State of the city report from Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker
The City of Mansfield, a diverse and vibrant community with flourishing neighborhoods, thriving businesses and outstanding recreational amenities, continued on its path to make great things happen throughout 2021 despite the pandemic’s attempt to again hinder progress. I am pleased to share pivotal projects we, as a city, were able to accomplish with the help and commitment of community and business leaders, City Council, and City employees who remain steadfast in their efforts to make Mansfield the best city in which to live, work, worship, and raise a family.
Economic development remained strong with companies/businesses such as Hess Industries, the Mansfield Art Center, Edge Plastics, the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, K.E. McCartney & Associates, Niss Aviation, the Blueberry Patch, and the Ohio Bird Sanctuary completing building/expansion projects throughout the year. Numerous small businesses opened offering goods and services our residents look forward to supporting. In August of 2021, we were thrilled the 179th Airlift Wing was chosen for the first Air National Guard cyberspace wing in the country. This new mission will bring more jobs into the community, spur economic growth, and create new opportunities for industry and academic growth. The West End Target Area project is being developed as are plans to demolish the former Westinghouse facility.
Work continued on initiatives from the Mansfield Rising Plan with Community Branding, the conversion of Diamond Street to two-way, the Façade Improvement Grant Program, free public Wi-Fi in the downtown area, beautification upgrades to benches, trash cans and planters, creating linear parks, developing meaningful green spaces, upgrading the City’s main arteries, and the creation of the Mansfield Public Arts Commission.
Other highlights throughout 2021 included a street dedication ceremony for former International Boxing Federation light heavyweight world champion Prince Charles Williams in July. The design phase of the proposed Touby Run Flood Hazard Mitigation project was completed. The Pat Kracker Breast Cancer Fund celebrated their 25th anniversary of offering early breast cancer screening and follow-up diagnostic service to residents requiring those services. The Earth Stewardship Committee celebrated their 25th anniversary of improving the community environment through litter prevention activities, enhancement of public lands, participation in solid waste management activities, planting trees, and practicing good stewardship of our lands.
Events brought back in 2021 after the Covid hiatus included the Soap Box Derby, Juneteenth Celebration, Miss Ohio Pageant, Gay Pride Parade & Festival, Inkcarceration, Mansfield Arts Festival and REACH’s American Heritage Days. The Mansfield Ministerial Alliance hosted Mansfield’s first annual Community Day, an event enjoyed by many. We went out with a bang with a magnificent ball drop and fireworks display on New Year’s Eve thanks to collaborative efforts between WMFD, Rick Taylor and Dan Lew.
While challenges always exist in government, our focus for 2022 remains to continue our collaborative work with a host of city partners to make Mansfield more vibrant, attractive, strong and proud for residents now and for future generations.
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS:
AIRPORT: In 2021 the Corona Virus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act was passed allowing the FAA to issue additional grants to airports across the nation. Our airport received 2 additional grants through the Cares Act Grant and the American Relief Plan Act in the amount of $82,000 to be used
for the replacement of our failed HVAC system. Additional funding from the city ARPA funds will finalize funding for the project to begin in the spring of 2022.
The airport received three new pieces of snow removal equipment in August which was part of its Airport Capital Improvement Projects grant for 2020. MB Companies supplied us with 2 “MB 1”, International dump trucks with plows and spreaders and 1 “MB 3” 24-foot Runway Broom. 100% of the approximate 1.3 million grant was paid by the FAA with no local match funds required.
Airport Capital Improvement Projects for 2021 included the rehabilitation of the Terminal Apron and the reconstruction of the Restaurant Apron. Grant amounts were approximately $3.5 million with no local match funds required.
Along with this grant, the FAA funded 100% of the design work for the reconstruction of all taxiways/taxilanes and the FBO Overflow Apron in the Fixed Base area. CHA Consultants have been working on the design, which at this point, engineering estimates are close to $7.5 million. The grant application will be submitted this year to compete for construction funding. This project is expected to start in the spring of 2023.
