Wellsville Council's Sewage Committee

Wednesday - March 10: There was a Sewage Committee meeting held at Village Hall to update three Village projects and prepare recommendations for next Tuesday's Council Meeting. Present was Committee Chairman Randy Allmon, Committee Members Susan Haugh & Tony Cataldo, Village Administrator Jim Saracco, Zoning Administrator Rick Williams and Councilman Joe Soldano. Updates were given on finishing the work at the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), replacing the 1.5 mile forced main for sewage and the latest plans for the Highland Avenue project.

Work at the STP began nearly two years ago on the aging system. Conditions with the old equipment got to the point that it couldn't keep up with treating the raw sewage causing a stench to emanate making life miserable for anyone living down wind from the plant. They spent big money in 2008 cleaning out the sewage digesters. However, with the economic conditions there was no money in the Village funds for major capital improvements. The financial situation hasn't really improved all that much in the last couple of years but money is slowly coming available through grants and loans.

Cataldo announced that with the anticipated $133,000 grant from OMEGA in a couple of weeks the Village is ready to put out bids on the design work for an updated system of treating sewage called aerobic digestion. Once in operation the new system will eliminate the stench problem according to Cataldo. Along with the OMEGA grant the Village will be using an Ohio Public Works (OPW)loan for nearly $350,000.

The installation of the aerobic digesters will be enclosed in a new building that will be constructed as part of the project. Aerobic digestion "involves mixing the wastewater solids with sources of carbon such as sawdust, straw or wood chips. In the presence of oxygen, bacteria digest both the wastewater solids and the added carbon source and, in doing so, produce a large amount of heat. Both anaerobic and aerobic digestion processes can result in the destruction of disease causing microorganisms and parasites to a sufficient level to allow the resulting digested solids to be safely applied to land used as a soil amendment material (with similar benefits to peat) or used for agriculture as a fertilizer provided that levels of toxic constituents are sufficiently low", according to Wikipedia. For Wellsville it will be a whole new way for treating sewage. It will just about eliminate the need for the sludge beds.

The OPW loan will be on a 20 - 30 year repayment plan. According to Cataldo the loan has already been approved and the Village can "draw down from it at any time". There is a bit of good news financially. The engineering firm of Gills, Gard & Johnson has already been paid for the engineering work. It's ready for the next step.

The next project on tap is replacing the forced main that moves sewage from 2nd St. to the STP plant at 16th & Riverside. That main is a 12" diameter pipe line that moves sewage all along the line to the plant. According to Cataldo it was originally installed back in 1942 or 1944. Like the equipment at the STP it too has long out lived it's effectiveness. Last year there were four costly breaks.

Plans are to reroute a portion of the line and using a slightly smaller diameter pipe. Cataldo said they are looking at using 11-1/2" diameter new pipe fitted inside the old one. Parts of that line presently goes under four mobile homes at the end of 2nd St., under the 4th St. Square War Memorial, numerous trees along Riverside and huge piles of coal at the Wellsville Terminals. Using the smaller pipe will eliminate a lot of digging, damage and disruption. A power unit for the forced main located at 2nd St. will also be refurbished.

Financing the forced main work will be from a 20 year EPA loan for $350,000 at zero per cent interest plus some funds from the elusive STAG funds. The loan will cost the Village $15,000 per year which will be from the $1 increase put on sewage bills that started this past January. It is expected to bring in $18,000 in unencumbered funds this year. There is somewhere around $660,000 from the STAG funds left that is still under appeal with the US EPA.

The Highland Avenue project involves putting in new sewage lines, storm drain lines, culverts, catch basins and street improvements. A new sidewalk originally included in those plans has been eliminated. Money to pay for this long hoped for project is going to come from the remaining STAG funds plus funds being held in reserve. Once completed the project will hopefully eliminate the trouble causing water run off from the hillside in that area. Most of that water comes from underground springs and in winter months causes ice build up on the roads. According to Cataldo approximately $90,000 spent in 2008 & 2009 cleaning the STP digesters can be counted for the Village's 45% share of the grant for Highland. He said that was confirmed by Bill Boyle of G,G&J Engineering.

Motions will be made at next week's Council Meeting by the Sewage Committee to authorize the Mayor to advertise for bids for the design work on the aerobic digesters and authorizing the Mayor to apply for the EPA loan for the forced main.

