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Water/WPC/Environmental Engineering/ Stormwater
Committee Meeting
February 13, 2026
UPCOMING LEGISLATION
Revisions to Water Ordinance Chapter 911 (discussed at June 13, 2025 meeting)
Note for South Water Plant Projects (discussed at June 13, 2025 meeting)
Ewing Run Temporary Easement (discussed at June 13, 2025 meeting)
Storm sewer easement through 224/225 North Street (discussed at July 21, 2025 meeting)
NRCS Grant Legislation (discussed at September 15, 2025 meeting)
Arcadis contract for Water Model Update (discussed at November 17, 2025 meeting)
Frederick Street Sewer Separation Construction Contract Approval
Energy Grant Design Build Contract
WPC Annual Legislation – Carryover
WPC Annual Legislation – Bond Covenant
WPC Annual Legislation – Fixed Asset Fund Transfer
WASTEWATER ISSUES
1. Long Term Control Plan Addendum
Received amended NPDES permit June 4 with 10-year extension. The final project identified must
be completed on or before December 1, 2033. We have completed half of our required projects
and are currently ahead of schedule. Discussed schedule modifications with Ohio EPA. They will
allow us to delay three projects related to CSO 1029 until construction is complete and 2-year
monitoring to determine if the projects are necessary. Newly proposed dates for the three CSO
1029 projects have been determined by the city. A call with Ohio EPA to finalize schedule
changes was held. CSO 1029 Report submitted, and Ohio EPA has requested a call. EMH&T
has finished monitoring CSO 1029 and we have received their final report. We are now going to
input into the sewer model and report to Ohio EPA. The report on CSO 1029 was submitted to
Ohio EPA. The model shows after completion of the Fredrick Street Sewer Separation project
and closing the temporary window, CSO 1029 can comply with the Ohio EPA requirements for
Combined Sewer Overflows and will not require further sewer separation on 5th or 6th Streets.
Ohio EPA has sent review comments and we are working with ARCADIS to update the model in
response. Ohio EPA has returned additional comments and we have responded.
CSO 1012 was closed the week of September 8th in response to Ohio EPA Division of
Groundwater concerns for the new wells. We are now down to the emergency 8 overflows.
In a new development, Ohio EPA is asking for information on the scope and cost to reduce the
remaining overflows to 0 overflows in a typical year. This relates to how they will enforce long
term control plans once we have achieved all the improvements. We agreed to participate in their
research so they do not make assumptions on our needs. We are waiting for further guidance
from Ohio EPA. AWMAO is taking the lead on gathering information to avoid potential
enforcement action. We are working with ARCADIS to update information. We have identified
potential projects to update the model. Once we finalize the list, we will develop costs and submit

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to AOMWA in December. Information was submitted to AOMWA in December. AOMWA
submitted our information along with information from 3 other sewer authorities to Ohio EPA in
January.
2. Upper Hocking WPCF Expansion
We are evaluating increased flows in the US 33 service area. To serve the projected flows we
will need to construct the next phase of the Upper Hocking WPCF and a new trunk sewer along
Lateral D and a new pump station on Campground Road. There may be some other line upgrades
needed. Legislation submitted on September 14 to allow us to waive the Request for
Qualifications process and negotiate a contract with ARCADIS, Inc. The waiver is based on the
fact that treatment plant process is unique, ARCADIS did the original design that incorporated
proposed expansions and time constraints to complete information to apply for Ohio EPA loans
for design and construction. Design contract signed and kickoff meeting December 9. 30% of the
plans were reviewed and permit modification submitted. Facility Plan submitted to Ohio EPA.
60% design completed. Working with Ohio EPA to coordinate plan review and permit issuance.
