The recent flood and damages were among the main issues discussed at the Bellville council meeting held July 16. Also on the agenda were a number of critical issues revealing weaknesses attributed to the water and sewer system. Concerned resident, Chuck Pfoutz spoke in regards to an issues raised by the heavy rains and the recent Streetscape project.
Mayor Darrell Banks noted the significant efforts of the village staff at a time of crisis. “I just want to say how proud I am, how hard the staff worked to keep the community safe and to get it back to the way it was.” Banks added, “They were fantastic, they got it done and got it done safely. I’m just so pleased with the crew, their dedication and determination.”
Mayor Banks also credited Ken Hollar and staff for their many hours of hard work during and after the flood, noting that long after the waters receded the crew continued to restore Bellville even at personal risk.
“Ken almost got knocked off a backhoe trying to deal with the incredibly large tree came down,” he said.
“On behalf of myself and my neighbors, Troy and Jennifer Hamilton I would like to address the council with a concern,” said Bellville resident Chuck Pfoutz. “First of all I would like to say what a good job the village did in regards for what they had to deal with and the situation with the economy an all, just wonderful.”
Pfoutz brought attention to an issue made evident by the recent heavy rains and the recent Streetscape project. Pfoutz, who lives on Kelly Avenue described a situation that unfolded as a result of the lack of crowns implemented into the road and the culmination of heavy rains causing water to pool into yards.
“It’s important to have a crown to equally direct water,” Pfoutz said. He said when a crown is implemented into a section, and a yard is at a lower elevation when rain is heavy, water accumulates. “I’m going to have about $2,000 in repair costs due to water in my basement.” “I am not here to gripe, but to simply suggest that council is aware and to make sure you have an understanding with the contractors that this needs to be done.” Council member William Sheriff, including several other members acknowledged his concerns and request. Banks said the matter would be dealt with.
As a result of severe stress brought on by the recent flooding, issues regarding the Water/Sewer system were revealed and its capacity to work efficiently and effectively. On behalf of the administrators report Banks reported a number of failures in the system that need addressed. Repairs are needed done on the automatic transfer switch, the portable generator hook-up does not meet current electrical and safety standards and a manual transfer switch needs added. The report suggested that there is also a serious infiltration/inflow problem with the sanitary sewer line that resulted in a significant sewer back-up at the residence of Mr. Frontz on South Main Street.
Village solicitor Jeff Mussman raised discussion pertaining to an issue raised at the cemetery board meeting. “It’s a way to get back unused plots,” said Mussman. Presently no process is in place to maintain files on plots purchased from the township. Mussman explained that every forty years a letter is sent out to the last known address on file related to a plot requesting confirmation of use.
As there is no current system in place to validate the information, Mussman revealed that the township is losing out on unused plots that could be resold. “Right now there is no way to know who owns what.” “Failure to use is not sufficient evidence to prove abandonment, it’s a risk assessment.” Motion by Mussman to implement a system requiring current contact information on file for future purchases so that every forty years clients could be contacted per their intentions to use plots or they may revert back to the township to be resold would be in the best interest of the village and that plots sold prior would not be affected. Council agreed to move forward with action.