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Revitalizaton Committee

Tuesday - March 9: Wellsville's Revitalization Committee met Tuesday evening at DaLonzo's Restaurant. Present at the meeting was Connie Carmichael. Sharon Buswell, Joyce Lynn, Ruth Ensinger, Nick DaLonzo, Anna Mace and Beverly & Lon Hentzell. Mr. Hentzell recently took over the duties of treasurer for the Committee.

It was announced that plans for the East Liverpool "Celebrity Alumni Basketball Game" are completed. The game will be played at the Potter Fieldhouse on Friday, March 26. Doors open at 5:30 P.M. with the tip off scheduled for 7 o'clock. Tickets are $5 and can be bought in Wellsville at Air Waves, the Carriage House II or Gibby's Mini Mart.

Representing the "Tiger Pride" from the ville are players Quinny Carter, Lon Hentzell, Phil Boyce, Mike Betz, Keith Miller, John Bucher, Bud D'Angelo and possibly Bill Heldman. Cheerleaders for the Wellsville crew are Vicky Burgess, Toni Figley, Sally Dowling, Phyllis Mick and Rosalie Call.

Plans for the 2nd Annual Old Gray Mayor's Basketball Game were gone over. The 'Angels" from the Alley Cat Aid Brigade will be in charge of cooking & selling the hot dogs. There will be chilly dogs, kraut dogs or just regular hot dogs. Candy Bangor will be in charge of the 50/50 and ad sales. Joyce Lynn will be in charge of ticket sales at the door and keeping a list of all donors. Sharon Buswell & Ruth Ensinger will be taking care of the concession stand. Connie Carmichael will also be in charge of getting tickets made up and distributed. Anybody wanting to be an Alumni Cheerleader should contact Faye Lombardozzi. Ed Bauer will be the announcer for the event.

The game is scheduled for Saturday, May 1. Wellsville's Mayor Joe Surace & East Liverpool's Jim Swogger have already committed to once again lead up the battling squad of players. Players must be old enough to qualify for the "Old Gray" classification. They don't have to be as old as some of the Mayors but...

In addition to the intense rivalry that always characterizes Tiger vs. Potters games there will be refreshments, a 50/50 and a Chinese Auction.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 17 at 6 P.M. at DaLonzo's on Main. Pictured above in last year's blood match is EL Mayor Jim Swogger and Wellsville's Mayor "Jumpin' Joe" Surace.

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Wellsville Board of Education

Monday - March 8: The Wellsville BOE met for their regular monthly meeting this past Monday evening. We didn't make it to the meeting but we did get some information for you. Didn't want to miss any of the action for a certain basketball game.

Present at the meeting was Board President Ed Bauer, VP Tom Brophey, and Board Members Karen Dash & Bill Miller. Also in attendance was Superintendent Rich Bereschik, Treasurer Coleen Wickham, Wellsville Teachers Assoc.'s Darlene Allison and OAPSE's Ed Swogger.

The Treasurer's Report for February was approved. For the month the General Fund had $644,414 in receipts and $570,547 for expenditures leaving a General Fund balance of $1.8 million. Investment interest earned in February was $4,321.63. The Set-Asides Fund for new text books & capital outlays remains at $736,160.

Representing the Teacher's Association, Mrs. Allison questioned some policies in the Student's Hand Book. Those questions will be investigated with a report on the findings at a later date.

Mr. Eric Meek's resignation as the Middle School Athletic Director was accepted. Meek recently accepted the Toronto Football Coaching position. Meek will remain a teacher in the Wellsville School System.

A three-day educational camping trip to Camp Fitch on Lake Erie was approved for 5th & 6th grade students, staff and adult chaperones. Right now the trip is scheduled for September 8,9 & 10.

A total of 68 Seniors were approved by the Board for graduation provided they meet all state and local requirements. Prior to the meeting we asked Superintendent Bereschik if the extended school days to make up for the snow cancellations will effect this year's graduation date. Barring any additional calamities graduation is still scheduled for Sunday, May 30. The last day for all other students is June 4. So far this school year there have been seven days of school cancelled for snow. This year only five are permitted before make-up days are added. Next year the number of permitted days goes down to three and in the 2011-2012 school year that number will go down to zero.

Board VP Tom Brophey was appointed to the Ohio School Board Association's Student Achievement Leadership Team at their January meeting. That team is charged with the development and implementation of programs to improve student achievement. Brophey is the Legislative Liaison for the Wellsville BOE.

With the Easter/Spring Break coming in early April the next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 19 at 6:30 P.M. in the Superintendents Office.