WPCLF nomination submitted. Loan application submitted. 90% of the design plan review this
completed. PTI application submitted. Legislation to advertise for bids and to enter into
Construction Services Engineering Contract approved. Project advertised November 26. Bids
were opened January 21, 2022. Kokosing Construction is the apparent low bidder at
$32,372,000.00. You will see legislation to enter into contract on February 14, 2022, meeting and
Ohio EPA would like approved legislation by February 15. Loan papers have been signed and
returned with a fixed interest rate of 0.86%. Contracts have been signed. Contractor to mobilize
on site week of April 11 to start excavation work. The contractor has mobilized and started
excavation work. Dewatering is Installed. Excavation at Secondary completed. Foundations for
Secondary being poured. Wall rebar being installed, and several wall pours have been done.
Work has started in the Screening and Dewatering Building and Residual Building. Residuals
Reduction tunnel and interchange tanks and sludge storage tank excavated. Work on all other
areas progressing. Work continues in VLR/MBR/interchange/sludge storage tank. Block
delivered in the first week of May. Masons to start laying block week of May 8. Masons continue
to lay block at Screen building and should start blower building soon. Walls being poured in
sludge storage/interchange tanks, electrical/instrumentation work continuing. Concrete work is
finishing up and the contractor is moving to start installing equipment. Major plant tie in work
completed. Motor Control equipment has arrived. Delay in delivery of conveyor systems.
Membranes are installed. The conveyor delivery has finally been made. Phase 2 being brought
on line and start up training underway. Looking for quote to replace membranes and VLR drives
in Phase 1. Legislation to waive bidding was approved by City Council. Working through the
quote and purchase order for the membranes. Continue to work with DuPont on the new
membranes, get new centrifuge set, and work on VFDs and PLCs across the plant. We are
looking at Substantial Completion by the end of October. Punchlist work is wrapping up and
Kokosing will be pulling their trailers this month.
3. Ewing Run Stream Restoration
Hull and Associates has developed options to protect three manholes on Ewing Run. Our top
priority is the manhole in the middle of Ewing Run along Pleasantville Road. Also on list is
manhole at Ivanhoe and manhole at Brentwood. Scheduling meeting to discuss next steps with
Hull. Surveying has been completed and the design is underway. Working on Hazard Mitigation
Grant pre-application has been submitted for Ewing Run Manhole. Grant Application has been
submitted for State review. State has submitted the application as part of the nationwide
application group and is not optimistic. Work is proceeding on finalizing permits and easements
for the fall bid. Waiting for proposal to prepare easements. Project nomination has been
submitted to Ohio Emergency Management but after review we cannot meet Benefit Cost
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Analysis requirements. Easement work under way. Legislation to advertise for bids approved.
Indiana Bat season has begun, so bidding is delayed until August. Sent temporary easement
exhibits for appraisal to start acquisition. Stormwater found a failing storm line in the project
vicinity and is working with the engineer to design a replacement to be included with the project.
Contract modification to include the storm sewer improvements and construction
administration/inspection work for the project was signed August 11, 2025. Storm sewer
improvements have been reviewed and approved to move forward. Curtis has easement offer.
Need to set bidding date.
4. Lateral D Trunk Sewer Phase II and Campground Road Pump Station
The Project is necessary to eliminate both the existing Rock Mill Pump Station and Campground
Road Pump Station to allow increased development in the US 33 service area. Project
Nomination for WPCLF Loan was made in August. Engineering Contract has been signed and
waiting for field work on sewer portion of project. Pump Station design was started as part of
Upper Hocking WPCF design and then stopped when not needed. Pump Station about 70%
designed. PTI for pump station submitted. Loan application for Water Pollution Control Loan
Fund submitted. Bids received for both contracts. Easements finalized and legislation to accept
easements approved. Legislation to enter into contracts approved. Contracts sent for signatures.
Loan agreement was signed and sent to Ohio EPA. Received a $50,000 Principal Forgiveness
for the emergency generator. Interest rate 2.66%. Loan awarded. Campground Road PS
submittals have started with construction starting week of October 16. Lateral D is waiting to get
the dewatering contractor on site after crop is off. Excavation work started on Campground Road
Pump Station and dewatering continuing. Force Main installation was delayed due to pipe issue.
