Thursday - April 15: The Buckeye Water District Board of Trustees met Thursday morning for their regular monthly meeting at Wellsville Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Board President Mike Ryan, Board Members Dave Lloyd, Rick Williams, Cal Carney, Jack Call, Tim O'Hara & Gene McGaffick. Also present was District Manager Al DeAngelis, District Legal Advisor Fred Emmerling, Fiscal Officer Sara Crouch and Administrative Assistant Tracy Allen.
Columbiana County Commissioner Penny Traina was first up during the Public Speaking portion of the agenda. Traina thanked the District & DeAngelis, on behalf of the Commissioners, for the collaboration and cooperation on extending water throughout the county. Their efforts greatly enhanced the possibility of economic development in Columbiana County. Traina then petitioned the Board for their support of the renewal of the 1% sales tax that will be on the Primary ballot in May. She noted that the 1% brings in approximately $8 million a year which is 44% of the County's General Fund. State mandated services takes 78% of the General Fund which the County has no control over. Traina said they feel the sales tax is the most fair and equitable way to raise money to keep the County going. Of that $8 million, $2 to $3 million is paid by out of state residents shopping in Columbiana County. Board members Ryan, McGaffick and Call all stated they personally support renewing the existing tax. However, Ryan said the matter for the Board to officially endorse the tax would have to be first referred to the appropriate committee for their recommendation.
Madison Township Trustees Gary Williams and Roger Walker were there to thank the District for work recently done as part of the Salineville Waterline. The installation of waterlines and hydrants is certainly a plus for that part of the township. However, Williams noted that many road surfaces on Osborn, Forbes, James and Opal Drive are chip and seal. Dirt was piled on the roadways in many spots and Williams said there is no way to reclaim those spots without new surfaces. They asked for the District's help in restoring the problem areas. District Manager DeAngelis will meet with the Madison Trustees in the near future to resolve the problems. Ryan noted there are funds being held back from the contractor and the problems will be corrected.
St. Clair Township Trustee Jim Sabitini also thanked the Board for all they have accomplished in his township and especially for their decision to move forward with extending water to the Frederick Heights area. See below. Sabitini said he is one of the residents in that neighborhood and personally looks forward to having a reliable source of potable water. He said he was one of the group that said they would tap in once installed. As a resident and a trustee he thanked the District.
For the Personnel Committee, Tim O'Hara stated there will be a Special Board Meeting Tuesday, May 11 at 9 A.M. at the Water Treatment Plant. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the re-employment of BWD retiree Mark Allison as a part-time Distribution Coordinator.
As a member of the Engineering Committee, Gene McGaffick got a motion passed to proceed with the engineering of extending waterline service to the Fredrick Heights area. Engineering company Dallis Dawson & Assocs. recently conducted a door-to-door survey for potential customers in that area and have reported there are 85 to 90 ready to sign on. Jim Sabitini is one of them. At a recent Engineering Committee meeting it was decided to recommend proceeding with the project.
For the District Manager's Report, DeAngelis reported that RCAP will be conducting an energy audit for the district. The audit will be done for free and will try to determine ways to conserve on energy costs. DeAngelis also reported State Auditors are presently conducting the yearly audit of the district. The complete audit is expected to take five weeks.
Board Member Jack Call asked what has to be done to return the old Wellsville reservoir back to the village. With the new Raw Water Pump Station, new reservoir and Water Treatment Plant now on line water is no longer being produced from the old reservoir. Call stated he has been approached by members of the community on the subject. BWD Legal Advisor, Attorney Fred Emmerling said he will schedule a meeting with Wellsville officials in hopes to have a resolution ready for next month's Board meeting.
The old reservoir was turned over to the District when it was first formed. All real estate, buildings and tools were deeded over with a reversion clause that states everything will go back to Village ownership once it is no longer needed to produce water. According to newspaper accounts it first has to be determined if that piece of property is included in property liens involved with the East Liverpool lawsuit.
For Project Reports, DeAngelis reported that Tucson, Inc. now has 2,580 linear feet of waterline installed for Phase B of the Salineville project. Sugar Excavating is performing reclamation work left undone because of the winter weather on Phase A of that project.