Niss Aviation effectively took over the Fixed Base Operation on the airfield in January 2021. With the FBO operating out of the Terminal Building, an increase of 40% flight operations are welcomed at Mansfield Lahm Airport. Fuel sales have increased along with a new self-serve AvGas tank in operation. Another presence on the airfield is Aerotrek Flight School based out of Wadsworth who brought 7 additional aircraft to Mansfield. Flight training is now very active.
BUILDING & CODES: During 2021 there were a total of 71 structures demolished, 52 were through the P.R.I.D.E. Levy, 2 were Land Bank, and 17 private owners. The Bureau assessed 52 P.R.I.D.E. demos for tax liens totaling $757,579.47. This data suggests a decline in “Land Bank” funding, only 6% of demolition cost was covered by the Land Bank in 2021 compared to 78% NIP funding in 2018.
New and alteration commercial construction permits increased slightly from 2020 while residential new and alteration construction permits dipped slightly 22%. Total permit revenue increased 1% from 2020. Total property investments for improvements totaled $27 million dollars, down slightly from 2020.
During 2021 a total of 1,284 violation complaints or systematic inspections (such as but not limited to; litter, garbage/trash, weeds, junk vehicles, repair orders, condemnation orders etc.) were investigated and issued by the Housing Inspectors. The Bureau handled 770 mowing complaints resulting in 275 mowing’s with lien assessments totaling $27,500.00. The Bureau handled 15 Board Up complaints resulting in 5 City forced Board-Ups equaling lien assessments of $1,065.33. The Bureau also handled 450 Trash/Litter, Open Storage, and Vehicle complaints resulting in 35 actual City Forces cleanups equaling lien assessments of $39,656.89. An additional 40 Right-of-Way cleanups were also performed.
As of 12/31/2021 there were 545 contractors registered in the City of Mansfield, a decrease of 8% from 2020. Eight garbage haulers registered which is up one from 2020.
Total Revenue Collections for 2021: $ $304,464.87, up 13% from 2020.
CLEARFORK: Camping and boating increased in 2021 more than any previous year. For the first time ever, the campground and the boat docks were at full capacity. There is now a waiting list for people that want
to get into the Clear Fork Campground. Kayaking continues to be the fastest growing activity at the Reservoir. It is not uncommon to see 20 or more kayakers at the reservoir on any given day.
There was an exciting change on the Stoller Road Trail. Brandon Sainaik, a local boy scout, worked all summer on his Eagle Scout project at the reservoir. He installed an interactive map of the trails off of Lexington Ontario Road. There are eight help locations on the map as well as a QR code that will download a map of the trails to your phone. You can also go to www.stollerroadtrail.com to see the trails and access the map.
This past summer Dennis, Nick, and Paul from Finders of The Forgotten held a metal detecting event in Picnic Area 2. There were approximately 25 people at the Reservoir for this first-time event. There was an instruction period on detecting then a hunt. There were numerous finds and plenty of local history talked about. They are planning another event in 2022. They can be found on YouTube if you are interested in joining in this year’s event.
There were 39 scheduled fishing tournaments and four musky tournaments this past season.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: The Department of Community Development remains committed to its core values of providing rehabilitation and repair services to the citizens of Mansfield. 2021 continued to be challenging with the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of available contractors. Community Development was able to complete 14 emergency home rehabilitations throughout the year.
In addition to these activities, Community Development continued to work on developing the West-End Target Area project, as well as the Ritter’s Run senior housing complex in conjunction with the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging. Both of these projects anticipate construction beginning in spring 2022. Community Development continued to expend CDBG-CV funding which was awarded in 2020 to address COVID-19 issues. 98% of this funding was expended by the end of 2021 with the majority assisting residents for rent and utility assistance.