Lateral D sewer work started. Force main installation at Pump Station completed. Jack and Bore
under Wilson Road completed. Work is complete on Lateral D Phase II. Campground Road Pump
Station work continues with electrical and mechanical work underway. Completion scheduled for
July 2025. Contractor working on site clean up and startup with Substantial Completion by the
end of October. Punchlist work is wrapping up. There is a stormwater issue that we are working
out with Stormwater.
5. Dewatering Facility Upgrade
Kick off meeting held to start design. Legislation to authorize loan applications is currently before
City Council. Resolved design issues and working on 30% design. 50% design completed and
under review. Plans have been submitted to Ohio EPA. Loan application has been submitted.
Bids were opened with Rike Brothers the only bidder at $9.56 million. Loan approved and
construction contracts have been signed. Contractor is starting through the shop drawings to get
equipment ordered. Contractor is still trying to get foundations designed and approved so
mobilization will be delayed until fall. Critical path is still the equipment so this will not delay the
project. Contractor has mobilized on the site. Foundations are installed and footer work will begin
when weather breaks.
6. Lawrence Street Pump Station Replacement
The existing Lawrence Street Pump Station serving the Sanitation facilities is reaching the end of
its useful life. A Request for Qualifications has been issued with responses due May 30, 2025.
Once a consultant is selected we will negotiate an engineering contract and start design.
ARCADIS has been selected for the engineering and have submitted a contract proposal.
Legislation will be introduced August 25th to approve the contract. Contract signed. Kick off
meeting scheduled for third week of November. We have agreed to a service area and design
flow.
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7. River Valley Highlands Sanitary Sewer Flow Monitoring
Flow monitoring of the sanitary sewer system within the east side of the River Valley Highlands
Subdivision is necessary in order to determine both the extent of groundwater infiltration that is
occurring and any available capacity for future developments that may want or need to tie into
this system. The City is looking to contract with Arcadis to handle this work, and legislation was
approved by City Council on May 19 to enter into an agreement for an amount not to exceed
$250,000. Because we have missed the ideal rainy season, the City is now looking to begin this
monitoring work no earlier than the fall of 2025, with the potential to push it back to the winter of
2025/2026 or spring of 2026 if that is deemed to be a better timeframe for monitoring. Contract
with Arcadis was signed August 11, 2025. Flow monitoring scheduled for spring due to dry fall
weather.
WATER ISSUES
1. South Water Treatment Plant Booster Pumps
Booster pump design is 90% complete. Loan nomination submitted. Application legislation at
Council. Application submitted to Ohio EPA. Project to be advertised for bid on August 2. Bids
opened and contracts being signed. Loan has been awarded by OWDA and contractor is getting
project moving. Some pre-installation work is underway but waiting for equipment in the fall.
Materials have started to arrive. Contractor has mobilized with work starting week of October
20th. Contractor still purchasing materials.
2. Concentrate Line Improvements
Concentrate line is showing improvement in terms of flows. Received final evaluation report.
Legislation for Concentrate Line Final Solutions engineering contract approved. Concentrate line
was inspected at the first river crossing on February 1 and only slight scaling and debris was
found in line. Additional jar testing was performed by Arcadis and plant staff on January 23rd. We
are waiting for the result to determine if feeding sulfuric acid can reduce the scale and stabilize
the water. Arcadis and the City are looking at booster pumps which may be needed to increase
flow and run additional RO skids.