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Daniels Family Benefit

On February 17 Beth Daniels and some of her grandchildren living with her lost everything in a house fire except the clothes on their backs. Their Washington Street residence was completely destroyed. Fortunately the children and Beth were not at home. They had left the day before because of fumes believe to have come from the furnace. Insurance on the house was dropped as being unaffordable after the death of her husband Ron a few years ago.

An account has been set up at CF Bank for donations to the Daniels Family in the name of New Life Ministries - Daniels Family Fund. Donations can be mailed to CF Bank, P.O. Box 345, Wellsville, OH 43968, or dropped off at the bank.

This Saturday the good folks at New Life Ministries Harvest House & Kat's Kitchen will be having a benefit spaghetti dinner at the Main Street restaurant. See above. Any tips given to the servers will also be donated to the fund. Here's a chance to have a good dinner and to help one of Wellsville's own.

Please consider being part of one of the things that truly make Wellsville some place special.

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Wellsville Area Ministerial Association

Tuesday - March 9: The WAMA held their regular monthly Breakfast meeting at Tonda's Place Tuesday. Present was Pastor Troy Warner, President, Pastor Darlene Zanders, Secretary, Deacon Terry McCuen, Treasurer, and Mayor Joe Surace. A total of 15 members were in attendance. Byron Carter led the devotions to open the meeting.

This month's Prayer List was led off with Byron Carter being thankful that Sister Ruth got home safely. Lucille Huston asked that her nephew's knee operation goes well and for blessings for sisters Ellen, age 95 & Beatrice, age 86. Linda Surace's speedy recovery from injuries suffered in a fall at home was put on the list by husband Joe. Ruth Huff asked that her friend Patty in Steubenville be remembered. Pastor Warner included a continued speedy recovery for Jake Lunders and that doctors will find something to control his son Joshua's medical problems. Warner added that Jake is scheduled to go home March 23. Retired Pastor Jay Nightengale asked for blessings for all in WAMA. Pastor Dirk Hall asked that members of the WPD & WFD be kept in your prayers. Hall thanked everyone for their prayers for son Corbin, who is doing well. Aaron Smith asked that his lady friend's mother Linda be kept in your thoughts too. Terry McCuen asked for prayers that his daughter Dawn will be okay with her teeth problems. McCuen also asked that his Aunt Lucille, age 103, & Uncle Ed, age 93, be remembered. Mary Heaton asked for blessings for the lone waitress working Tuesday morning. Pastor Bob Phillips asked for continued prayers for all that are ministers. Pastor Darlene Zanders asked for continued speedy recovery for her sister Susanette & that her own diabetes stays regulated. Bill Betteridge asked that Jo McClain be remembered. McClain is currently screening for a possible kidney transplant after waiting for two years. Betteridge also asked that grandsons Patrick, recently back from Iraq & Jeremy, serving in Afghanistan be included in your prayers. We asked that Bishop Murry of the Youngstown Diocese find a way to keep Wellsville's Immaculate Conception Church open, especially for senior and disabled congregants. We also asked that a way could be found for Beth Daniels and family to find affordable housing in town.

Pastor Warner advised that anyone wanting to get on the WAMA mailing list need to give him their address. Warner also noted he received a call from Justin Garner asking for him to convey his thanks for WAMA's donation to the Cedarville University's Jamaica mission.

Also under Correspondence a letter was read from the Moore's of the Youth-With-A-Purpose home stating changes are underway on the criteria for accepting residents at the home. With severe cuts in government funding the home has increasingly had to depend on private donations. The Moores are going to travel to a Montana Christian Camp that is solely sponsored by private funds to see what they can learn. The Salineville area home is for troubled young men to give them the opportunity to live in a Christian family atmosphere.

For the Mayor's Moment, Surace announced that pot holes are being filled and commended the Village Street Dept. and all that pitched in for their outstanding efforts dealing with the snow. The Mayor also reported that plans are moving ahead for putting in a power source for the proposed Baard Plant. In speaking with Baard's Steve Dopuch, he has learned that part of the land intended for the plant has an ancient Indian burial ground. That is being looked at to see what can be resolved. Lastly Surace reported that a grant from OMEGA is coming to help finish up work at the Village Sewer Treatment Plant.

For Old Business it was reported that the Sunday evening Lenten Series is going extremely well. A donation to the New Life Ministries - Daniels Family Fund will be made from the offerings collected at the Lenten Series Services. Beth Daniels & family recently lost everything when their house burned to the ground. An account for donations has been established at CF Bank.