The City of Mansfield was also awarded $1,061,958 under the HOME-ARPA allocation to address homeless concerns in the City. Community Development has collaborated with multiple agencies to analyze gaps in homeless programs to continue development of a plan for submission to HUD.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Airport West I, LLC acquired a fifteen-acre site at Airport West Industrial Park in 2020 to construct a 160,000-sf spec building. Due to uncontrollable delays, this project will now be complete by April 30, 2022. There are currently three strong prospects for this building and it is expected to be under contract prior to completion. Total project investment $10,000,000.
K.E. McCartney & Associates completed construction of an expansion of their existing office facility and a new garage/maintenance facility that was completed in the spring of 2021. The expansion was required to provide for continued growth of the business. They project the creation of five new jobs over the next two years. Total project investment $1,400,000.
Hess Industries completed construction on a 7,200-sf expansion to their existing manufacturing facility that was completed during the spring of 2021. The expansion will provide room for current and future growth of the Company’s business. They expect to add three new employees over the next two years. Total project investment $410,000.
Niss Aviation FBO, LLC purchased Richland Aviation and has completed construction of a new FBO Hangar at Mansfield Lahm Airport. The construction was completed in November 2021. They project the creation of three full time and three part time jobs as a result of the project. Total project investment $2,200,000.
M & D Real Estate Investments, LLC began construction of two additions to their Newman Street facility which will enable Edge Plastics room to expand their manufacturing capacity. They project the creation of 35 full time jobs as a result of the project. Total project investment $12,382,000.
The Redwood Development project consists of construction of 84 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartments with attached 2 car garages. Total project investment $12,600,000.
ENGINEERING: Resurfaced 104 streets and alleys (22.74 miles). Two separate contracts were administered, totaling $4.2 million. Other major accomplishments included: Successfully converted Diamond Street to two-way traffic from First Street to Main Street. Beatification efforts also were performed as part of the project. The Department entered into a Construction Contract for the Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation project. Construction began in November and is expected to take approximately three years to complete. Engineering received a grant from the Richland County Regional Planning Commission to design and construct the Main Street Upgrade Project from First Street to Fifth Street. The design effort has begun and is expected to be completed near the end of 2023.
The Engineering Department continued the development of the GIS utility mapping program. Data integrity and program usability was its main focus this year on improving the GIS mapping system. The final design was completed for the seepage remediation project at the Clearfork Dam with construction to begin in 2022 pending ODNR approval. They performed an emergency storm sewer installation project to replace a sewer that failed near the intersection of Bowman Street and West Dickson Avenue.
Engineering began construction of the Taylor Road Storm Sewer Project. The purpose of the project is to prevent localized flooding from occurring on Manchester Road, Barnard Avenue and Coleman Road. The City received a $400,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission to help fund the project. Engineering administered the City’s Backflow Prevention Program. 96 locations for surveys and inspections were performed in compliance with meeting Ohio EPA’s standards and expectations.
The final design was completed for the East Third Street Major Culvert Replacement Project. The City received a $450,000 grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission to help fund the project. Construction is expected to begin in early 2023.
FIRE: The Mansfield Fire Department made 11,829 emergency responses in 2021. There were 1,984 fire responses and 9,845 medical calls. Of the medical calls, 7,454 people were transported to the emergency department at either OhioHealth or Avita. These transports resulted in the department receiving over $2 million in cost recovery for the first time since they started transporting. The total volume of calls represents a 6.3 % increase over 2020. The department is now over 32 calls per day in service.
The roster consists of 91 personnel and all but two currently count toward daily manning. 10 firefighters were hired in 2021 with 4 receiving training at the Ohio Fire Academy which is back to holding classes after a hiatus dealing with COVID. 3 members will start a 14-month paramedic school this year while 2 members are finishing the school this year.
Apparatus purchases have been delayed by the global supply chain issues. For example, the MFD ordered a rescue squad in 2019 and another in 2020 but anticipated delivery of both units is March of this year. The department is currently looking to replace two pumper apparatus that the minimum build time is 16 months, placing them into 2023 for delivery. Hopefully, the supply chain problems start to ease this year.