We have identified the issues with the concentrate line and have several fixes. Chemical addition
can be done with the existing equipment, but we will need to install booster pumps and replace
the discharge line at Canal Street. These will take additional engineering. Legislation for
engineering design was introduced on June 12. Engineering contract signed and design has
started. 30% plans have been submitted and reviewed. Looking to split into 2 projects with the
booster pumps obtaining a SDWA loan. Legislation for bidding Concentrate Line was approved
on January 22. Bids will be advertised at the end of February. Bids due March 29th. Bid opening
held April 5, but only one bid was submitted and it exceeded the engineer’s estimate by more
than 20%. Legislation to waive bidding was submitted to Council. Contract has been sent to
signed. Contractor is working with ARCADIS on some modifications. Rock River installed a
manhole to provide permanent access to the concentrate line for cleaning and did a maintenance
clean. There seems to be an improvement in the amount of materials deposited. Rock River will
install an additional access point on Sugar Grove Road later this month. Jim Downard has made
tie-in connections, and we are waiting for the structure delivery later this month. Structure is being
painted and installation should occur by the end of September. A foundation problem was
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identified and a change has been issued to the Contractor. Tower has been completed and tie in
is being coordinated with line cleaning. Work is complete and working on punchlist.
3. Pressure Filter Improvements
Setting up a meeting with Arcadis to discuss pressure filter rehab, automation, and new manway
covers. Putting together scope to re-build filters. Legislation to declare sole source was submitted
to Council. Look to issue purchase orders in mid August with construction starting in November
when parts received. Filter re-build is scheduled for October 2025. Re-build was delayed due to
contractor staffing and is re-scheduled for November/December. Material is on site.
4. North Water Plant at Miller Park
The existing Miller Park Water Plant is approaching 60 years of operation. While the plant has
been maintained it needs a major upgrade. ARCADIS/Burgess and Niple were selected as
engineering team. Legislation was introduced at the December 14 meeting for contract. Also,
legislation for notes to fund initial study. ARCADIS has started study, and we expect to submit
for a design loan in late summer. Council Presentation April 12. Facility Plan submitted to Ohio
EPA. Design contract in place. Conceptual plans completed. A conference call with Ohio EPA on
wellfield was held September 3. Additional comments on General planned received. 25% design
plans received. Geotechnical work started October 11. Wellfield testing plan submitted to Ohio
EPA, and we had a coordination call on November 9. Due to delays in obtaining well screen well
testing will not be done until February. 60% plans are due in January. Loan nomination was
submitted March 4, and the loan application was submitted April 4. Water Supply Data Sheet
application was submitted April 5. We received well site approval from OEPA and drilling for test
Well #4 is complete with development and testing to be completed by the end of April. 90% plans
due to City in late April. A contract amendment to the engineering design contract will be needed
to ensure that design can be completed by Arcadis in time for a mid-June advertisement. Initial
results from the well test were excellent and it appears only four wells will be needed for the new
plant instead of five. City and Arcadis held its final design review meeting on June 3, 2022. The
advertisement for bids was for June 17 with bids to be opened July 28. Three contractors
attended the pre-bid meeting on June 28. Bids were opened on August 3 with Kokosing Industrial
the apparent low bidder at $85,641,300 (pending chosen alternatives). Moved substantial
completion to May 2025 which will not impact Google. Contracts signed and Preconstruction
Meeting scheduled for September 7. Finalizing loan documents for an October 2022 loan award.
Contractor looks to begin with demolition activities starting November 1. The loan agreement has
been fully executed. Construction has begun with demolition activities. Dewatering installation
has started, and dirt import is on-going. Dewatering and excavation are underway. Concrete is
being placed for the EQ tank and Filter Building. Getting ready to backfill and move to next level
for RO tunnels, backwash tanks, etc. Change Order 1 approved for just under $1.9 million. City
working with Kokosing to minimize delays associated with Change Order 1. Backfill starting on
deeper structures and Clearwell construction started. Lowest level has been backfilled and
working on lower level. Masons are on site so building walls will be going up. Site piping will
begin in late January and well construction will begin February 5. Wells installed and development
underway. Pipelines installed in park and seeding completed. Park to re-open south of
construction by the end of day on May 24, 2024. Building work continuing on new plant with
buildings to be under roof by November. Contractor working on interiors and wellhouses. Testing
of tanks to begin in April which marks the beginning of start up. Project currently expected to be
complete October 1, 2025 but there may be issues with control programing schedule. City is
working on a time extension for the project to accommodate programing, but this extension will
not impact the October 1, 2025 completion. Start up and check outs have begun, and training is
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ongoing. Legislation to increase the construction contract authorization amount from $90 million
to $91 million will be introduced at the second meeting in August. Membranes are being loaded
with testing starting week of September 8. Operational Demonstration is scheduled to start on
September 15. One set of membranes has been loaded and additional membranes to be loaded
week of October 20th. Kokosing is starting to demobilize and punchlist work is underway.