Discussion was held on the 2010 Paint-the-Town Committee. Different thoughts and ideas were talked about in preparation for this year. More definitive plans will be made at the April meeting. This will be the 5th year for the committee. In the past four years 17 Wellsville homes plus one church have been painted. Pictured above is Mary Heaton donating an original Grace Burford drawing of the Ascension Church to WAMA's Terry McCuen in honor of the Committee painting that church last year.

New Life Ministry's Bishop Bill Rutter will chair the proposed monthly Community Prayer Meeting Committee.

Pastor Warner announced he sent out a letter to all Wellsville area ministers and members of WAMA asking for thoughts and comments on where to hold the meetings. Not one negative remark or suggestion for change was received. He did get a few compliments. First Baptist Pastor Roosevelt Thompson remarked " if it's not broke don't fix it". The monthly meeting will remain at Tonda's Place the second Tuesday of the month. Thanks were given to Tonda for setting up & hosting the meetings.

The National Day of Prayer Service was gone over under New Business. This year's service will once again be held at the Gazebo on Thursday, May 6 from 12:15 to 12:45. Pastor Warner asked the Mayor if it would be possible to entirely block off the street for the event. The Mayor advised he would bring it up at the next Council Meeting. Bishop Rutter will furnish the sound system. With the Mayor's invitation, in case of rain, the ceremony will be held at Wellsville's Village Hall.

United Methodist Parish Pastor Bob Phillips announced that a "Calvary Walk" will be held prior to the noon Good Friday services complete with a Cross bearer. The Walk will form up at the Gazebo starting at 11:30 and the public is invited. The Walk will go from the Gazebo to Central Methodist Church on Main St. Mayor Surace offered to have the Village provide a police escort.

Pastor Phillips also advised that the monthly Soup & Salad held at Central Methodist is to raise funds to send disadvantaged children to a Youth Camp. It held the second Wednesday of the month from 4 - 7 P.M. at the church. Public invited. Donations appreciated.

Nazerene Pastor Dirk Hall announced that healing evangelist David Cordeau will be at the Maple St. church Wednesday & Sunday. Sorry, I didn't get the times. It's open to the public. Everybody is welcomed.

Pastor Warner advised that Wednesday, March 31, of Holy Week, the First Christian Church Choir will be performing a cantata entitled "Come Touch the Robe". Times will be posted at the church. It is open to all.

Lucille Huston announced the annual Bistro Night will be held Friday, Saturday & Sunday this week at Covenant Presbyterian Church on 18th St. Friday & Saturday's performance will begin with dinner at 6 P.M. and the show begins at 6:45. Tickets are $15 for those two days. Saturday is already sold out. Sunday's show begins at 2 P.M. with a light lunch. Tickets for Sunday are $10.

First Baptist Terry McCuen advised that this coming Sunday they will be holding the annual Choir Day beginning at 4 P.M. Various area church choirs, mimes & other selected groups will perform. Rev. Thompson & the Deacons welcome all.

Devotions for April's meeting will be offered by Pastor Phillips.

Pastor Bob Phillips wrapped up the meeting announcing that June 30 will be his & wife Connie's last day to serve in Wellsville's United Methodist Parish. They are retiring and relocating to Ravenna to be near family. He said all the Wellsville congregations are in harmony and the decision to retire was a mutual one. Pastor Phillips said his last 25 years in the ministry was his second career. Prior to that he was a warehouse manager for 25 years. Combined, Pastor Phillips has served a total of 12 years in Wellsville. Best wishes to Bob & Connie.

Next meeting is Tuesday, April 13, 9 A.M. at Tonda's. All area ministers and church lay members are welcome to attend.

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WHS Leo Club Sponsors Blood Drive

Tuesday - March 9: The Wellsville High School's Leo Club and the American Red Cross in conjunction with the Alleghenies Region Blood Services held a double reds blood drive yesterday. It was held at the high school gym from 8:30 - 1:30. Wellsville's Pizza Hut supplied pizza for the event. Donors had to be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110# and be in good health. As of 11:30 a total of 23 pints of blood had been donated according to Leo Club spokesman Zack Koopman.

Top center, in the collage, above is donor Randy Jackson. Top right is Leo Club Secretary Emmalee McIntosh checking with Koopman & Sarah Drysdale, who were manning the door. First time donor, Sophomore Vance Thomas didn't seem too excited but we gave him double exposure for sucking it up and donating to a worthy cause.

