ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The continuing debate on the possibility of selling the water and wastewater system to a private entity continued into Monday’s meeting, ending in harsh words from a resident to Safety and Service Director Jim Zucal.

Resident Bill Brooks, who has opposed privatization, reiterated his desire that a committee be appointed and an outside contractor look at the plant and inform the city of the cost of putting it in operating condition, and approximately how much this would cause the citizens’ bills to increase.

“I’m asking once again that we do not sell our water plant, that we look into fixing our water plant, and we look into professionals telling us how much it would cost us to fix our water plant,” he said. Brooks said the city should explore the possibility of grants and loans.

He also referred to a fact-finding trip by city representatives to communities served by Aqua Ohio, occurring mid-April. Brooks said it was unsatisfactory.

“(Mayor Terry Pugh) refuses to let the citizens decide on if they want to sell their water,” Brooks said, adding that many struggle to make ends meet. “They’re not paying this bill so they can pay that bill, and this company is not coming to bail us out out of the goodness of their heart.”

Pugh said once the bids are open, he intended the city would appoint a committee including technical experts and engineers as well as residents. He invited Brooks to be on the committee if he desires.

“I’m not willing, just on emotions, to say ‘this is the best thing for the citizens of St. Clairsville,'” Pugh said.

“We need a company, a professional company, to come in here and tell us what it’s going to take to get that water plant into shape, and approximately how much it’s going to cost the citizens to get the water plant into shape,” Brooks said. He added that a private company would be answerable first to shareholders. “We know as citizens, our water bill is going to go up, but we still own the water.”

Safety and Service Director Jim Zucal said chemists and engineers have examined the water plant numerous times.

“We’ve had the water analyzed by private companies, and I assure you whether this comes to fruition or not, the rates will go up even if the city owns it, because we answer to the Ohio EPA,” he said, adding that in the past, the city was told the cost of replacing the plant would be $12 million to $15 million dollars. “It would take anywhere from $2 million to $3 million right now to Band-Aid that plant. … The city owns reservoirs, which are surface plants, that in today’s society are contaminated with iron and manganese. The EPA constantly writes us up for problems.”

Zucal said the The EPA’s funding formula for rates requires 1.8 to 2.3 percent of median household income, and St. Clairsville’s median household income is $68,000, and two percent would be $136 per month for a minimum water and sewer bill. He said St. Clairsville’s was $42.

“For the city to be eligible for grants and loans … this city and this council would have to triple our rates,” Zucal said. “The (W.E. Quicksall & Associates) company looked at the plant many, many times. It’s been looked at, I know, since 2004.”

Brooks asked for the names and contact information for everyone who has examined the water plant.

“I don’t believe a word that comes out of your mouth,” Brooks said. “I don’t believe a thing you say.”

“That’s a terrible thing to say,” Zucal said. “Personal attacks are uncalled for. I’m doing my best for the city.”

Brooks also referred to an earlier altercation between him and Zucal.

A full council of Jim Velas, Frank Sabatino, Mark Bukmir, Perry Basile, Beth Oprisch, Linda Jordan, Mike Smith, and President Tim Porter heard the exchange between Brooks and Zucal. Porter said order would be kept in the council.

Afterward, Zucal added that Infinite Electronics Recycling USA has joined Aqua America in expressing an interest in purchasing water and wastewater operations.

In other matters, the council heard from Shirley Brown of Jefferson St., who said the city’s policy of parking cars along the streets should be more uniformly enforced after city officials told her to move her unlicensed cars. She also mentioned dangerous behavior by drivers not realizing it was a dead end, so she wants a sign put up, children playing and a lack of snow plowing and street cleaning. Louis Snead, also of Jefferson Street, said the street need to to be retarred.

“All we’re trying to do is assure that property values remain high and steady in St. Clairsville because all the neighbors are being good neighbors,” Pugh said. “I’m not saying the city’s perfect, but we try to take care of every road in the city.”

The council discussed transferring the balance of all funds from the utility deposit refund fund to the general fund, a total of $37,550.86 from the past 30 years. Finance Director Cindi Henry said the city has refunded every deposit when records are available. Law Director Richard Myser said anyone who comes forward with a valid receipt could be compensated.

In other matters, yard waste will be picked up May 13 through May 17.

Hydrant flushing will begin May 13. Signs will be posted as operations move from neighborhood to neighborhood.