Being no Old Business or New Business the meeting was adjourned at 9:30. Next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 20 at 9 A.M. at Wellsville Village Hall.
ole nib
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Wellsville's Revitalization Committee
Wednesday - April 14: Wellsville's Revitaliztion Committee held a meeting Wednesday evening at DaLonzos on Main St. Present at the meeting was Connie Carmichael, Anna Mace, Jim Saracco, Candy Bangor, Lonnie & Beverly Hentzell, Sharon Buswell and Joyce Lynn. The main purpose of the meeting was continuing plans for the 2nd Annual Old Gray Mayor's Basketball Game.
It was reported that there are just a few more details to wrap up before the program will be ready to print. The roster of players for both the East Liverpool and Wellsville teams are nearly with just a few more confirmations needed. The Cheerleaders are set to go.
It was reported that Tri-County Ambulance will have a crew standing by just in case. Missed in our last report of donations for the Chinese Auction was the Coca Cola mirror being donated by Dottie Betz of Betz Employment Services. Wellsville's Save-A-Lot is donating the hot dogs, buns and beverages for the concession stand.
A practice is scheduled for both players and cheerleaders to begin at 6 P.M. Friday, April 30, at Wellsville High School. Members of the committee will also be setting up at the same time.
Tickets are available at Air Waves, Holly Development and J.C.'s Wellsville Barber Shop. All three businesses are located next door to each other on Main St. Committee members also have tickets available.
Next meeting is scheduled for Sunday evening, April 18 at 6 P.M. at DaLonzos plus another one for Wednesday at the same time, the same location. With the game just around the corner all those last minute details are being worked out.
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Wellsville Village Council Special Meeting
Wednesday - April 14: A special meeting was held Wednesday afternoon at Village Hall by the Wellsville Village Council. Present at the meeting was Mayor Joe Surace, Fiscal Officer Dale Davis, Council Members Susan Haugh, John McMahon, Joe Soldano, Randy Allmon & Tony Cataldo. Also present was Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Zoning Administrator Rick Williams and WPD Lt. Ed Wilson. The meeting was called to cover three items but two of those were deferred to a later date.
The one item that was dealt with was the application for a C1 LIquor License by the owners of For Your Convenience mini-market located at 300 17th Street, next door to Garfield School. The market is owned by Laddie & Griffen Wallick who listed a New Philly address according to newspaper accounts. In the same article it noted that Laddie Wallick is a registered sex offender with the State Attorney General. His address is listed as being in Dover, OH, on the State AG's web site.
A motion by Councilman Allmon to object to the license and request a hearing on the application was seconded by Councilman McMahon. With Councilman Cataldo abstaining the motion passed by a 4 - 0 vote. Cataldo holds a liquor license for Tony's Bar on 3rd Street. He indicated last week he always abstains from voting on liquor license issues to avoid any conflict of interest accusations.
A Sewer Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 19 at 11 A.M. at Village Hall. Council meets in regular session Wednesday evening, April 21, at 6 P.M. That was moved to a day later to avoid a schedule conflict.
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The one item that was dealt with was the application for a C1 LIquor License by the owners of For Your Convenience mini-market located at 300 17th Street, next door to Garfield School. The market is owned by Laddie & Griffen Wallick who listed a New Philly address according to newspaper accounts. In the same article it noted that Laddie Wallick is a registered sex offender with the State Attorney General. His address is listed as being in Dover, OH, on the State AG's web site.
A motion by Councilman Allmon to object to the license and request a hearing on the application was seconded by Councilman McMahon. With Councilman Cataldo abstaining the motion passed by a 4 - 0 vote. Cataldo holds a liquor license for Tony's Bar on 3rd Street. He indicated last week he always abstains from voting on liquor license issues to avoid any conflict of interest accusations.
A Sewer Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 19 at 11 A.M. at Village Hall. Council meets in regular session Wednesday evening, April 21, at 6 P.M. That was moved to a day later to avoid a schedule conflict.
ole nib
BWD Board of Trustees Finance Committee
Wednesday - April 14: The BWD Board of Trustees Finance Committee met Wednesday morning at the Water Treatment Plant. Present at the meeting was Finance Committee Members Bob Wines & Gene McGaffick, Board President Mike Ryan, Fiscal Officer Sara Crouch and District Manager Al DeAngelis. The purpose of the meeting was to prepare the monthly Treasurer's Report for the Board meeting.
