March 2018 Administrator’s Report

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

MARCH, 2018

 

OHIO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S INVITATION TO APPLY IS RECEIVED:

 

The Village received notification from ODOT that is has been chosen to submit a full application for sidewalks.  ODOT received 71 letters of intent.  The full application is due to ODOT by May 18, 2018.    Maumee Valley Planning Organization will assist in putting the full application together with the Village.  The Transportation Alternatives Program offered through ODOT can fund bicycle and pedestrian facilities.  The Villages proposed project would include installation of sidewalk  on the East side of S. Erie from Water Plant Drive to Dollar General.  The letter outlined a project cost of $63,223.35 which would cover the cost of installation of sidewalks and handicap ramps on the East side of S. Erie Street.  The Village would be responsible for 5% of the project cost and all engineering. Engineering is capped at 10% of the project cost.  It is anticipated the village would be responsible for approximately $9,500.00 if we are funded.  It is anticipated that this would be a 2019 construction project if funded.

 

CHANGE OF VILLAGE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROJECT:

 

It was anticipated that the village would submit a tornado siren for the east side of the village as it’s CDBG project to the County Commissioners.  Since February council meeting it was learned that the project would not qualify due to the fact that the range of the new siren would encompass more of the eastern section of the village which is not low to moderate income.  This is the qualifying factor to be able to apply for CDBG funding.

 

The village could apply for funding to address drainage issues at Riverside Park as the park serves all residents.  The village’s income survey for the entire village shows we are low to moderate income.   I intend to get an engineer’s estimate for this project, as required by the guidelines, to submit to Maumee Valley Planning Organization by April 9, 2018.   The Commissioners anticipate approximately $150,000 will be made available and they would choice up to 4 projects with awards up to $32,000.

 

REVERSAL OF ONE WAY STREET DESIGNATION IN RIVERSIDE PARK NEEDED:

 

In 2012 the Village designated the road in Riverside Park as one-way which made it easier for visitors to Day in the Park to get in and out.  Since that time the Village has joined the effort to have the Maumee River designated a state Water Trail and has promoted the construction of a canoe and kayak launch on the river bank at the park.  The state has designated the river a Scenic Water Trail and in May the trail will be dedicated.  As the Village of Antwerp is noted on the water trail map it is anticipated that we will receive more and more canoe and kayak visitors.   We have become aware that visitors bringing their  canoe and kayaks have found it impossible to exit the park on the east end due to the narrow road and no way to come up from the river bottom and turn left to the east exit.   Reversing the one way designation will allow boaters to exit the park safely by turning right and hearing west to the Island Street intersection.

 

An ordinance has been prepared to reverse this one way designation and allow for traffic to go both east and west in the park.  Three readings will be given with the first reading for Monday night.  Traffic for Day in the Park can be required to be one way just for that occasion and any other special events that might occur in the park.

 

FIRE DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR GRANT FUNDING THROUGH THE OHIO BUREAU OF WORKER’S COMP:

 

Fire Chief Ray Friend approached the undersigned to seek assistance in putting together a grant application currently being offered by the Bureau of Work’s Compensation.  The grant is specifically for Fire Department to minimize firefighters’ exposure to dangerous environmental elements.  The grant program provides financial assistance to purchase:  Diesel exhaust systems; Extractors/washing machines; Hoods with barrier protection and washable gloves for optimal protection against these exposures.  Employers will payroll less than $500,000 are eligible for a $15,000 grant with no match.   The Village does qualify to apply as our total payroll is under the limit.   This is an ongoing grant cycle and we will put together the application after estimates are received.

 

 

 

WATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENT BID OPENING:

 

The Village opened one bid for the water treatment plant improvements on March 7, 2018.  The only bid submitted was from Zachrich Construction of Defiance, Ohio.  The estimate for the improvements was $165,000.00.  The base bid submitted was $197, 798.00, clearly over 10% of the estimate.  The project will need to be re-bid and more maintenance type construction firms will be encouraged to bid.

 

The Village received $175, 450.00 for this project from Ohio Public Works Commission.  Included in the improvements planned with these funds were the replacement of filter media in the villages 2 filter media tanks, paint tanks, backwash, disinfect and prepare to be put back in service, replace existing redwood baffles in clear well and clean basin, install new chlorine injection quill, replace existing chemical feed piping along with installing a new air scour blower for filter backwash along with miscellaneous valve, starters and wiring to main panel.

 

COMPOST SITE TO RE-OPEN ON MARCH 30TH:

 

It is anticipated that the village’s compost site will re-open on Friday, March 30th.  We will leave the site open unless weather makes it too wet for vehicles to get out of the drop off site.  The branches are to be chipped next week.  The site is for village residents only and the site is equipped with live cameras.   Nothing but branches should be dropped off in the branch pile and the leaf pile can accept garden vegetation also.  Leaves should not be dropped off in plastic or paper bags, rather they are to be dumped loose.  Violators caught on camera will be prosecuted.

 

REMINDER ON LITTER/TALL GRASS AND JUNK VEHICLES:

 

With Spring approaching, residents should be reminded that litter, tall grass and junk vehicles notices will be sent out as needed.  Violations of these ordinances can result in being cited into Mayor’s Court or County Court resulting in fines and Court Costs.  Four notices have already been sent out.

 

Boats, campers and other recreational type vehicles are not to be kept in the front of residences.  Any automotive vehicles or trailers without current license plates/tags shall not be parked or stored on any residentially zoned property other than in completely enclosed buildings.  However, one boat and one travel trailer may be stored in the rear yard if they have a current license/tag.

 

GRAND OPENING OF PAULDING COUNTY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER:

 

The Paulding County Regional Medical Center will hold its grand opening at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at its new location on S. Erie.  Open house will be held the same day from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Public is invited to attend.

 

HYDRANT FLUSHING TO BEGIN THE WEEK OF MARCH 28TH:

 

The village will start flushing hydrants on the north side of River Street start the week of March 28, 2018.  Starting approximately April 23, 2018, hydrants south of River Street will be flushed.  The schedule is contingent on weather and/or emergency repairs.  Residents may experience temporary discolored water during this process.  If notices, residents should run tap water until the water is clear.  This notice is being given to try to avoid discoloration to clothing during the hydrant flushing.