11/16/2022 - Kent City Council - Observer Corps Report

11/16/2022 - Kent City Council - Observer Corps Report

Type: 
Blog Post

Meeting Observed: Kent City Council - Special Council Meeting

Date of Meeting: 11/16/2022

Format: Virtual

Meeting Summary:

Special Council Committee Meeting -- updates from two committees

Streets, Sidewalks & Utilities Committee:

"Old age" issues in infrastructure:

  • Sewer: Water reclamation facility, the city is going through the facility one part at a time and making repairs. Clarifiers: $3.1 million, funded by state grants and local funds.
  • Middlebury Road Pump Station: Significant delays because of supply chain issues. Middlebury Road paving paid for by OPWC.
  • Milling and Resurfacing: favious streets and two alleys in Kent. Concerns about asphalt availability in future. Fixed sidewalks on S. Prospect, Sherman and part of Kevin Drive.
  • Main/Water Streets Resurfacing -- $750,000 grant, emailing to keep residents and businesses advised of construction updates.

Unexpected Difficulties:

  • Fairchild Water Tower: failed April 24. Supply chain issues delayed the repair. As of Nov. 15 the water tower is up and function. Also discussed the painting of the other water towers. Each costs $400,000 for painting inside and out.
  • River Street Court low pressure issues: needed to replace 2 in. line; finished in early November. The sanitary line didn't go into the city system (emptied into dirt by river). Now channeled into the city system.
  • Restoration of Water Well, No. 12 failed, one of main wells, expedited and repaired: trying to complete Well 9 asap, set to be up and running by March 2023. Delay due to supply chain issues.
  • Next year issues: 1. smaller sidewalk program recommended; 2. deal with St. Rt. 43 project Haymarket to city limits ($5 to $6 million project); 3 Water/Main Project.
  • "Challenging year" -- this was a report no action taken.

Finance Committee:

  • A long report detailing the infrastructure situation, budget shortfalls and probable rate increases:
  • Water fund: 2023 balance about $2 million but it will be in red by 2024. Capital rates may be delayed as city looks for grants.
  • US DOT may help with individual projects, especially important Safe Streets for All program. Also city to continue to file for grants, contact partners so bot all the increases won't be on the backs of customers.
  • Transportation funding available because of gas tax.
  • St. Rte. 43 project won't be done without grants.
  • Sewer Treatment plant paid by ARPA.
  • General Fund: changes in allocations
  • Proposed Water and Sewer increases: 9 percent for water/sewer, due to inflation.
  • Capital plan approved unanimously.

End of the special meeting.

Which members of the board/council were present: Garret Ferrara, Ward 1; Jack Amrhein, Ward 2;  John Kuhar, Ward 4; Heidi Shaffer Bish, Ward 5; Tracy Wallach, Ward 6; Gwen Rosenberg, At Large; Michael DeLeone, At Large; Robin Turner, Ward 3. Absent was  Roger Sidoti, At Large.

Was there a public notice of the meeting that included the time and place of meeting: Yes

Was an agenda of the meeting or handouts available to visitors: Yes

Are minutes from previous meetings posted/available: Yes
https://kentoh.portal.civicclerk.com/

Observer: Kathleen Endres

League to which this content belongs: 
Kent

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