Issues remain in council’s effort to enforce sewer line charges

June 4 village council meeting

by Sue Serdinak

Richfield Village Council continues to delay the enforcement of a linear foot charge for properties that access the sanitary sewer line.

In 1996, council passed legislation to charge properties a linear foot fee, in addition to a usage fee, for sewage treatment services. The fund created by the footage charge was to be used for maintenance and repair of the system. But the fee was never assessed, and it is unclear why. 

Over the past few years, the village has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on repairs to the system, and the sewer department warned that the main trunk line could fail at any time.

Finance Director Sandy Turk said there is not enough money in the sewer fund to make $2.3 million of needed repairs.  She asked for legislation to assess the previously approved linear charge on quarterly sewer bills. The new legislation would also require that delinquent charges be turned over to the county to collect with real estate taxes.

Turk previously applied for a loan from the Ohio Water Development Authority to cover the cost of the repairs. She reported that the loan was approved, based on revenue the village would receive from the linear-foot charge.

The village has started implementing a requirement that meters be installed on every property’s sewer line so that owners can accurately be charged for discharge into the system. Until now, the discharge has been estimated for about 100 properties with private water wells rather than municipal water.

Several residents have attended council meetings to complain about the cost of installing the meters and the linear line charge the finance department plans to implement.

Council President Ralph Waszak said the cost of sewer usage may decline for some property owners after meters are installed.  Regardless, the legislation for the linear charge is unrelated to the usage charge.

Councilperson Rick Hudak said the linear charge is an administrative responsibility, and council was included in the discussion because of the change in the billing procedure.

However, councilpersons Bobby Beshara and Sue Ann Philippbar spoke against moving forward until a village-wide rate study is completed. Waszak said such a study could take months.

Turk said the loan from the ODWA would be in jeopardy if the linear charge is not enforced. She also said the interest rate could change.  

Waszak added that the sewer system is aging.  “We have a responsibility to maintain this asset,” he said.

In public comments, resident Dan Holahan questioned how council has handled notification about sewer charges to residents and said “I’m watching you.” He has criticized village officials at recent meetings.

Council’s action was further delayed because of a numbering conflict with the resolution.

Wheatley Road grant awarded

Planning and Zoning Director Brian Frantz announced that the village was awarded $175,000 from the Summit County Transportation Improvement District to extend Kinross Lakes Parkway, south of Wheatley Road and west of I-77.

The road will be built in conjunction with the construction of the new Hampton Inn Hotel, and the village will eliminate ditches and construct a sidewalk on the south side of Wheatley Road.

Insurance

Council approved the purchase of 12 months of employee health care insurance from Roundstone Management for $1.6 million. In addition, the village has a contract with Laser, a stop-loss carrier, for additional employee coverage for those who have had high claims in the past.

The plans cover 67 full-time employees. The premium is a 4.4% increase over the expiring coverage. Employees’ contributions will increase from 13.5% in 2023 to 14%.

Cemetery rules and costs

Council adopted new rules and costs associated with burials in the village’s two cemeteries, West Richfield and Fairview. According to the rules, only Richfield residents or former residents within the previous 10 years can be buried in the cemeteries.

The cost for full-burial interment is $600 for residents, $335 for veterans and $800 for township and former residents. The cost for cremains interment is $300 for village residents, $250 for veterans and $500 for township and former residents. 

The cost for burial space is $1,000 for village residents, $750 for veterans and $1,500 for township and former residents.

Councilperson Jeff Stoppenhagen said there is urgency to pass the regulations, because the village has been subsidizing the cost of burials.  

“We’re running out of space. Many people are now favoring cremations,” he said. The village plans to build a columbarium and add more burial plot spaces.

All rules and costs associated with the cemeteries will take effect 30 days after June 4, 2024. The revised costs and regulations should soon be on the village website, richfieldvillageohio.org/299/Cemetery-Rules-Regulations.

FBI academy

Police Chief Michael Swanson reported that Assistant Chief Paul Pfister was selected to attend a 10-week program at the FBI National Academy, where he will study intelligence theory, terrorism, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communications, physical fitness and forensic science.

Fire Engine

Fire Chief George Seifert reported that Engine 2, the new fire truck, was called into service soon after it was delivered to respond to a structure fire in Bath. Seifert said it successfully pumped 9,000 gallons of water to contain the fire. The old truck was out for repairs.

Marijuana sales

Council adopted an ordinance disallowing the sale of cannabis within the village.

9-1-1 county plan

Council approved village participation in Summit County’s 9-1-1 plan. According to the legislation, the service provided by the village for the village and Richfield Township will cost over $800,000 yearly and about $4.2 million for five years.

Ohio Revised Code requires that every Ohio county have a 9-1-1 program.

Fellowship Hall

Work has begun to replace the siding and windows and to rebuild the handicap ramp on Fellowship Hall.

Screening

Councilperson Marty Kruszynski spoke on behalf of the owner of the property immediately south of the Richfield Brewing Company, saying he believes lots of light will shine into the home and people might miss the roadway and end up in the yard.

Frantz said significant landscaping will be added in that area when the building is complete.

Cul-de-sac

The cul-de-sac at the end of Logwood Trail was constructed in the 1980s. According to resident Hank Novak, it was built on private property and county maps are incorrect. He requested that the village correct the discrepancy so any real estate sales will not be hindered.

Waszak said the village should clarify that all cul-de-sacs in the village are properly licensed.

Dora

Resident Ed Tishel suggested that the Green and the area immediately around it become a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area. “This could generate some excitement in the area,” he said.

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, patrons can purchase and carry alcoholic beverages in cups within a DORA.

According to Tishel, at least two restaurants must be included in a DORA. Law Director Ben Chojnacki said that is the minimum, but a DORA can be as large as the village wants.

Councilperson Sue Ann Philippbar suggested the village wait a year to see how the new brewery impacts the center of town.

The village will soon begin ditch elimination on the south side of Wheatley Road in preparation for building a sidewalk from Kinross Lakes Extension to the entrance to the plaza on the corner of Brecksville and Wheatley roads. Photo by S. Serdinak.