From the left, in the lower center and lower right, is Senior Leo Club Member Josiah Hull, EGCC student Ashley Haddox and Senior Leo Club Member Taylor Buzzard, taking care of the Canteen offering refreshments to all the donors. Haddox volunteered to assist to earn some credit hours required for one of her college courses.

Nice group, the Leo Club...

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Wellsville Council Property, Equipment & Cemetery Committee

Monday - March 8: Council's Property, Equipment & Cemetery Committee had a meeting Monday afternoon at Village Hall. Present at the meeting was Committee Chairwoman Sue Haugh, Committee Members Rosie Goss & Randy Allmon. Also present were Councilman Joe Soldano & Tony Cataldo and Wellsville Terminal's President C.H. (Chip) Muse and Secretary/Treasurer J.G. (Jay) Muse.

Haugh opened the meeting stating that Wellsville Terminal officials have once again expressed interest in purchasing approximately one-half acre of ground that is Village property located at the Sewage Treatment Plant. In the picture above the 165'X105" lot of land in question is where it says "City of Wellsville". It goes from one of the Treatment Plant's sludge beds to the start of the river bank. The black rectangles represent the two sludge beds. According to Haugh she had a meeting back in February with the Muse brothers, Wellsville Terminal Manager Craig Homic and Village Administrator Jim Saracco on the renewed offer.

Five or six years ago Wellsville Terminal first approached the Village on purchasing the property. It was decided back then by Village officials that the lot may be needed someday for future expansion of the Sewage Plant. The Village offered to lease the land to them at that time and that offer was declined. At the meeting last month it was decided to explore the possibilities of selling the land with a clause in the sale's contract the Village can repurchase the lot for the selling price plus the cost of the concrete/asphalt pad planned to be installed by the company. Haugh reported Village Counsel advised against that stating he was uncertain such a contract would be legal. Chip Muse questioned that.

Chip Muse stated that any possible need for the Sewage Plant is a "big what if" on the part of the Village. Cataldo explained there are no immediate plans on the horizon but 30 to 50 years down the road if it is needed the Village does not want to leave the Sewage Plant landlocked. Jay Muse remarked there is an equal sized empty lot on the western side of the Sewage Plant property that would still be available for any expansion. Goss stated "a picture is worth a thousand words" and advised she would like to have the Village Solictor reconsider after reviewing the blue print supplied by the Muses. Cataldo also remarked he would get the advice of the engineer that has done a lot of work on the Sewage Plant. Another meeting will be scheduled at a later date. Although a new appraisal would have to be done back in 2004 that lot was appraised for $40,000 - $50,0000.

Chip Muse, in an almost apologetic tone, broached the subject of the mound of dirt that runs parallel to Main St. for nearly three blocks. Muse stated that it was their intent all long to have it planted with something that didn't take a lot of maintenance and was pleasant to the eye. A weed choking grass was tried and didn't work. Late last summer that idea was abandoned and they sprayed the mound to be rid of the weeds. Muse stated they are open to ideas and suggestions with consideration that they are down to three employees at the plant and today's economy hasn't been kind. Various ideas were brought up like planting pine trees. Haugh suggested Morning Glories saying they choke off weeds and spread out. Muse explained they do not have the manpower or a lot resources presently but do want to dress up the area. He asked if there were any thoughts or ideas of a possible beautification volunteer group that might be willing to take on the project. Soldano advised that the Tree Board was looking into something like that at one time. Maybe they could be asked to take it on. Muse said they would be open to any suggestions and would be willing to have a joint effort with anyone to help at that location.

Chairwoman Haugh then brought up playground equipment stating the equipment at the old McDonald School is being donated to the Village. The most favorable location was thought to be at the Jim Kenney Center since there is nothing for children in that part of the Village. Both Cataldo & Soldano noted Village funds would have to be used to move and install it but neither one of them thought that would be a problem. For liability issues it has to be installed by a certified professional. Haugh stated that some members of the FOP indicated that organization would be willing to underwrite any additional liability insurance if the equipment is installed at the Center. The FOP has a long term lease on that Village owned property. A cost for installation will be obtained before moving forward on that project. The Village has a $13,500 Ohio Nature Works grant for playground equipment but the grant stipulates it can only be used for the 18th St. Playground.

To wrap up the meeting Haugh reported that unused Village equipment being considered for sale is still undergoing appraisals.

Next regular Council Meeting is scheduled for 6 P.M. on Tuesday, March 16.

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