ARCANUM — Infrastructure was the feature of the village council meeting held via video conference on Tuesday.
Bill Kessler, village administrator, began with information on a water main leak and the subsequent loss of about 300,000 gallons of water when a six-foot PVC pipe burst while performing hydrant flushes.
While no major catastrophe in terms of water supply, the burst did knock out approximately 60 feet of road on North Main, lifting the road at least four inches from the base.
Uncertain whether a contractor had run out of material or made the determination the PVC would fit better when connecting the new system to the old, Kessler continued, “I can’t believe it lasted as long as it did.”
When asked if any other PVC pipe that should have been steel was in the area, Kessler couldn’t answer. Also, when questioned about a camera to check, he answered no ability to do so in a pressurized line.
Council was also provided information by Kessler on a quote to repair the inside of the old water tower and to find and fix any weak spots.
Noting the outside of the tower, which was built in 1936, is still in pretty good shape, Kessler stated the inside repair and waxing would, “give us some time to make plans for construction of a new water tower in the future.”
A motion to hire Consolidated Tanks at an estimated $17,000, was approved by council as well as approval to hire Wagner Paving for the North Main street repair.
One last item related to infrastructure included information provided by Toni Stanley, fiscal officer, from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) deferring July loan payments until Jan. 2021.
OPWC administers funds for many infrastructure projects, from roads to bridges, wastewater to stormwater.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the commission is providing a six-month deferment with no late fees or additional accrued interest.
Council agreed to the deferment, acknowledging as council member Tim Philpot Sr. stated, “with the uncertainties right now, we need to examine it towards the end of the year.”
According to Stanley, the deferment affects five separate loans for the village.
Council meetings are held at 7 p.m. every second and last Tuesday of the month at the village administration and police headquarters at 309 Albright Street. However, due to COVID-19, all public meetings that are required to be held to continue the governance and delivery of services to the village will be conducted remotely via video or telephone conference technology. Information is available on the village website (villageofarcanum.com) or village Facebook page (@villageofarcanum).
