Water, Sewer Rate Increases Approved
On two 4-1 votes, village council approved the water and sewer rates as proposed by Mayor Jake Hershberger, following the third, and final, reading of the proposed ordinances on August 24. Councilmember Cole Carpenter was absent from the meeting.
While there were several members of the public who shared concerns about the projected increases at previous meetings, no one spoke prior to the final vote.
Council member Mark Lucas, who had expressed concern about the amount of the rate increases at previous meetings, spoke first.
“I’m going to try to change a couple of people’s minds…three people, four people, whatever. I suggested here a couple of weeks ago I still think it’s too much for the people,” Lucas said.
“I would like to see a five-year plan, maybe over 10 years, with it reviewed after five years.”
Council president Brad English countered. “We’re still losing money with these increases. It’s going to help soften the blow.”
“Nobody wants to pay more. That’s not what it is all about. It’s about making sure the (water and sewer) plant stays there and we continue to service the community.”
The increases passed with Lucas issuing loud, emphatic NO votes.
North Broadway Street Flooding
During the public comment period, Leonard Duel, a resident of 438 North Lincoln Avenue since May, reported that the intense heavy rain of the previous Thursday morning resulted in 20 inches of water in his basement resulting in the loss of a new furnace, hot water heater and personal items.
Council member Mark Lucas, who also lives nearby on N. Lincoln, reported water in his basement as well.
Flooding in that area has occurred several times this year and in past years as well.
Mayor Hershberger acknowledged the issue noting storm sewer drains from more elevated areas to the north and west from the Plumly Townhomes and North Chestnut reaches a “choke point” under North Lincoln before it goes out toward the Watt Center.
Noting some smoke testing and progress was done in the past, “we’ve got it again, so that is something we’re going to have to figure out cost estimates to correct the issue,” the mayor said.
Following the meeting, Hershberger, Lucas and Duel further discussed the issue.
South Broadway Street Project
Adam Ackerman, the contractor chosen by the village to undertake this major project, updated council on the project that he described as “going fairly well so far.”
Ackerman noted that most of the water service lines are made of lead with only a few consisting of copper lines. Unknown water line leaks, discovered during the project were repaired, while other unknown issues are surfacing.
“You’re going to need at least another $200,000 for water, and it’s going to also cost to have the road redone,” Akerman said.
A discussion, involving Village Administrator Roger Deal and Fiscal Officer Jeannie Hannahs, revealed that in addition to the $200,000 already budgeted, an additional $200,000 needed for repairs could come from the water and sewer fund.
Street work,to completely rebuild and resurface the road is estimated at $200,000. Deal said that could come from water and sewer as well.
With a new, estimated cost of $600,000, Deal suggested council approve a motion to move forward for the full costs of the project. Solicitor Myser asked if it should be put out for bids. Deal responded to proceed by “expanding the existing project.”
Myser asked if there should be a cap on the cost of the project.
“I don’t see how we can,” Deal responded.
Deal added, however, the cost of asphalt may have to be bid out if it is over $77,000 since that is something “we can’t do ourselves.”
In other street matters, Village Administrator Roger Deal shared an update on the street paving project that may be delayed with the continued inclement weather.
Water and Sewer
Deal suggested council approve a bid from Mid-Atlantic Storage Systems for the Clear Well Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project. Bids were opened on the project earlier in the month. The lowest bid came in at $48,000 per tank, or $96,000, from M.W. Cole Construction.
Deal read a statement from water department employee Doug Frye expressing concern about that company’s experience in such projects and recommending that council approve the Mid-Atlantic bid of $106,000 per tank. A third bid came in a distant third at $182,000 per tank.
Council unanimously approved the recommendation awarding the contract to Mid-Atlantic.
Deal also shared that the contract between the village and the Switzerland of Ohio Water District is up for renewal. The original 41-year contract was signed in 1985, just before construction got underway extending a waterline south through Somerton to connect with the northern Monroe County system.
The proposed 40-year contract takes into accountant the rate increase passed earlier in the meeting. The new contract includes a minimum of 3 million gallons annually up to a maximum of 9 million gallons. The current contract has no minimum provision. A copy of the contact was supplied to members. If no changes are proposed, it will be sent to Switzerland for their review.
“We may need a meeting with Switzerland. I would actually expect to do that, to meet with them and discuss everything, explain our rates and where we’re at with our system,” Deal said.
Police Cruiser Ask
Matthew Tippie, who was sworn in as police chief at the beginning of the meeting, suggested council purchase two used cruisers and announced he was advertising for the open police officer position.
Tippie noted there is about $34,000 left in the police equipment budget this year and that two used, fully equipped cruisers would cost abut $30,000.
The department currently operates seven cars.
“I have to use that budget amount this year,” Tippie said.
Councilmember Lucas asked “Do we want two more, or do we want to take that money and put it on a new cruiser next year?”
“Every two years council has been putting in the budget for a new car,” Hershberger said. “That would be 2026. Instead, Rocky Sirianni, the former chief, purchased a used one which didn’t use the whole budget.”
“For that reason, I told the Chief I think it is important to bring it to council because I know we’ve had discussions in the past about each officer having their own car to take home.” Two more vehicles would achieve that goal.
McCort shared that it was because of repair costs on the used cruisers that council decided to go the new vehicle route every two years.
“We were spending more money on maintenance than what we would have in brand new fitted vehicles. I just don’t want us to get into that maintenance nightmare again,” McCort said.
At the end of the half hour discussion, the consensus was that the current council held to the one new cruiser every other year rule that previous councils established.
E-scooters and E-bikes
A discussion also centered on issues of E-scooters and E-bikes that are driven about the village by young people. It was noted the issue is front and center for a number of area communities.
Hersberger suggested an education campaign. “We need to bring awareness education to parents and kids on how to safely” operate throughout the village and “what they’re allowed to do or not to do.”
Securing some literature and posting it on the village and police Facebook pages, as well as the website, was suggested by the mayor.
Police Department employee Derek Deal has contacted the state for material, Hershberger noted.
Once the material is received, “the chief is going to work on the program and work with the school to educate the kids.”
Councilmember Terry McCort said, “we want kids out. We want them playing…we just want them to be safe, slow down, obey the traffic laws, stay off the sidewalks.”
Other Business
Republican candidate for Belmont County Commissioner Dom DeFelice spoke during the public comment period emphasizing economic development and infrastructure. He also cited grant opportunities and the importance of proper utility maintenance.
A Resolution increasing the New Debt Service Fund for the 2026 Street Paving Project and two ordinances – #4052 to amend the annual appropriation and #3053 to book the loan for the current street paving project – were unanimously approved.
Building permits were approved for: 619 Wiley Avenue, John McIntire, new garage; 214 South Broadway Street, Adam Ackerman, demolish existing residence, and 314 Harrison Street, Jeff Stephen, new metal roof
At the meeting, council approved payments totaling $129,656.83.
The next meeting will take place Tuesday, September 8, due to the Labor Day federal holiday on Monday.
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