Overall there was nothing out of the ordinary according to Fiscal Officer Crouch. March receipts was $296,516 and expenses totaled $197,262 putting the month's revenues $99,000 to the good. It was noted account receivables have been picking up since the first of the year.
Crouch reported that only $100,000 from the CD account has been transferred to the Enterprise Account. Last month the Trustees approved the transfer of $300,000 to avoid paying service charges. Crouch stated the transfer of the other $200,000 is being delayed until needed. It is earning interest as long as it stays in the CD account. Cash on hand to pay bills stands at $222,092 presently.
For the month of March the Water Treatment Plant produced 25.5 million gallons of water. Wellsville used 5.6 million gallons of that amount. Crouch noted that the Wellsville total was down for the month. Village customers used 6.2 million gallons in February. McGaffick noted the cost to produce 1,000 gallons of water has increased 70 cents since opening the new Water Treatment Plant.
The Village of Salineville used 1.9 million gallons of water in March. Accounting for Salineville is kept separately until they are tied into the new water line. That does not include the cost of manpower.
It was noted that 24.6% of BWD revenue goes to wages. According to President Ryan keeping that figure under 25% is considered to be good but it's the Board's goal to get down to around 20%. Getting Salineville on-line and closing their aging Water Treatment Plant is considered being a step in the right direction. However, no reduction in force when that occurs is currently being anticipated according to Ryan. It will have to be accessed when it happens but there are many little jobs being anticipated. Overtime was up a bit for March. Most of it was due to waterline breaks in Salineville and work at the Elkton Prison.
Crouch noted that at a recent conference she attended that she learned that water districts are being considered for Jefferson County and to combine Boardman, Canfield and Austintown.
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Overall there was nothing out of the ordinary according to Fiscal Officer Crouch. March receipts was $296,516 and expenses totaled $197,262 putting the month's revenues $99,000 to the good. It was noted account receivables have been picking up since the first of the year.
Crouch reported that only $100,000 from the CD account has been transferred to the Enterprise Account. Last month the Trustees approved the transfer of $300,000 to avoid paying service charges. Crouch stated the transfer of the other $200,000 is being delayed until needed. It is earning interest as long as it stays in the CD account. Cash on hand to pay bills stands at $222,092 presently.
For the month of March the Water Treatment Plant produced 25.5 million gallons of water. Wellsville used 5.6 million gallons of that amount. Crouch noted that the Wellsville total was down for the month. Village customers used 6.2 million gallons in February. McGaffick noted the cost to produce 1,000 gallons of water has increased 70 cents since opening the new Water Treatment Plant.
The Village of Salineville used 1.9 million gallons of water in March. Accounting for Salineville is kept separately until they are tied into the new water line. That does not include the cost of manpower.
It was noted that 24.6% of BWD revenue goes to wages. According to President Ryan keeping that figure under 25% is considered to be good but it's the Board's goal to get down to around 20%. Getting Salineville on-line and closing their aging Water Treatment Plant is considered being a step in the right direction. However, no reduction in force when that occurs is currently being anticipated according to Ryan. It will have to be accessed when it happens but there are many little jobs being anticipated. Overtime was up a bit for March. Most of it was due to waterline breaks in Salineville and work at the Elkton Prison.
Crouch noted that at a recent conference she attended that she learned that water districts are being considered for Jefferson County and to combine Boardman, Canfield and Austintown.
ole nib
Wellsville Area Ministerial Association
Tuesday - April 13: The WAMA held their regular monthly breakfast meeting at Tonda's Place this past Tuesday. Present was Pastor Troy Warner, President, Rev. Roosevelt Thompson, V.P., Deacon Terry McCuen, Treasurer, Pastor Dirk Hall, Byron Carter, Rev. Jay Nightengale, Rev. Bill Betteridge, Bishop Bill Rudder, Mary Heaton and Dennis. We didn't write Dennis' last name down and we apologize for the memory lapse.
Rev. Warner announced that this year's Lenten Series was a huge success with the Sunday evening services being well attended each week during Lent. The Lenten Series is a prayer service held each Sunday evening during Lent at different area churches that volunteered to host the service. The WAMA pastors served as guest ministers to lead the services.
