Edon Village Council was updated on ongoing sewer problems at the Village’s east end during its regular monthly meeting held Monday, May 20, 2013 in Council Chambers. Mayor Darlene Burkhardt called the evening session to order with Councilors Roxana Nester, Lamar Kline, Duane Thiel, Chuck Bidwell, Fiscal Officer Heidi Bidwell and Solicitor Tom Thompson in attendance; not answering roll were Councilors Dick Chapin and Sam Steffes.
“I’m here to speak to you concerning the raw sewage issue that has plagued the neighborhood [of East Indiana Street] for over three years,” began property-owner Roz Stark in her prepared statement. “I find it totally unacceptable that we have had to endure a condition that should have been solved before now.”
Since first bringing the issue to the mayor’s attention in 2010, Mrs. Stark noted many telephone calls or contacts had been made with council, the mayor and others ~ not only by herself, but by neighbors as well. “I’m here to make sure this does not remain an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ issue.”
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From experiencing raw sewage coming up in bathtubs to witnessing sewer water gushing “like Niagara Falls” out of holding tanks ~ not to mention the overpowering stench and fly infestation ~ property owners were left worrisome about a situation seemingly beyond their control. “The time for action is now!” stated Stark. “This is a health risk and we will no longer be put off or accept the status quo.”
To fully understand what the sewer system problem or problems are, Stark went on to respectfully request from Council (in writing before its June meeting), a root cause analysis, resolution plan, system maintenance guidelines (mandatory or optional) along with a maintenance schedule and results for her property ~ and those of nearby residences ~ since the system’s 1994 installation. “In 2011, Ohio EPA strongly recommended [the village] investigate problems throughout the entire system and findings and recommendations from smoke testing and video inspections be incorporated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program,” noted Stark. A copy of Ohio EPA documentation related to this recommendation was requested as well.
“Please understand I’m not here to point fingers,” concluded Mrs. Stark. “My only objective is to be a voice for all of us who have been subjected to a failed system and to ensure this issue is corrected without further delay.”
In other action, Council:
- Accepted the Minutes, Financial Report and Bills as submitted.
- Passed the first reading of Resolution 03-13 regarding revisions to the existing Pickup Plan for members of the Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund; the state’s new law will increase employee contributions from ten to 10.75 percent on July 1.
- Reminded village residents the annual Spring Large-Item Trash Pickup is set for Saturday, June 8.
- Noted the 2013 Click It or Ticket Campaign would take place in Williams County May 20 to June 2.
- Heard Police Chief Tom Szymczak’s Service Log and Vehicle Report for April 2013 as presented by Officer Kirk Stickney. He also noted department radars had been certified; new golf cart registrations (one) and renewals (eleven) are now completed and efforts continue with Edon Northwest Local Schools in addressing security issues as outlined in their District Safety Plan.
- Was informed by Street Superintendent Jim Brigle mosquito spraying would begin as soon as possible; the machine is calibrated and ready to go once winds have “died down”.
- Learned the catch basin at 412 North Michigan Street needs repaired; the storm sewer is eroding as well. The County will be consulted about drainage in the area and responsibility of the storm sewer (village or possibly the State) will be verified. It was also noted cornstalks and other debris gathering at the catch basin presents a private nuisance issue with the adjacent farmer.
The next monthly meeting of the Edon Village Council will be held Monday, June 17, 2013 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Village Chambers.[/emember_protected]