Discovered an issue with air in the well lines and we are bringing Moody’s in to add additional
valves to address. Issue with credit card payment for bulk water station. City Treasurer is working
to resolve. Law Director will need to review contract and we will need approval of City Council.
Moody’s has started to install the well valves and we are waiting for Ohio EPA to approve the 200
hour operation test.
5. West Side Transmission Line Improvements Phase 2
Working with ARCADIS and CDM Smith on additional line extension and/or booster pump to meet
expanded demand in the US 33 area. Still trying to finalize modeling for alternatives. Meeting
with ARCADIS on model update in November. ARCADIS is working on proposal to re-calibrate
and update the water model.
6. Tiki Lane Booster Pump Station Replacement
Burgess & Niple is working on preparing a proposal for the design of a new booster pump
station to replace the existing station on Tiki Lane, which is at the end of its useful life.
Legislation to sign an engineering contract with Burgess & Niple was introduced March 28.
Engineering contract fully signed and effective as of April 25, 2022. Survey is complete and
design has started. Meeting with modelers and designers on February 13 to determine pump
sizing. Pump sizing is complete, and we are now looking to renovate the existing facility with a
larger upgrade needed in the future. Plans are 30% done with questions on electrical control.
Did not receive any qualifications statements for Construction Manager at Risk. Will continue as
design bid build process. Progress call with Burgess & Niple on January 25. 90% design
meeting on May 2. Project was advertised for bids on July 19th. Contract has been signed and
contractor is working on submittals. Contractor is on site as work is available. Waiting for
equipment delivery. Expecting completion in October 2025. Contractor expected to be on site
starting week of October 20th for installation. Contractor ordered wrong valves and is working to
correct. Discovered a manufacturer problem with one of the pumps and are checking all the
pumps.
7. Lead Service Line Mapping
U.S. EPA and Ohio EPA are requiring additional mapping and information related to potential
lead service line. An application for a $50,000 grant for a mapping pilot program was submitted
on March 28. Funds were on a first come basis and we should hear back by mid-April. Grant
has been signed and returned to Ohio EPA. Engineering contract has been signed and we
have started to collect historic data for properties. Historic data from engineering records has
been completed. Information has been sent to ARCADIS. Progress meeting occurred in
December 2022 with additional information sent to ARCADIS. Working with GIS to incorporate
ESRI developed programs into the system. ARCADIS is working on draft of program to start
collecting data. Grant has been extended 6 months. Working on mailing to residents to self-
survey waterline material to start process. Starting work on line replacement plan. New draft
regulations issued December 6, 2023. Council presentation on July 15th. Inventory and plan
under development for submission in October. Plan submitted and revised based on Ohio EPA
comments. New Lead Copper regulations finalized which will push work out to start in 2027.
Waiting to see position of new administration. Inventory continues. Chapter 911 revisions have
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been reviewed by the Division of Water. Second draft in development but on hold until after
North Water Plant startup. Water Specification updates are under review to incorporate Lead
Copper requirements. 2025 plan update has been completed and the 2025 notification letters
were sent.
8. SR 188 Water Line Extension
Have been working with Fairfield County and Lancaster City Schools on water issues at the
Coonpath Road area. Submitted requests for either a Rural Water or a State and Tribal
Infrastructure grant to Congressman Balderson for inclusion in the Federal Budget. If we get an
indication that this project is fundable we will proceed with engineering and right of way
acquisition.