The Fire Department had two very significant fires in 2021. The Arthur Street fire had five civilians trapped which were all removed by fire personnel in a remarkable feat. The fire happened near shift change on a hazardous materials training day so 38 employees were able to respond to the scene. This resulted in removing all five victims in around twelve and a half minutes. All five victims needed advanced life support measures including intubation and ventilator assistance. They were all transferred to Columbus area hospitals. The three adults and two juveniles all were released from the hospital to continue their lives. A rescue of this magnitude has never taken place in the history of this department. A second fire on Johns Avenue claimed the life of an elderly woman who re-entered the house on fire instead of evacuating.
COVID still has an impact on daily operations with 33 members impacted with the virus in 2021. The total personnel infected by COVID is now up to 82. They are decontaminating apparatus frequently after transporting COVID-positive patients. Hopefully, the vaccine availability will drive the numbers of extremely sick individuals down. Between COVID and the overdose epidemic, which still exists, members have daily struggles with the psychological impacts thrust upon them.
Two grants were written by our Fire Department and awarded in 2021. The first was for a 3-D camera they will use to investigate fire scenes and use for preplanning purposes in hazardous materials locations. The second grant was for a drone that can be used for large incidents or for assessment of hazardous materials calls.
2022 will bring more change to the department. A long-term investigator in the Fire Prevention Bureau will be retiring and there will be more personnel hired this year. This year will also bring promotional exams for all ranks as many members are nearing the end of their deferred retirements and must separate service with the department.
The Fire Department will continue to train and strive to maintain operational readiness for the emergencies that present themselves within the City of Mansfield.
HUMAN RESOURCES: The City staffing levels have remained fairly consistent over the past few years with the City employing approximately 460 employees during 2021. The City has increased its recruiting efforts by partnering with local entities and national job recruiting sites to search out talented new employees for the City. It is the responsibility of the HR Department to assist all City departments with job posting, hiring, and transfers of employees. The Department also assisted with the holding of promotional exams for all ranks of police officers, entrance exams for the police and fire departments, and multiple lateral transfer opportunities for the Police Department.
The Department has continued to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and led a response plan for the City. The Department has utilized CDC and local health department guidelines to ensure the safety of employees and the citizens of Mansfield.
HR is also responsible for maintaining and managing the insurance benefits for City employees, managing Bureau of Workers’ Compensation work related injuries, unemployment filings, and public records requests. The HR Director devoted significant time to negotiating a new contract with the City’s AFSCME
union. This contract will remain in place until 2024. Contract negotiations with the Police and Fire Unions will take place in 2022.
Finally, in 2021 the Human Resources Department saw a complete change in staffing. Early in the year, the City hired a new Director. We also saw the retirement of a long time HR employee and the subsequent hiring of a new HR Specialist.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: IT personnel closed out 2,119 tickets for employee IT assistance in 2021, a 17.75% increase over 2020.
The following improvements and/or projects were completed throughout the year: Migrated the Phone System to a Cloud Based IP Phone system including new phones, assisted with the coordination/installation of public Wi-Fi in the downtown area, upgraded switches in all offsite locations, and continued installation of Wi-Fi Access Points in City Buildings.
IT assisted the Police Department with Shot Spotter installation, the installation of the Body Camera server and software, Taser setup / installation, 15 new CradlePoint routers set to enable AVL on cruisers, and setup 10 new MDT’s for police cruisers. They assisted with various Court projects including new monitors and video equipment. Other projects included, new security cameras installed at the airport, redesign of the Airport’s website, continued video conferencing installation in multiple conference rooms, continued updates to the City’s website redesign, and provided ongoing support for the Water Meter Change Out project.