The annual Good Friday Breakfast at Covenant Presbyterian was also extremely well attended. There was around 100 tickets sold and 99 tickets were collected at the door the day of the breakfast.
Rev. Nightengale reported the Good Friday Calvary Walk was very well received. Nightengale estimated that 50 people participated in the event that went from the Gazebo to the Central Methodist Church. The Central Methodist Youth Group dressed in Biblical costumes to emulate Jesus' walk carrying the Cross to Calvary. Thanks were offered to the Wellsville Police Department for escorting the Walk participants.
Rev. Betteridge reported that there was good news and a slight set back for Jo Ann McClain getting her kidney transplant. The good news is they have found a donor willing to help. The set back was a broken ankle Jo Ann suffered before the surgery could be performed. The operation has been delayed until she recovers from that. Betteridge asked that everyone keep Jo Ann in their prayers.
Deacon McCuen reported that the donation to the Beth Daniels Family Fund was deposited in the account set up at Central Federal. Mrs. Daniels and her family lost their home and everything in it in a fire not long ago. Bishop Rudder announced that a new residence has been found and they are in the process of getting all the details worked out. Mrs. Daniels is a member of the New Life Hope family.
A letter was read from the administrators of the Youth With A Purpose Home in Salineville. The home is located on the Moore family farm and they take in young men that need a place to live in a Christian environment. With cuts in government funding this past year the home is struggling to survive. Right now they are just getting by but that is a tenuous situation forcing the home to live practically day to day. The letter asked for continued prayers that these young men will have a place to live and also asked that consideration be given to supporting the young residents. Only $180 will sponsor one resident for a month. If each parish in the area would commit to supporting one resident each, the worry of having to close down would be gone. If it wasn't for the Moore's mission many of these young men would be forced to return to lives that got them into trouble. WAMA is making a $250 donation to the home.
Bishop Rudder reported that plans are coming together for the monthly Community Prayer Meetings. Rudder is chairman of the committee to once again get this going. He advised that there will soon be a dedicated phone number at New Life Hope for prayer requests and suggestions. In the meantime anyone wanting to communicate with the Prayer Ministry can stop by the church or write them at P.O. Box 252, Wellsville, OH 43968. It is hoped to have the first service in June. The prayer service will be open to the public.
Plans were announced for the National Day of Prayer which will be held at noon the first Thursday of May at the Gazebo. Taken from Nahum 1:7 this year's theme is "Such A Time As This". The National Day of Prayer is a community event sponsored annually by WAMA. In case of foul weather the event will be held at Wellsville Village Hall.
Plans were announced for Wellsville's Class of 2010 Baccalaureate and graduation. Baccalaureate will be held at the First Christian Church on May 16 at 3 P.M. Tee shirts with the Class of 2010's adopted scripture verse inscribed on them will be given to each Senior Class member attending. WAMA will also have a member on hand for the invocation and benediction at the graduation ceremony scheduled for May 30 at the high school.
At next month's meeting devotions will dedicated to Rev. Bob & Connie Phillips wishing them well as they approach their retirement date. Phillips announced at the March meeting that his last day in Wellsville will be June 30. He and Connie plan to relocate to Ravenna. Phillips is pastor of Wellsville's United Methodist Parishes.
Byron Carter announced that a Revival & Healing Service will be held at Lee's Chapel AME Church April 22 & 23. Guest evangelist will be Rev. Wesley Reid who is Pastor at the Lee Memorial AME Church in Cleveland. The services will begin at 7 P.M. on each of those evenings. Lee's Chapel is located at 1325 Center Street in Wellsville. Music will be provided by visiting choirs. You can call 330-532-1136 with any questions. Everybody is invited.
Next meeting is scheduled for 9 A.M. at Tonda's the second Tuesday of May. As Rev. Thompson remarked there is no "fussing & arguing about denominations". It is open to anyone wishing to partake.
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Rev. Warner announced that this year's Lenten Series was a huge success with the Sunday evening services being well attended each week during Lent. The Lenten Series is a prayer service held each Sunday evening during Lent at different area churches that volunteered to host the service. The WAMA pastors served as guest ministers to lead the services.