9. Transmission Line Backflow Valves
The Division of Water has identified their next priority: the installation of backflow valves in the
South Water Plant transmission line. We are waiting for a proposal for engineering work on the
project. Design has started.
10. Tiki Water Line Replacement
There have been a number of issues with the water main on Tiki Lane. We are getting a
proposal for engineering design so we can apply for a State Capital Improvement Grant in
October. 30% plans have been received and are under review. SCIP application legislation
was introduced and application is due November 7. SCIP application submitted. Division of
Water is reviewing plans. Should get an initial determination on the SCIP application at end of
January.
11. South Water Plant Disinfection Upgrade
Legislation for Bidding for Disinfection Replacement was introduced October 10. Engineering
contract signed for CA for Disinfection contract. Construction contracts sent to Kirk Brothers for
signature. Kirk Brothers continues to work to finish permanent work and move the temporary
disinfection unit to final location. Change to fire suppression connection approve by Fairfield
County. Programing underway with completion in September 2025. On July 12, a valve
malfunctions and caused the basement to flood. The carrier water pumps installed by Rike
Brothers were flooded. Rike Brothers to inspect work and determine any damage, necessary
repairs and additional time needed. Carrier Pumps out for repair and should be back by Labor
Day. Working on claim with Kirk Brothers. Start up is scheduled for October due to staffing
issues and startup of North Water Plant. Punchlist work underway.
12. South Water Plant Energy Audit
Ameracon has started the Energy Audit for the South Water Plant with the goal of an Ohio
Advanced Energy Grant application due November 2. Draft study reviewed on October 17th.
Grant application for Department of Development submitted October 31. Received notice that
we were awarded grant and waiting for grant paperwork.
STORMWATER ISSUES
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1. Sewer System Evaluation
We are evaluating Statements of Qualifications for firms to provide a multi-year inspection and
evaluation of the oldest portion of the sewer systems. We anticipate yearly rehabilitation projects
starting in 2021. EMH&T has been selected as the engineer. A scoping meeting will be held later
in September. The contract is being signed and work will be scheduled. This year we are going
to evaluate the Sixth Avenue sanitary sewer, the Broad Street storm sewer, the Union St storm
sewer from Maude to the Railroad and lining of the Zane Alley sanitary sewer. The video of Sixth
Avenue started February 8. Zane Alley scheduled February 15 and Broad St scheduled February
25. Video is completed and EMH&T is reviewing. Received report on Sixth Avenue combined
sewer and are currently reviewing. Will start working on 2022 projects including Sixth Avenue
lining, Maple Street storm sewer evaluation, Wyandotte Street/Starret Street/Madison Avenue
sanitary trunk line and possibly the South High Street sanitary sewer. EMH&T has started CCTV
work. The only issue discovered thus far is a likely illicit sanitary connection into a storm sewer
(which was an old combined sewer) on East Sixth Avenue. WPCD to investigate to determine if
tap is indeed illicit and, if so, who the source is. The suspected illicit sanitary line is located closest
to 420 or 424 east 6th St and will determine by further investigation. EMH&T schedule to be out
week of September 6 to camera lateral. It was verified that the illicit connection belonged to 424
E. Sixth Avenue, and a notice was sent to the property owner to remove illicit connection. EMH&T
proposal for 2023 CCTV work was reviewed by City and comments were sent back to the
engineer. City awaiting resubmission of revised proposal. A draft contract for 2023 CCTV work
was sent to EMH&T for review. Contract has been signed. TV work almost completed except for
Fogg Drive which requires wet weather. 2023 work has been completed. EMH&T working on
final report. Meeting with EMH&T occurred to discuss sewers to be CCTVed in 2024, and the
following sewers were chosen: Mulberry St. combined sewer, between Forest Rose and Broad;
Columbus St. sanitary sewers, between Wheeling and Front; and S. Broad St. storm sewer,
between the Hocking River and the pipe inlet south of Tarhee St. The following sewers have also
been added to the CCTV work: the Utica Park storm sewers, and the 8th/Harrison/Fair Ave. storm
sewers. City is awaiting revised proposal from engineer in order to finalize and sign contract.