MAINTENANCE: 2021 for the Building Maintenance Department was much like 2020 due to Covid-19. Maintenance was tasked with purchasing and supplying Covid-19 related items to keep employees and the public safe. Maintenance employees sanitized multiple area’s in the Municipal and Utility Collections buildings on a daily basis. They also handled hundreds of electronic requests and numerous verbal requests in 2021.
Maintenance worked on several large painting and L.E.D. lighting up-grade projects. The Department worked with a local HVAC contractor to install DDC controls that will make the City Building’s HVAC system’s work more efficiently and effectively. The Maintenance Team worked with the City Service Complex and a local contractor on the removal and replacement replanting of 24 trees. They are also currently working with the IT Department on the ongoing project of installing Wi-Fi in the downtown area and other city owned properties. Maintenance is also working hand in hand with the Mansfield Police Department and the MILO Range contractor on the installment of the new state of the art shooting range simulator.
PARKS & RECREATION: 2021 was a year of growth and revamping in the City of Mansfield Parks and Recreation Department. The Parks Department helped with purchases made for revamping Cyclops including mounds, mats, and the press box. The Parks Department purchased and planted thousands of daffodils with help from the community and also created a sunflower field at Burton Park. The annual food truck festival took place in October and the Christmas light display in Central Park was continued.
Some of the biggest improvements made in the parks were new playgrounds installed at Burton and Redwood Parks. The Department purchased and began installation of two new splash pads at North Lake and Johns Park. Johns Park also had the outside of the building painted by mankind murals with beautiful
pictures related to the park. Later in the year Prospect Park pavilion was demolished with plans of rebuilding a new pavilion in 2022.
As the Recreation Department does every year, a summer program at Johns and North Lake Park took place serving 25 kids a day. Multiple arts and crafts nights were held throughout the year including senior nights, kids’ art nights, and pendant making nights. Easter baskets were passed out during a drive through Easter event and a Halloween Trunk or Treat giveaway took place at Liberty Park with the help of community partners.
POLICE: The Mansfield Division of Police had 76 sworn officers and 33 civilian employees by December of 2021. Eight officers retired, one officer was reinstated, six officers resigned, twelve officers were hired, and one officer was terminated during 2021. Due to retirement, a new assistant chief was named in June of 2021. The Division faced numerous challenges throughout the year regarding personnel due to retirements, resignations, and termination which caused officers to be pulled from specialty positions and put back in the Patrol Bureau which include: SRO, METRICH, Traffic Section, CP Section and the Detective Bureau.
In 2021, the Police Department handled 31,702 calls for service. Officers arrested 3,447 persons. Part I crime increased by 2.1% overall compared to 2020. It was noted that Robbery offenses were drastically decreased by 18.1%.
The Detective Bureau’s Domestic Violence Officer was assigned 125 cases. The detective assigned to assist Children’s Services was assigned 14 cases. Supervisors in the Community Services Bureau assigned Patrol Officers to high crime areas to impact crime and interrupt criminal activity.
The Police Division was successful in obtaining new grant initiatives totaling $365,743.35 which included Body Worn Camera Grant - $188,743.35 (Total grants received for project $238,743.35.), LPR Grant Flock Safety Cameras - $22,000.00 (Implementation to begin 2022), and the Milo Simulator - $155,000.00.
Plans were developed and construction will begin on the new Range/Training facility ($305,000.00) at MPD’s outdoor range on Miller Parkway. The City/MPD formally accepted the Capital Bill Grant (Training Facility improvements at Miller Parkway to include a “Shoot House” & “Driving Skills Pad”) - $230,000.00 (Implementation to begin in 2022).
On March 11, 2021, the test and elevation period of ShotSpotter began which is scheduled to end on March 11, 2022. Additional grant funds have been applied for to expand the coverage area to 3 sq. miles. They are waiting on the approval of funding.
In August of 2021 nine candidates entered the police academy at NCSC and eight graduated on February 1st, 2022 who are currently waiting to enter the Field Training Program after taking the State exam.
