Attica Village Administrator Greg Martin presented options for funding the village's new sewer plant. He recommended council choose the option from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency that would allow the village to have 50 percent of the principle forgiven because Attica qualified as a low to moderate income community.
The village must first obtain a $600,000 Community Development Block Grant toward the total cost of the $2.1 million project. Subtracting that leaves $1.5 million of which 50 percent is forgiven, leaving the village to acquire a loan for $750,000.
Martin believes that if soil bores are completed this fall, they should have the project under contract by the end of 2013 and ready for work to begin in 2014. The EPA should notify the village if they qualify in the autumn to move forward.
Martin also reported that the emergency siren in the village failed to sound when tested again recently. After informing Dan Stahl, county EMS director, that they believe vibration from passing trains is affecting the siren, Stahl requested Martin investigate and solve the problem.
Martin said that several new stop signs have been erected and a four-way stop at Cook and Buckeye streets has been eliminated. Buckeye St. now has a yield sign.
Village Solicitor Rick Palau recommended council join a class action suit against Syngeta, a firm that manufactures atrizine that may have an adverse affect on water users. Members approved joining the suit since Attica qualifies and must provide ten years of atrizine amounts in the village water.
Police Chief Keith Turner informed council that the department has developed a Facebook page where village residents with special medical needs can sign up from a link on the village website at atticaohio.us or may visit the office. This will enable the department to assist in an emergency.
Turner stated the new police cruiser preparation is nearly completed and should arrive soon. Council passed a motion to authorize the mayor and fiscal officer to purchase and finance a 2013 Ford Interceptor SUV with equipment from Reineke Ford Inc., financed through Sutton Bank for four years at 3.5 percent interest and cancel the order for a 2013 Dodge Charger. They also heard the first reading of a resolution pertaining to the issue.
Fiscal Officer Pat Krebs reported the total of all funds is $701,748.93. She noted that the 2013 local government funding is being reduced by $10,000 to $32,750. They are already taking measures to cut back on expenses. She also relayed that several alternative energy companies have contacted the village since electricity has been deregulated. She will compile figures for presentation at the next meeting.
Krebs also reported that the Myers Park swimming pool lost approximately $6,500 this year.
The Sons of the Legion are sponsoring a softball tournament on Sept. 1 and 2 at Myers Park. Musical entertainment and a beer garden are planned. More teams are needed for participation.
Council welcomed two new businesses to the community. They are the Backroads Diner, previously located in Bloomville, and Reser Chiropractics.
Beginning in October the recycling process will change. Receptacles for Attica and Venice Townships are to be placed at the village water plant for recycled materials to be dropped off anytime during daylight hours. In October, Reed Township is to have receptacles placed at the township house on SR 162.
IT manager George Yakoubian stated that residents can register on the village website to receive informational messages.
The meeting moved into executive session for discussion of land acquisition.
In other matters, council:
Adopted the resolution accepting the amounts and rates by the budget commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying it to the county auditor.
Approved the process of aerating the tower water and changing from chlorine to the use of chloramines in the water purification process.
Noted a meeting with the Ohio Public Works Commission on September 6 to seek funding for the aeration, chloramines and carbon room at the water plant.
Heard the first reading of a resolution authorizing Mayor Bryan Shock to submit an application to participate in the OPWC state capital improvements program for grant funds for the water treatment plant.
Heard the next farmers market at Honey Creek Park is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 2.
Learned recycling is 4:30-6:30 p.m., Sept. 6 with Venice Township in charge. Volunteers are needed.
Council is scheduled to meet at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30.