Contract is expected to be below $75,000 threshold requiring City Council approval. Contract has
been signed and CCTV work is expected to begin before the end of the year. 2024 CCTV work
has been on-going since November 2024 and is nearing completion. 2024 CCTV work was
completed in February 2025 and EMH&T has been working to finalize the report with their
findings. The City has received EMH&T’s report on the 2024 CCTV work and is currently
reviewing it. City has determined what sewers will be CCTVed in 2026 and has reached out to
EMH&T asking for cost proposal.
2. Main Street Sewer Separation
In conjunction with the Main Street Culvert project, we will be looking at a new storm sewer on
Main Street from Baldwin’s Run west to Starrett St. Work will need to be completed ahead of the
SR 37 paving work. A Request for Qualifications to choose an engineering firm for design was
issued January 7 and Statements of Qualifications are under review. Verdantas has been
selected to design the project and a scoping meeting was held February 24, 2022. Proposal has
been received from Verdantas, but the amount is under $50,000, so no legislation is needed. The
contract for the feasibility study was signed and is effective as of April 25, 2022. Survey work has
been completed. Some preliminary sewer alignments have been proposed, but additional
investigations/input are needed to address potential conflicts. City met with Verdantas to discuss
preliminary alignment. Verdantas will schedule a meeting with all applicable utility owners before
finalizing alignment. A utility meeting was held in January 2023 to acquire information for final
design. The City is awaiting a proposal from Verdantas to move forward with final design.
Proposal from Verdantas was received and comments were sent back. City and Verdantas are
working on finalizing contract language. Legislation to enter into an engineering contract
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introduced on June 26, 2023. Contract has been signed. Survey work has been completed and
soil borings are scheduled for October. Progress Meeting with consultant held on January 18.
Preliminary plans for review are expected on February 9. Preliminary plans have been reviewed
by the City and comments sent to Verdantas. Verdantas working on finalizing plans based on
City’s comments. City has signed contract with Singer Appraisal to provide appraisals that are
needed for 5 easements necessary on the project. Easements have been accepted in principle
by all five property owners. Legislation for the City to accept easements has been introduced to
Council and is expected to pass on October 14, 2024. Final construction plans have been
received from the engineer. Project to be advertised on September 27 and October 4, 2024 with
bid opening expected October 25. Bid date has been pushed back to November 22 in order to
review engineer’s estimate and try to drum up interest from contractors. No bids received at
November 22, 2024 bid opening, so the project was re-bid with a reduced work scope and revised
engineer’s estimate. Second bid opening occurred on February 7, 2025 and two bids were
received. Project was awarded to the low bidder, Trucco Construction. Bid information was
submitted to Ohio EPA and the loan paperwork is underway for a loan award at the end of March.
Loan was awarded March 27 and contracts with Trucco have been signed. Trucco started
construction in mid-April. Phase 1 of the project (out of 4 total phases) concluded the week of
June 9, 2025 and the contractor has begun on Phase 2. Phase 2 of the project was concluded
in July and work has begun on Phase 2A, which consists of three crossings of Main Street. The
AT&T bank along the south end of Main Street was found to be deeper than originally anticipated,
which will affect two of the crossings and require a re-design. After consulting with the engineer
and contractor, the least costly fix was determined to be closing Main Street at night to do the
necessary crossings. This revised work is anticipated to take up to 4 nights working between
8PM and 6AM. Work is anticipated to occur during week of July 21, 2025, but no work will occur
on the night of the Art Walk, July 25. Work has begun on Phase 3, which is occurring on Cherry
Street between Main and Wheeling/Angle. Phase 3 work is expected to last until early October.
As of October 14, all new storm sewer pipes have been installed. Final paving replacement is
anticipated to occur during week of October 20. Construction is complete and punchlist and
project close out is underway.
