Mantua – At the last meeting, Village Administrator John Trew shared that although all three variable frequency drives (VFDs) recently went down at the sewer plant, the village was able to borrow a portable unit from Portage Water Resources to continue uninterrupted services to residents until new units could be ordered. According to Mr. Trew, the VFDs are used to power the aeration blowers through the sewage treatment process, reducing electrical costs. He also noted that new dehumidifiers were also installed at the plant, which he noted is beyond the estimated life expectancy.
Next, Village Engineer Rich Iafelice noted that the village’s Asset Management Plan regarding the water and wastewater systems which was originally due to the Ohio EPA in October is now due on November 1st, 2018. He noted that the document provided to the village by Portage Water Resources includes some of the required documentation, but that additional elements are still necessary for submission to the EPA by November 1st. Lastly, he noted approval of a grant to help pay the costs for a necessary roof replacement on the reservoir. In related news, Mayor Linda Clark shared that council will hold another special meeting to discuss the water and sewer systems; another public meeting will be held in the near future.
Police Chief Joe Urso shared that the department was considering increasing the fees for parking violations within the village. The current ticket costs range from $10 for parking in a fire lane – $25 for parking in a handicapped spot; those charges double after 72 hours. The proposed rates may double the fines in each instance.
In addition, Chief Urso shared that Home Instead Senior Care providers will provide a program called “Santa for a Senior” to senior citizens within the community. According to the chief, the program will provide a holiday visit and gift to area elders without nearby family. For more information on this program, contact Paula Baughman at Home Instead Senior Care (330) 995-1522. Lastly, Chief Urso shared that this year trick or treating will take place in the village on Wednesday, October 31st from 6 – 8 pm.
According to Sue Steinberg from the Downtown Mantua Revitalization Corporation (DMRC), Mantua will once again have a Pop-up Artists’ Market offering affordable, hand-made holiday gifts for sale. Just like last year, the gallery will launch in mid-November in a downtown storefront. This year, in addition to fabulous gifts for sale, the gallery will host free arts workshops and performances during select weekends. The Ohio Arts Council and Portage Foundation support the project. For more information, visit revitalizemantua.org.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 16th at 7 pm; residents are encouraged to attend.
