Tuesday, June 26th, 2018
Inspections to begin in Coldwater
Officials to view residents' water systems to comply with mandate
By Georgia Rindler
COLDWATER - Village officials plan to inspect private water systems to comply with a state mandate to prevent water from cisterns or irrigation systems from entering the village water system.
Council members on Monday gave first reading of an ordinance to comply with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency mandate. The village could face an OEPA penalty of $25,000 per day starting in August unless council members approve the new rules. The ordinance states village officials will inspect individual water systems to ensure they comply with the law, which mandates backflow prevention devices to prevent water from cisterns or irrigations systems from entering the village water system.
Under the ordinance, property owners with an irrigation system are to be contacted about setting up inspections starting Aug. 1. Business property owners are to be notified from September through December. Property owners with a cistern are to be notified after Jan. 1. After the inspection, owners will receive a letter letting them know if any action is needed to comply with the new rules.
Residential users who do not have an irrigation system or a cistern and businesses with limited water use will not be inspected.
Village administrator/engineer Eric Thomas told council members that Southside Inn owners are applying for a D-3 alcohol permit. The restaurant already has D-1 and D-2 permits, which allow the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages for on-site consumption or carryout until 1 a.m. D-3 allows the sale of spirituous liquor for on-site consumption only until 1 a.m. Council members had no objection.
Thomas also reported on the street repairs done by The Shelly Co. of Findlay.
"The paving's done. It looks good," he said.
Village officials received an Ohio Public Works Commission grant for $200,000 with a $25,000 match from the village street department fund to cover the cost of the repairs.
"I really thought Terrace and Woodview, right off Main Street turned out really nice," he added.
Police chief Jason Miller told council members two people from his department had attended the active-shooter response training in St. Henry last week. He is also working with Mercer Health officials to set up training before the opening of the new hospital wing.
Council went into executive session for 15 minutes to discuss land issues. No action was taken afterward.
