EL seeks bids for wastewater portion of SR 39 project

EAST LIVERPOOL – During a Board of Public Utilities meeting Thursday, Planning Director Bill Cowan discussed using Cowan Advertising to solicit engineering bids for the sewer portion of the State Route 39 project.

Board members Tim Clark and Jim Swoger voted to allow the ad to air. Board member Ray Sullivan was absent.

Cowan explained that the first step was to place the ad. Then, if they received a response from an engineer who met the requirements of the project, they would next ask for a cost estimate. If the board members agreed with the proposal – and had the funds – a contract could be signed. If they were not happy with the quoted estimates, they could talk to the engineer about cost adjustments or not sign the contract, at which point the engineer would not be paid any money.

Paul McCarthy, the hydraulic engineer, was absent from the meeting. Clark presented a report that McCarthy had given him.

Clark said Scout Solar has completed the installation of solar panels at the water plant. Five of the panels were damaged. Scout Solar said it will cover the cost of replacing those panels, but going forward, the city will be responsible for replacing any additional damaged panels, according to the contract it has with the city.

The board discussed the cost of repairing the fence around the building, which was estimated at $6,200. Clark suggested looking into repairing the fence.

Foreman Jayson Jackson told the board that estimates he received to purchase a new truck for the department ranged from $94,000 to $105,000. Clark stated that the funds were not currently available and asked if Jackson had inquired about pricing through the state cooperative.

Jackson said the LaCroft area is still getting dirty water from the Dresden Avenue water leak. They are working to resolve the problem and the issue is on the dead section of the road.

He also said that leak detectors have located about 12 leaks. Leaks account for about 49 million gallons of water lost.

Crews were out fixing leaks, cold patching, plugging holes and getting everything ready for winter.

Dave Freeman, Wastewater Treatment Manager, reported to the board on some of the problems at the plant and the problems that have been resolved.

He also said that the department received a certified letter from the EPA (Environment Protection Agency). The letter contains the department’s operating license. The license is valid for five years.

The Public Utilities Board meets on the third Thursday of every month at 2 p.m. in the Council Chambers of East Liverpool City Hall. The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 17.

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