohio, Inc. for the disposal of municipal solid waste generated by the city.

Council approved the appointment of Patricia Wiseman to the Ironton City Health Department Board to complete the unexpired term of Ron McGraw who had resigned. Wiseman’s term expires in January 2010.

Mayor Rich Blankenship informed council that starting Sept. 8, all city parks now close at 9 p.m. Parks still open at 8 a.m.

Blankenship also announced that sometime in the next 30 days, demolition will commence on 11 properties city wide.

Funding used for the demolitions will come from a combination of city funds and a $103,000 federal grant the city received for demolitions.

The first five homes Blankenship told council were selected for demolition was: 1018 S. Ninth St.; 1010 S. Fourth St.; 708 S. Eighth St.; 623 Depot Square and 627 Depot Square.

Council next meets on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m.

Before council next convenes, its Public Utility Committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ironton City Center while its Finance Committee will gather for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. also at the Ironton City Center.