The annual Good Friday Breakfast at Covenant Presbyterian was also extremely well attended. There was around 100 tickets sold and 99 tickets were collected at the door the day of the breakfast.
Rev. Nightengale reported the Good Friday Calvary Walk was very well received. Nightengale estimated that 50 people participated in the event that went from the Gazebo to the Central Methodist Church. The Central Methodist Youth Group dressed in Biblical costumes to emulate Jesus' walk carrying the Cross to Calvary. Thanks were offered to the Wellsville Police Department for escorting the Walk participants.
Rev. Betteridge reported that there was good news and a slight set back for Jo Ann McClain getting her kidney transplant. The good news is they have found a donor willing to help. The set back was a broken ankle Jo Ann suffered before the surgery could be performed. The operation has been delayed until she recovers from that. Betteridge asked that everyone keep Jo Ann in their prayers.
Deacon McCuen reported that the donation to the Beth Daniels Family Fund was deposited in the account set up at Central Federal. Mrs. Daniels and her family lost their home and everything in it in a fire not long ago. Bishop Rudder announced that a new residence has been found and they are in the process of getting all the details worked out. Mrs. Daniels is a member of the New Life Hope family.
A letter was read from the administrators of the Youth With A Purpose Home in Salineville. The home is located on the Moore family farm and they take in young men that need a place to live in a Christian environment. With cuts in government funding this past year the home is struggling to survive. Right now they are just getting by but that is a tenuous situation forcing the home to live practically day to day. The letter asked for continued prayers that these young men will have a place to live and also asked that consideration be given to supporting the young residents. Only $180 will sponsor one resident for a month. If each parish in the area would commit to supporting one resident each, the worry of having to close down would be gone. If it wasn't for the Moore's mission many of these young men would be forced to return to lives that got them into trouble. WAMA is making a $250 donation to the home.
Bishop Rudder reported that plans are coming together for the monthly Community Prayer Meetings. Rudder is chairman of the committee to once again get this going. He advised that there will soon be a dedicated phone number at New Life Hope for prayer requests and suggestions. In the meantime anyone wanting to communicate with the Prayer Ministry can stop by the church or write them at P.O. Box 252, Wellsville, OH 43968. It is hoped to have the first service in June. The prayer service will be open to the public.
Plans were announced for the National Day of Prayer which will be held at noon the first Thursday of May at the Gazebo. Taken from Nahum 1:7 this year's theme is "Such A Time As This". The National Day of Prayer is a community event sponsored annually by WAMA. In case of foul weather the event will be held at Wellsville Village Hall.
Plans were announced for Wellsville's Class of 2010 Baccalaureate and graduation. Baccalaureate will be held at the First Christian Church on May 16 at 3 P.M. Tee shirts with the Class of 2010's adopted scripture verse inscribed on them will be given to each Senior Class member attending. WAMA will also have a member on hand for the invocation and benediction at the graduation ceremony scheduled for May 30 at the high school.
At next month's meeting devotions will dedicated to Rev. Bob & Connie Phillips wishing them well as they approach their retirement date. Phillips announced at the March meeting that his last day in Wellsville will be June 30. He and Connie plan to relocate to Ravenna. Phillips is pastor of Wellsville's United Methodist Parishes.
Byron Carter announced that a Revival & Healing Service will be held at Lee's Chapel AME Church April 22 & 23. Guest evangelist will be Rev. Wesley Reid who is Pastor at the Lee Memorial AME Church in Cleveland. The services will begin at 7 P.M. on each of those evenings. Lee's Chapel is located at 1325 Center Street in Wellsville. Music will be provided by visiting choirs. You can call 330-532-1136 with any questions. Everybody is invited.
Next meeting is scheduled for 9 A.M. at Tonda's the second Tuesday of May. As Rev. Thompson remarked there is no "fussing & arguing about denominations". It is open to anyone wishing to partake.
ole nib
Friday, April 16, 2010
Congressman Stops By For Lunch
Friday - April 9: The Wellsville Chamber-of-Commerce had a special luncheon last week with U.S. Congressman Charlie Wilson (Dem.- 6th District)as the guest of honor and keynote speaker. The luncheon was held at the Riverside Roadhouse on Wells Ave. It was a packed house with State, County & Local politicians, various business leaders, and many members of the Western Reserve craft and trade unions.
