BELLAIRE -The Brook's Run/McCorkle's Addition waterline project is moving forward following the village's regular council meeting Thursday.
During the meeting, council unanimously approved to advertise for bids for the project.
In May, the village was approved for nearly $1 million in funding from the EPA, most of which is grant money to correct the pressure and safety issues.
The EPA funding is for $965,000, of which $644,000 will come from grant money. The remaining $321,000 will come from a 30-year, no-interest loan. Plans call for the village to install 12,000 linear feet of new waterline, service reconnects, fire hydrants and watch values and a booster station and booster pump, among other things. The money will also be used for asphalt and concrete.
Council is also going to revert to monthly water meter readings, approving a motion that will end the quarter readings of meters.
A water customer questioned why the village wasn't basing water estimates on previous usage. According to Village Administrator Rebecca Zwack, estimates are done using a formula that takes into account the number of residents and other factors, like if there is a pool on the property. The water office's computer system is unable to calculate the estimates any other way.
Council then voted to make the change and go back to the monthly readings.
It was also announced the village will be paying its charge backs to the general fund, but Mayor Vince DiFabrizio said he doesn't the move to the water department into the red.
Under village official reports, Solicitor Ed Sustersic reported he has a list of streets prepared to be advertised for paving. Sustersic recommended the village advertise for the paving of each street separately.
He also said the liquor permit for a West Bellaire business, the Tee Pee, has been denied, but the owner has 30 days to appeal the decision.
Police Chief Michael P. Kovalyk gave all the members of council and media a copy of the monthly crime report. He also thanked Pultney Township for cutting of weeds and grass along roads.
It was also announced that stop signs for the intersections of 44th and Noble streets and 46th and Noble streets are ready to be installed and motorist should prepare for the upcoming change.
In other news, council approved a motion to have an ordinance written that would give the Neffs Fire Department a contract. The fire department has not had a contract with the village since the previous one expired more than a year ago. The contract will be for two years if approved by council. The fire department will also receive its current annual fee of $70,000 and would get exclusive 911 rights.
DiFabrizio did ask that language in the previous contract giving the fire department the authority to sell equipment be removed.
It was also announced during the meeting that village offices will be closed today in honor of Independence Day, but garbage pick-up will remain on its regular schedule.
A finance committee meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday at 5:15 p.m.
Councilman Jim Williams was absent because of health reasons.
Prior to adjourning, council meet in executive session to discuss property.
The next regular village council meeting is scheduled for July 16 at 6 p.m.
Schuler can be reached at shoe@timesleaderonline.com.
