July, 2010
SEWER SEPARATION PROJECT – PHASE I:
We are nearly four months into the project and all the underground is completed on Wayne Street, curbing is all complete and drive approaches will be in by July 8th. They will follow that up with pouring sidewalks and backfilling behind the curbs. Upon completion of this work we will be laying the base coat of asphalt which will allow the road to be reopened. Upon asphalt being installed on Wayne Street, we will then jump over and begin stage two of the project which is to complete the sanitary separation on S. Elm Street. This work will also include water line replacement along with the Buck Ditch culvert being replaced. The same process will occur and SR 49 (Elm Street) will be closed to all traffic except those living in the project area. Also as part of this project, the brick paver street will be replaced in the downtown area. This will occur upon completion of both the Wayne and Elm Street work. Thank you to everyone for the patience and understanding as we get through this sewer separation project. Anyone with questions or concerns, please feel free to give Randy a call at the village office.
WATER & SEWER RATES:
The Village Council is currently proceeding with the legislative requirements to pass new ordinances for both the water and sewer rates. The water rate will not be changing at this time but a few changes including turn-on and turn-off fees, NSF fees and out-of-town user fees were amended.
The sewer rates will be affected due to the required completion of the ongoing sewer separation project. We have adjusted the Sewer Debt Service Fee an additional $8.00 per month which will be used to payoff the low interest loan received from USDA-Rural Development to complete the separation work. It is our hope that this will be the only increase to the debt service fees required through completion of all separation work. With this being a fee as opposed to an actual sewer usage rate increase, it is subject to elimination when the debt is paid off. Other changes in sewer ordinance again included NSF fees and out-of –town user fees.
We continue to evaluate and work to maintain operating and supply costs in order to keep our costs to you as low as possible. Current upgrades are being made to the water plant to allow us to extend the life of the current plant for as long as possible. Once Phase II of the Sewer Separation Plan, which is the north and northeast parts of town, are completed in a couple years we will be in compliance with the sanitary regulations as required by the Ohio EPA. As always we continue to look at efficiency in our operations and evaluate and implement cost effective measures to our utility systems to meet all required standards and operate our systems as effectively as possible.
Any questions concerning our utility systems can be directed to Randy or Ryan Thien, Utility Superintendent (419-375-2555).
MUSEUM RENOVATIONS:
Please be sure to stop by the museum and take a look at the complete renovations of the displays and layout that will be unveiled at a Grand Opening being held on Sunday, July 11th. Everyone involved with the museum and local historical society is excited about the changes and the “new” look. They truly appreciate all the patrons and donors to our local historical society that allow us to keep moving forward in remembering our proud past.
SWITCH & SUPPORT PROGRAM:
Many of you have heard or received information concerning an opportunity to switch your natural gas supplier to a program called “Switch & Support” being sponsored locally by Snap Fitness – Jeff Wendel. This program allows you to switch your natural gas supplier to MX Energy’s variable rate (which is very competitive) and in doing so provide an opportunity to have funds returned to our community in the way of beneficiary checks. The beneficiaries that have been approved and established in this local program are the Fort Recovery Boys/Girls Summer Ball Programs, the Fort Recovery Historical Society and the Fort Recovery Friends of the Library. The program will provide funds back to these community organizations at no additional cost to the consumer as the funding comes from the companies advertising funds that are redirected to local beneficiaries through approved programs. The program is set up so that should you decide that there is a better offer elsewhere that you can at any time leave the program at no cost to you and is being done nationwide in many gas and electric markets. More information is available at www.switchandsupport.com or you can make the switch as www.snap.switchandsupport.com or you can contact Jeff Wendel at 419-305-5886 or Randy at the Village Hall.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES & PROJECTS:
NOTES: A quick reminder to everyone to help keep the storm water catch basins near your home cleaned off to help us avoid backups in rain events. Also it would be very helpful and appreciated if everyone would take the opportunity to spray or pull the grass and weeds between the curb gutters and the asphalt along their property. We are hesitant to spray these areas due to possible overspray affecting adjoining yards and the fact that the Village maintains approximately 13 miles of roadway. If everyone would help with the area along their properties we can continue to make Fort Recovery an attractive site to the many visitors that come to our community each year.
The Village instituted a Tree Commission this past year to better handle the planting, removal and general maintenance of all trees located in the public right-of way. Specific rules now apply to all trees located in the curb lawn areas along streets and on any other public property. Anyone wishing to plant a tree on the public right-of-way area or desiring maintenance on existing trees should contact the village offices or Mayor Broerman regarding the policies and procedures for the Tree Commission.
Brush pickup remains the first Monday (weather / holidays may push it back a day) of each month and will only be picked up during the monthly pickup. Also the Fort Recovery Police Department continues to monitor and notify individuals regarding junk vehicles and /or any excess accumulation of unsightly materials located on properties and appreciates your cooperation in keeping your property clean and neat to help maintain a clean neighborhood for everyone.
As always we welcome your input and invite you to our Council meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month, 7:30 p.m. in the Village Hall. If you have any specific concerns or questions, feel free to contact Randy, Mayor Broerman or any of the Council Members.
Upcoming Dates of Interest: (Check out the website at www.fortrecovery.org for a list of all local events)
- Sunday Evenings – 8:00 pm – Free concerts in Van Trees Park / Hein Amphitheatre through 8/15/10.
- Sunday, July 25th – 5-8 pm – National Night Out at Ambassador Pool – free to everyone
- Friday & Saturday – July 30 & 31, NTPA Tractor Pull at Ambassador Park (see www.fortpull.com)
- Sept. 10-12 – 1st Annual “Civil War at the Fort” – Ambassador Park – check our website for the brochure or
www.fortpull.com for more details
- Sunday, October 17th – 10th Annual “One of a Kind” Auction sponsored by the Fort Recovery Historical Society
and Project Recovery – begins at 5:00 pm