The Wadsworth City Council held its regular meeting on July 1, advancing several key infrastructure initiatives and addressing ongoing litigation costs.
Infrastructure Funding Approved
Council members unanimously approved two significant loan agreements to fund water and sewer infrastructure improvements. The first ordinance authorizes participation in the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund program, targeting $485,000 in design costs and up to $3 million in construction for sanitary sewer overflow reduction projects.
A second loan agreement through the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account will fund multiple water system projects. The initiative includes $405,000 for design costs and $5.5 million for construction of the Good and High water line project, plus additional funding for water looping and bulk water fill station projects totaling approximately $1.74 million in combined design and construction costs.
Council Member Tom Stugmyer noted the loan programs offer better interest rates than traditional municipal debt financing.
Legal Bills Addressed
The council authorized payment of two outstanding legal bills despite some reservations about ongoing litigation costs. A $5,557.14 payment to Rozell and Andress LPA for airport litigation services was approved, though Council Member David Parish expressed concerns about the mounting legal expenses.
“This is about $35,000 we’ve paid so far and this litigation looks like it could go on for years,” Parish said, suggesting the city explore alternative resolution methods.
A second payment of $5,557.27 to Brownfield Restoration Group LLC was also approved for services related to securing a $2.14 million brownfield restoration grant.
Storage Facility Moratorium Addressed
The council moved forward with plans to modify the current moratorium on storage facilities. Council Member Jon Yurchiak indicated the city’s planning director has recommended changes involving lighting and landscaping requirements. A public hearing will be scheduled to discuss the proposed modifications.
Green Energy Program Launched
Council approved participation in the EcoSmart Choice program through AMP, allowing local companies and residents to voluntarily purchase carbon-neutral energy credits. The program requires no city investment and operates as a pass-through service for customers seeking carbon neutrality.
The initiative responds to requests from European companies operating in Wadsworth who face carbon neutrality requirements under the European Green Deal.
Smoke Testing Authorized
A $155,000 investment in smoke and dye testing for sewer areas 6 and 8 was approved as part of the city’s EPA-mandated sewer overflow reduction program. The testing represents the second phase of the city’s comprehensive sewer evaluation plan.
Revitalization District Hearing Held
Council conducted a public hearing on Resolution 25-03, which would designate a revitalization district in downtown Wadsworth. The district would enable additional liquor licenses beyond the state’s population-based limitations, supporting the conversion of the former CIS building and other downtown development projects.
No public comments were received during the hearing. The resolution will come up for final consideration at the next council meeting.
Administrative Action
Rachel Wallace was elected as deputy clerk of council, adding administrative support to the city’s legislative operations.
The council also scheduled multiple committee meetings for the coming weeks, including public service, public safety, and economic development planning sessions.
Discover more from Northeast Ohio News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
