Utilities panel backs drag strip annex
By LARRY SHIELDSSALEM - The Utilities Commission approved a resolution that moves the annexation of 170 acres of property north of the city a step closer on Tuesday.
Mayor Jerry Wolford asked the commission to consider a portion of land it just purchased north of the bypass to be part of the annexation petition.
Wolford said two other property owners were contacted in the area.
Last week, city council authorized Wolford to enter into a one-year, $10,000 option to purchase on the property that has a price of $1 million.
The proposed annexation includes Quaker City Raceway and, if stimulus or grant money can be obtained, 70 to 75 acres will be used for industrial development.
Two phases of the original industrial park in the northwest part of the city are filled up.
Wolford said the option will be exercised only if the city acquires stimulus money or other grants.
He asked for the commission's "consideration" noting the land would be the "basis" for the annexation request and other contiguous property.
Utilities Commission Chairman Geoff Goll said a suggested ordinance was on the agenda and the commission went even further offering to pay for the surveying and associated legal fees.
It also wanted Wolford to act as the agent in the procedure on behalf of the city. The motion was passed with a 3-0 vote.
The annexation will have to be approved by Columbiana and Mahoning county commissioners.
In other business, Commissioner Primo Citino wanted Superintendent Don Weingart to see if an easement application to Norfolk Southern couldn't be speeded up along with approval from the Ohio EPA so a sewage line on the south side of the city can be repaired.
The line services the Fresh Mark plant on South Lincoln Avenue and runs underneath the Norfolk Southern tracks.
Weingart said it would be 30 to 60 days before the permits would be acquired and about six months before the work is completed.
The repair requires boring under the railroad tracks, Snyder Road and a nearby Stone Run Creek.
Weingart said he met with the engineers Howells and Baird adding, "We do have an emergency game plan."
Citino asked if there was some way to "hand walk through" the process and Goll said Howells and Baird should do it and asked Weingart "to see what they can do to expedite it."
In other business, commissioners approved a water tap-in application for Lisbon Road resident Joseph Kinirons.
Kinirons asked to tap into the new waterline now servicing Leetonia and the tap-in will be allowed "with the understanding all appropriate payments are made," Goll said.
Also, commissioners unanimously also denied a $693 claim by a Tanglewood Drive resident regarding a sewer backup in his basement.
Weingart said his department responded to a call at the residence on March 23 for "sewage coming back into the basement."
He said a second party was called in to "jet the sewer."
The resident wanted the money as reimbursement but Weingart suggested the commission write a letter advising the resident to contact his insurance company.
Goll used the issue to remind people with sewer drains in their basements, that are lower than sewer lines, to either plug them or install back-water valves "to stop any type of sewer running into a home."
Weingart said the department recommends plugs first and "then go to a back-water valve."
In other business, Councilman Clyde Brown invited commissioners to Thursday's Rules and Ordinance meeting that will discuss "rewriting" two ordinances (Chapters 155 and 959) regarding utilities and park commission authority over Salem reservoir property.
Brown said the issue needed clarification and Goll suggested deleting Chapter 959 completely and adding Sect. B of it to Chapter 155.
Brown said that could be done adding "it should be stated what their responsibilities are."
The Rules and Ordinance Committee will meet at 7 p.m. in council chambers.
Also, Weingart updated the commission on the Roosevelt Avenue water tower construction noting excavation work had gotten to the point where a "mud mat" had been laid.
He said the next step is putting rebar in.
The $1.4 million water tank will stand next to the current tower which will also remain in use. The commission will receive $675,674 in Ohio Public Works Commission money and the city will contribute about $750,000 to the project.
Goll said he was looking forward to seeing "Salem Quakers" on both towers noting there had been other suggestions like Ohio State Buckeyes.
Weingart said even the Browns and Steelers were mentioned and Goll said, "I don't know why anyone would mention them in the same breath."
Also, commissioners discussed the purchase of a new truck and car for Weingart which was tabled until the next meeting.
Weingart also advised commissioners the new Pearce Circle lift station will be operational after gas and electric issues are resolved.
In other business, Commissioner Rober Hodgson pointed out, for the record, that the commission received no contact from four homeowners in the Granite Street area wanting utilitie's service.
Councilman Clyde Brown brought the issue to the commission's attention last month noting it was a problem "that should have been addressed years ago."
He said the contractor was not required to connect the residences when they were built, noting they still drew water from wells and there were no fire hydrants nearby.
Goll said to have them speak with Weingart and "bring them to our attention."
Hodgson said, "As critical as it was it would seem we would have some response."
The next commission meetings were set for May 12 and June 16.
Larry Shields can be reached at lshields@salemnews.net
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WatchDog
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04-15-09 1:09 PM
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Isn't this so exciting. I can't wait to hear the secret plans that are being implemented for all this needed industrial property. Must be some major industries coming to Salem.
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