By Leigh Ann Rutledge
FPS Reporter
July 29, 2008
Village council members learned of more water woes at the Monday night meeting.
Village Administrator Robert Fowler told council he sent a letter to county commissioners regarding possible water hook-up at the Commerce Park. The letter stated in part, “...The current water supply and operational issues in the village will not permit our commitment to this development at this time...” Fowler said, “We will revisit the project in the future but I cannot attempt to expand our water services.” Village residents are his main concern at this time.
The water and sewer committee was told by Water Superintendent Mike Leslie that due to the high temperatures and the underground water storage tank being shut down, more chemicals will be added to the water possibly causing an odor and color change.
Council passed an emergency ordinance to enter into a contract with Engineering Associates for the preliminary design and engineering services for the water tank improvement project. The contract for their services will not exceed $168,000. The emergency ordinance to apply for funding from the Ohio Water Development Authority for engineering services not to exceed $168,000 was passed by council. Fowler is working on accruing a grant from US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for $500,000 to replace the water tanks.
At the recommendation of the water and sewer committee, members voted to accept a bid for $2,084,000 from Enviroquip for a 4x4 MBR processor for the wastewater treatment plant. However, the village will not be signing a contract until funds are secured. Fowler told members he has 60 days from the receipt of the bid to accept it before the job has to be rebid. At the present time, the village has $1 million from the Ohio Public Works Commission. It appears the village will receive interim funding from the USDA, which should result in 35 to 40 percent of the project being funded by grant money. The remaining $3 million owed on the $7.5 million project would be acquired through a 40-year low interest loan.
In an unrelated matter, Village Clerk Judi Noble said the village is looking into the possibility of offering residents the option of paying their water and sewer bills with ATM or credit cards. The service would be through the Vital Check Network. Noble said residents would come in, their card would be swiped and the machine would print out a check receipt for village records.
The system is being installed in offices in the county courthouse and would be installed at no cost to the village. However, residents would be charged a fee for using an ATM or credit card. Fees would begin at $2.50 per transaction and vary according to the bill amount.
In the matter regarding the building housing gas pipes on Sterling Ave. will be torn down by the street department. They will work with Heritage Plastics and Columbus Gas since the gas will have to be shut off during demolition.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, council:
-APPROVED the hiring of Gregory Mannos of Canton and Andrew Shuster of Carrollton as part-time police officers.
-HEARD from the water and sewer committee, it is looking into the problem of collecting past due bills from properties in foreclosure.
-VOTED to have the application period for part time police officers open-ended at this time.
-HEARD from Councilwoman Sharon Ott regarding village police officers. Ott said, “I want to thank Chief Ron Yeager and his force for their prompt response to calls.” Ott noted things have been going on at Kiddie Land Park and officers are always quick to respond.
-ACCEPTED the resignation of village firefighter Albert Vipperman for personal reasons.
-WENT into executive session for less than 10 minutes to discuss possible hiring of personnel.
-APPROVED payment of bills totaling $25, 043.27 for vendors and $32,104.57 for payroll. |