The Division of Police shares a great relationship with its community members and has felt the communities support throughout the year. The Police Department received 39 citizen compliments for outstanding work in the community.
The Police Department is very proud of their involvement in community programs and continues to support the following programs: Juvenile Mentoring Program, A.C.E. Program, Safety Town, Golden Agers Program, Leadership Club, Explorers, After School Program, PAL Sports, and Neighborhood Watch Groups.
SERVICE COMPLEX: Street Department employees were very busy in the spring and early summer putting up new poles and signals and numerous signs for the Diamond Street two-way project. A new bucket truck was purchased that aided in the signal installation for this project. The Street Department responded to 458 work orders for tree and brush removal. In trying to keep the roadways in manageable order, at least 740 potholes were filled during 2021. The Sign and Signal Division repaired or replaced 443 traffic and street signs along with responding to 486 traffic signal calls. The Street Department assisted Codes and Permits with over 500 clean ups and board ups of buildings. Along with the new bucket truck, the Department purchased a new street sweeper which resulted in cleaning 439 miles of roadway, and in the process, getting rid of 120 cubic yards of waste.
Water Repair personnel responded to over 100 emergency water main breaks ensuring safe drinking water to our citizens. They exercised over 700 main line valves which in turn, helps with less disruptions of service. In assisting the MFD with fire hydrants, the department did maintenance on and operated 897 hydrants. Their service van responded to over 500 calls for curbside shutoffs, possible leaks, low pressure, and various other things. Water Repair also aided the Street Department with leaf removal along with helping out during snow events.
Sewer Repair employees responded to 892 sewer back up calls throughout the year. This, along with the maintenance list, resulted in 84,629 feet of sanitary sewer being flushed. Along with flushing, over 300 feet of main was televised. The Department was able to purchase a new sewer vac/ jet truck to help with flushing and cleaning of mains. Sewer Repair was also able to purchase a large dump truck for use in construction. Throughout the year there were 409 catch basins that were either inspected, repaired or replaced. The Department also assisted the Street Department with leaf removal and snow and ice removal.
The Repair Garage completed 457 work orders on various vehicles and City equipment. The Department also purchased 2 new 20-ton hydraulic jacks to be able to use on large pieces of equipment and dump trucks. Along with work orders that were completed, the Department worked on various minor repairs to numerous small and seasonal pieces of equipment such as chain saws, leaf blowers, weed trimmers, zero turn mowers, etc.
UTILITY COLLECTIONS: 2021 was another challenging year for the Utility Collections Department. The Aclara/Suez Company had approximately eight five (85%) percent of the new meters installed. Their contract was extended through June due to the COVID pandemic. Even with the extension of the contract and work, Aclara/Suez was not able to complete the installation of the new meters. Out of 18,000 new meters about 3000 remained to be installed. Aclara/Suez, as well as our employees, were getting pushback from citizens allowing installers in their homes due to the risk of COVID infections. It would have cost the city thousands of dollars to extend the contract again and we thought our employees could complete the installation process. From June through the end of the year our installers were able to install an additional 1700 meters bringing the final count to be installed to approximately 1300. Our anticipation for 2022 is to continue until all are installed which at that time we can convert from CCF to gallons to simplify billing and make it easier for the consumer to track.
As outlined by legislation new water and sewer rates were implemented. The legislation redefined the minimum usage units and the amounts to be charged for each unit. This was intended to simplify tracking and billing for the consumer. During 2021 it was discovered that the city was incorrectly billing consumers with sewer only, based on 2016 legislation. As a result, we are working with the Public Works Director to review the legislation and the inconsistencies within to try and come up with a recommendation for
resolution to present to council. We are anticipating a resolution to these and other issues and concerns and a true up to billing to be completed in 2022.
Utility Collections is continuing its business partnership with Debt Recovery Solutions with great anticipation of collecting dormant and or outstanding accounts.
