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SHADYSIDE -- Village leaders can more quickly and efficiently inform residents of emergencies following a precautionary announcement two weeks ago, when people were advised not to drink tap water due to concerns that a water break earlier in the day had resulted in too much fluoride in the water.
Councilman Nick Ferrelli said Monday that Village Administrator Erica Tamburin has spearheaded creation of an official Village of Shadyside Facebook page for official announcements, rather than village leaders posting comments on the Shadyside discussion page.
Ferrelli said there has been inaccurate speculation on the Facebook discussion page following the announcement. He said it would do no good to issue a boil order in such a situation, since fluoride could not be boiled out of water.
"There's certain reasons that you have boil orders, there's certain reasons that you have water conservation, there's certain reasons that you have a 'Do not consume' order, it's all stuff that’s (Ohio Environmental Protection Agency)-mandated," Ferrelli said. "Everything was done right. We followed all of the proper protocol with that whole ordeal."
Ferrelli said there are other alert tools available, such as the Code Red reverse 911 system.
"We've got access to the Belmont County Code Red system. We never knew we had it until probably about a month ago," Ferrelli said. "We had a little bit of a hiccup the first time we used it, but that's OK. We know what to do now, and we can make good use of it for boil orders and things like that."
However, he said residents must sign up for the service through the Belmont County 911 website to get alerts on their cellular phones.
"Only landlines are automatically signed up for that, so you have to go online, just search for 'Belmont County Code Red' and you can sign yourself in," Ferrelli said.
Mayor Bob Newhart commended Ferrelli, Tamburin, Councilman Sam Carpina, the water, sewer and and fire departments, as well as Shadyside Local Schools Superintendent John Haswell for putting out alert calls and reaching more residents.
In other matters related to infrastructure projects, Ferrelli expressed dissatisfaction with Litman Excavating & Construction's work on replacing valves throughout the village. Councilman Robert "Bushwacker" Gorrell inquired if the company would meet the March 31 deadline and was told it likely would not and would probably ask for an extension.
Also, Councilwoman Melanie Haswell said there have been complaints about vehicles hauling dirt along the Ohio River to fill in areas that have been dug up for the valve project. She inquired if they could take another route.
In addition, the Shadyside Local School District has informed the village that a weeping willow near the track is leaning and rotted, and a Buckeye tree is in need of trimming. The district has offered to split the cost of work. A price has not been determined.
Also, Marcia Soos informed the council of her intent to retire as office administrator after more than 30 years on the job. She will retire effective June 1 but will help the new employee acclimate to the job.
"I want to thank everyone I have ever worked with in those 30 years, because that's what made it such a pleasure to work here. I have seen amazing employees that have been and still are dedicated to their jobs," Soos said in her letter.
Newhart, council members and Police Chief Don Collette commended her work.
Council members also noted issues of garbage on a property at Leona Avenue. The owner has been cited into court.
In other matters, the village is seeking a full-time laborer to "float" between the street, water and wastewater departments. Applications can be picked up at the mayor's office at 50 E. 39th St. from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday; starting pay is $13.68 per hour.
Council went into a closed-door session for about 25 minutes to discuss pending litigation. No action was taken.
Melanie Haswell reported that the Alumni Band would perform Oct. 13, coinciding with the Fall Festival Oct. 14, and any food trucks, craft vendors and sports booster clubs associated with the events are asked to call her at 740-391-5015, or Councilman Brandon Parr at 304-650-3623. Tentative times are being set. People involved with the band and majorettes should call Haswell. Funds raised go to the Ray and Bette Anne Ponzo Scholarship Fund in honor of Haswell's parents.