Water meters, paving discussed at Wintersville Council meeting
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WINTERSVILLE -- The installation of more than 1,000 new meters for the village's water customers and paving of several village streets was discussed at Thursday's Wintersville Council meeting.
Mayor Mike Petrella asked water customers' patience in awaiting their meters' installation, noting crews involved are dealing with a large volume within a short timeframe.
Village Administrator Jesse Kosegi said thus far about 380 meters have been installed.
The customers have been instructed to call (888) 437-0078 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or e-mail newmanneters@gmail.com to make their appointments.
Petrella said when leaving a message, they should state their phone number, address and date and time when they will be available.
Most of the meters are indoors, so a representative of the company and the village have been charged with visiting each home for the installations.
Through them, and the installation of a radio transmitter on the village's water tower, the village will be able to collect readings from the meters remotely.
Following their installation and the implementation of new billing software, customers will be able to pay their bills online if they choose.
The $985,000 project is being funded by a $341,000 grant and a $535,000, 10-year, no-interest loan from the Ohio Public Works Commission and local funds.
In other business, Kosegi said crews with Barbicas Construction of Akron are expected to complete this year's paving project today, then return Monday for some curb work.
The $365,902 project included Rex, Russell and Patton avenues; Day Circl;, Simpson Road and Woodridge Drive from Simpson to Eisenhower Road.
It's being funded by a $275,000 grant from the state Public Works Commission and local funds.
Kosegi said Rex Avenue presented some challenges, as it was learned the asphalt street has a concrete base that has shifted and deteriorated in areas.
He said crews have filled the damaged areas as well as replacing additional catch basins there.
Also discovered was a manhole that had been filled with logs, plastic and other trash, added Kosegi.
He said the material was jammed near the top of the opening and hadn't clogged the sewer line below.
Councilman Jason Mattern asked if the manholes can be locked to prevent such vandalism.
Kosegi said he's not aware of such locks, adding it's usually not necessary because manhole lids, like the one in question, often weigh hundreds of pounds.
He said other manholes have been checked for debris and were clear.
Councilwoman Pennie Scarpone asked about the status of Furda, Morrow and Chapel Hill lanes, three streets residents have asked the village to take over.
It's been noted the streets are used by village crews for various purposes.
Village Solicitor Jake Linn said a title search will be performed to confirm the properties' ownership.
Also on Thursday:
≤ Petrella announced the Village Building will be closed on Nov. 10 for Veterans Day, and residents whose garbage is normally picked up on Fridays should leave it out next Thursday.
In related business, he said village crews will use a vacuum to collect leaves raked to the fronts of properties on the first three Mondays of November.
Petrella stressed residents shouldn't rake leaves in the streets, where they can clog storm drains and create other hazards.
— The mayor said volunteer Holly Moffat has been applying new bulbs to the village's Christmas decorations with Kosegi's help, with the hope they can be displayed by mid-November.
Kosegi said since the star-shaped decorations were powder coated, Moffat has been applying about 600 lights, using about 120 zip ties, to each one.
— Council agreed to hire McCoy Wealth Management Insurance of Wheeling as the health coverage provider for the village's staff at the recommendation of its finance committee.
— It was announced the finance committee's next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at the Village Building while council's next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 16.