Wilson addressed the crowd on two topics that are of deep interest to all of us in the Wellsville area. The first is the national economic recovery efforts and the second subject was the Congressman's latest knowledge of the Ohio River Clean Fuel plant being planned by Baard Energy for the area. Progress in both areas have been stymied by the current economy that has slowed economic growth and national well being for many across the country.
The Congressman stated that "we know a major portion of the economic recovery is going to come from small business. It is all part of the engine that is going to drive this recovery into the future". National leaders feel that 60 to 80% of jobs in the future will come through small businesses. The Small Business Association (SBA) has stated businesses have to have access to credit or they will most likely fail.
With that in mind they have been working in the Nation's Capitol to remove much of the red tape the SBA was regulated with in the past. With the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act there was $21 billion earmarked for small business loans. Additionally another $30 billion in bank bail out money is earmarked for this program when those loans are repaid. That's $51 billion that is specifically dedicated to helping small businesses to keep their doors open while struggling to get by. Wilson advised there is presently "immediate loans of $35,000" available to small businesses as part of this goal to get people back to work. Using the Roadhouse as an example, Wilson said the more people working the more they will be likely to patronize other area small businesses. If folks have a pay check coming in they will be more inclined to go out for lunch or take the family out to dinner.
He also noted that Columbiana County has received $35.7 million in stimulus money from ARRA bill.
The Honorable Congressman than moved on to Baard's Ohio River Clean Fuels. Advanced energy is at the top of the priority list to move this country to being energy independent. Converting coal to liquid fuel with carbon sequestion could be a big part of reaching that independence. Wilson stated that the (Wellsville) area has all the tools right here with the river and the God given coal available in the region. He said the Port Authority's crane at Wellsville's Intermodal Park is second to none and frequently recommends it to companies shipping via the river.
In December 2008 Baard applied for loan guarantees with the Department of Energy (DOE). However there have been some "frivolous lawsuits" filed by the EPA and other groups. The DOE is reluctant to award loan guarantees when there are law suits pending. Wilson reported that just the week before the luncheon the appeal on the water permit was settled in favor of Baard. The appeal filed against the air permit will be heard in June.
Wilson stated that he, fellow Congressman Tim Ryan and others are doing everything in their power to get Baard's proposed plans moved forward. He has been dealing directly with DOE Secretary Chu and pledges to continue working on it. On a recent plane ride on Air Force One Wilson was able to speak directly to the President and explain more fully what Baard's proposal entails. Although he said he wasn't bragging, the ORCF is now on the Whitehouse's radar. He feels that one of the Administration's priorities is to drive jobs and getting this project approved would certainly do that in our area. He thinks that with a better understanding of the project he feels the Obama Administration is willing to look at changing the rules for clean coal.
Wilson also advised he speaks to John Baardson, CEO of Baard Energy, at least once a month. Baardson told him "right now it's just a matter of financing". Wilson said he can't speak for Baard but they have "lots of money already in this project. It's not going to Timbuktu" from what he has gleaned from Baardson. He also stated that he is committed to people of the area and will fight everyday to see this project through. He said "we will never give up on this project".
In line with the ORCF Wilson told of his bill he introduced in the House of Representatives to give college students a $5,000 rebate on their student loans. Wilson said it's a way of keeping jobs in the area and having people trained to move into jobs at Baard will accomplish that. Additionally there are hordes of baby boomers getting ready for retirement. Helping getting people trained to step into some of those jobs is important and his bill is aimed at that goal.
In closing his talk Wilson agreed to answer some questions. One of those questions was how did he keep his sanity with all that is going on in Washington these days. The Congressman said he felt like the football player that took a hit so tremendous it twisted his helmet around to where he was looking out the ear hole!
The next regular monthly luncheon for the Chamber is scheduled for Thursday, April 29. We'll have to get a location for you.
ole nib
Sunset On The Ville
While we're getting organized to get caught up we thought we would share this with you. We're suckers for sunsets and caught this one on our way home yesterday evening.
Perfect ending for a beautiful day in God's Country...
nib
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