During 2021 we were able to promote an Account Clerk to a Supervisor 1 position. This promotion will be a great help in addressing questions and concerns of our consumers.
WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT: The Wastewater Treatment Plant treated 4.23 billion gallons for the year with an average of 11.22 million gallons per day. The plant disposed of 2,423.06 more wet tons of biosolids this year for a total of 5,784.19 wet tons. These biosolids were utilized through their Land Application Program. Within the Land Application Program, 1,406.7 wet tons of biosolids were added from their lagoon sludge. This is a reduced amount from last year by 1,457.3 wet tons.
The Plant’s last stationary engine to be overhauled is scheduled for 2022. Employees replaced the last raw sludge pump in-house and completed modifications to accommodate the new model pump. They also replaced all five RAS flow meters in the plant for reliability and serviceability. A major repair with the main discharge pipe at one of the lift stations was addressed. Numerous lift stations had undergone pump overhauls due to years of normal wear and tear. They upgraded to the latest radar level/pump controls at key lift stations to improve reliability. The Wastewater Treatment Plant’s largest lift station, PAPS, is now completed and operating at capacities higher than expected. They can operate all equipment remotely, monitor and record flow, and screening requirements.
Its Landfill Leachate Program brought in $172,266.00, an increase of $ 38,274.00, with no harmful impact on the plant process.
Throughout the year, the WWTP cross-trained an employee in lab procedures and testing as well as trained two new hires for plant operations, and one transfer to the Solids Handling building.
Routine grounds maintenance was performed along with plant equipment maintenance and the maintenance of 16 lift stations.
WATER TREATMENT: In 2021, The Water Treatment Plant treated and pumped out 3,341,440,000 (3.341B) gallons of safe, potable drinking water. There were no violations for bacterial or chemical water properties. The WTP laboratory performed 58,380 tests for chemical and turbidity parameters, and performed 912 bacteriological tests. Laboratory staff responded to 59 boil advisories due to main breaks and depressurizations, and all boil advisories returned satisfactory water results. Other required water samples such as cyanobacteria and algal toxin screening, organic and inorganic carbons, volatile and synthetic organic carbons, and lead/copper sampling were collected and sent out to Ohio EPA approved laboratories. All required monitoring samples were conducted in the appropriate time and came back with results within allowable limits.
The 2020 annual consumer confidence report was completed and sent out to our approximately 20,000 customers along with their utility bills.
eted routine maintenance and repairs for all water treatment facilities at the Treatment Plant, Lake Pump House, Woodland Reservoir, Straub Tower, Shaker Tower and Pump Station, and ten well sites.
Projects/Maintenance tasks completed throughout 2021 included the Rehabilitation of Brumenshenkel Well #1, rehabilitation of Treisch well, cleaning and Inspection of vault in front of the plant, had the Straub Tower inspected by an outside firm, and drained and cleaned all four treatment basins. Lake Erie Electric performed maintenance work at the substation.
One sludge lagoon was cleaned and had dry sludge hauled off to a landfill, blower and mixing equipment at Woodland Reservoir were put in service, installed new in-line meters for chlorine and pH, a new generator switch installed, new heaters were installed in buildings at Woodland Reservoir, and treated Clearfork Reservoir for algae, and had no significant algal blooms. Phase 1 of the large-scale capital improvement project was finalized and first GMP (guaranteed maximum price) was proposed and accepted. Construction at the facility began at end of year.
One Water Treatment operator retired, one resigned, and one transferred to another department. Two new operators from the outside and one from another department were brought in who currently trained in operating the plant and lab work, and are seeking out their Class 1 licenses. Three operators obtained their Class 1 license, as did their lab tech. A maintenance staff member passed the Class 1 exam and then went on to take and pass the Class 2 exam. These staff members took the initiative to obtain licensing which was not required due to being grand-fathered in before requirements were in place demonstrating their commitment as city employees.