A potential sanitary sewer line project for west Groveport Road remains off the table as Groveport officials stated they still have not received the complete results of health and environmental testing of the area from the Ohio EPA.
In a letter presented to Groveport Village Council at its Nov. 19 committee of the whole meeting, Marc Studley of Access Storage, located on west Groveport Road, once again appealed to council to proceed with the proposed west Groveport Road sanitary sewer project. But council members stated they wanted to hold off taking any action regarding the potential sewer line project until they could review the completed results from the Ohio EPA and Franklin County’s health and environmental testing of the area.
As of Nov. 19, Village Administrator Jon Crusey told council the village has not received the report from the Ohio EPA.
"I hope to have something by the December committee meeting," said Crusey.
Village officials indicated that, when the information is received from the Ohio EPA, council could discuss the matter and a decision on whether to proceed with the project could depend on the results received from the testing.
On Oct. 22 the Franklin County Board of Health reported to the village that a field review of the area was completed Oct. 16. According to the county’s report, "We visually inspected numerous commercial properties between Hamilton Road west to the corner of Swisher Road. In the course of our review we did not discover evidence of any waste water violations."
The Ohio EPA notified the village that it would be sampling the area in question on Oct. 4 to document any "unsanitary conditions." Ohio EPA officials also indicated they would "investigate any potential source of contamination that may impact surface waters in or near the area" and also would sample for bacteria in the area.
The proposed 2,100 foot, $863,000 ($1.6 million if potential interest on notes/bonds is included in the total cost) sanitary sewer line would include a mix of residential, farm, churches, and commercial properties along Groveport Road west from Greenpointe Drive to the First Baptist Church of Groveport. The sewer line would serve an area encompassing 240 acres.
Railroad crossing repairs
Public Works Superintendent Dennis Moore stated repairs to three axle rattling railroad crossings in the village will begin soon.
Work on the Bixby Road crossing will be from Nov. 27-29; the Hendron Road crossing will be fixed from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4; and the College Street crossing from Dec. 5-7.
Moore said there will be road closures while the work is being completed and detour signs will be posted.
Police
Council, Police Chief Gary York, and Mayor Lance Westcamp discussed the possibility of expanding the village’s police force from 19 officers to 20 in 2008.
The proposed 2008 budget includes a request for a 20th officer.
Currently, the department tries to have a sergeant and three officers on duty for each of its three eight hour shifts. York pointed out that sometimes there are less officers on duty during those times due to vacations, sick leave, and training schedules.
Council members all appeared in agreement that the village should proceed in hiring a 20th officer, but Westcamp disagreed stating he felt the current level of officers is sufficient.
"I think we’re covered pretty good," said Westcamp.
Council and the mayor will consider the matter further at a future meeting after York provides some comparison information from other communities and financial data regarding the police force.