3. 2026 Sewer Rehabilitation
Meeting with EMH&T occurred to discuss sewers to be rehabilitated in 2025. We are looking to
line the Madison Ave. combined sewer between 6th and Mulberry and the Main St. combined
sewer between Chestnut and Starret. We are also wanting grouting work done to stop infiltration
into the Stonegate Meadows Subdivision sanitary sewers. Legislation to enter into engineering
contract to be submitted to Council on August 12. Legislation to enter into contract for design will
be submitted to Council, if applicable, once proposal is provided by engineer. Design contract
has been approved and signed and EMH&T has been authorized to start design. Project area
was surveyed in early April and design is on-going. WPCD found sinkhole on W. Main St.,
between Slocum Ave. and S. Zane Ave., caused by collapse of sanitary sewer. A point repair will
be made, but then WPCD wants to include a CIPP rehabilitation of the sewer in question. The
City’s intention is to include this work as part of this project. Contract amendment to include the
rehab of the W. Main St. sewer in the project was signed on August 11, 2025. With the
removal/replacement of the West Main Street sanitary sewer having occurred, that portion of the
project has been removed from the planned rehabilitation work. Preliminary plans have been
submitted by EMH&T and are under City review. City comments on the plans have been sent
back to EMH&T for revisions.
4. Frederick Street Sewer Separation
In January 2025, the City advertised a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to provide engineering
services for this project, which is the next required project on the City’s Schedule of Compliance
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in our NPDES permit with Ohio EPA. The submitted Statements of Qualification (SOQs) were
reviewed in March and the firm chosen by the selection committee was Verdantas. Legislation to
enter into a contract with Verdantas was approved by City Council on May 5, and the contract
with Verdantas to provide their engineering services through project bidding has been signed.
Surveying of the project area has been scheduled by Verdantas. Surveying has been largely
completed and Verdantas is planning to have their draft plan/profile sheets to the City by the end
of June. City met with Verdantas on June 24, 2025 to discuss preliminary plan/profile sheets.
Verdantas is moving forward with design based on City’s comments. Preliminary plans have been
received for review. WPCLF nomination application is being drafted. Legislation to submit this
application will be introduced to City Council at the second meeting in August. Currently working
on loan application, which is due at the beginning of November. Plan review meeting with design
engineer to occur on September 15, 2025. City comments on the preliminary plans have been
provided to Verdantas, who is continuing with final design. Loan application for the WPCLF
program has been submitted. Advertisement for bids occurred on January 30 2026, and bid
opening is scheduled for February 27.
5. National Resource Conservation Service Potential Funding
Following the July flooding, Fairfield County EMA reached out to the City about potential funding
for stream repairs. This would be a 75/25 grant and EMA is looking for a local sponsor. We are
currently reviewing potential manhole protection projects that may have occurred because of the
flood. In addition, the Division of Water is looking to lower a waterline on College Avenue that
was exposed by the flood. We have 60 days to identify the projects and 220 days for design and
construction. City staff identified various sites along Fetters and Ewing Run where erosion issues
caused by the July floods have exposed sanitary sewer manholes to stream waters, and the City
issued a letter to NRCS formally requesting design and/or funding assistance to restore these
areas to protect the City’s infrastructure. City staff met with NRCS on September 29, 2025 to
survey the various sites in question. The NRCS representative noted that all the identified sites
are likely eligible to receive funding, but whether the City receives funds will come down to what
funding is made available by the federal government and how high on the priority list these sites
are. City is currently holding and waiting to hear from NRCS if/when it is determined these sites
will receive funding. On hold due to government shut down.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING ISSUES
1. Water Note
The Division of Water would like to explore issuing a note for $2-3 million dollars to allow work to
begin on some of the projects in 2025 and 2026 due to equipment lead times, tariffs, inflationary
pressures and other cost issues. The Administration is currently reviewing.
2. State of Ohio Disaster Relief Funds
Compiling the information from departments to apply for reimbursement for the July flooding.
Application was submitted September 29th.
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