What would you like to see done in Glendale?

I often hear from many residents on what they would like to see in Glendale. For example, some time ago there was a strong need for a community bank and after much discussion, the administration was able to attract 5/3 Bank to move to Glendale and rent/restore a village owned buiding where they operate today. Another example was when there was a strong desire to find a new location for the Glendale Heritage Preservation and to see the old train depot saved from demolition by CSX railroad. With great effort, the administration obtained the building for $1, split the costs to restore it with GHP, watched dozens of GHP volunteers work as a team to physically restore the inside and now we have a unique museum partnership between GHP and the Village.

Feedback from the residential population is a valuable tool which brings forth creative ideas. Feel free to list anything you would like to see done in Glendale. You never know!

WW Cordes

Your Summer (July) utility bills

By now you have received your summer utility (combined water and sewage) bills. As you likely recall from press releases, emails and newsletters, your rates have increased 130 % to pay for mandated (Ohio EPA) improvements to your sewage treatment plant ($4.3 million required to build a new plant prior to the end of 2007) and to significantly upgrade the water treatment plant ($1.5 million required to upgrade the water processing and filtration system to new standards). ATS Engineering has already begun the process of submitting new designs to the OEPA for their approval and we are preparing to go to bid to obtain the lowest price to get the job done. Your Council has researched various options and they are unanimous in that it is the best choice is to keep both plants, upgrade them as required, and to remain independent of the Cincinnati water and sewage systems.

While our rates are temporarily higher now (they used to be one of the lowest) in the area, that will soon change as our neighbors also raise their combined utilty rates to deal with billions of dollars of their mandated improvements.

Many residents are calling in to question the new utility bill....to make sure it is right. The minimum used to be $54.40 and now it is $126.29 . The average bill used to be $122.80 and now it is $284.89 . Residents are encouraged to look at their usage and compare it to their usage from the same time last year. If your usage is up substantially, you may have a leak that needs your immediate attention. With the new rates now in place, it is extremely important to correct any and all water leaks to prevent a larger bill. If you suspect a leak, contact us and we will check your house for you at no charge.

Phyllis (pdepeel@glendaleohio.org) or Sally (swilson@glendaleohio.org) will be glad to accept emails to check water bills or set up an appointment to check for leaks on your property (or you may call them at 771-7200).

The new rates are in place for as long as is necessary to make the required improvements and to pay the debt of the low 2.75% interest construction loans. In August I will be applying for a 0% grant loan from the S.C.I.P. (State Capital Improvement Program) to try to get a grant (0% loan) for apx. $1.5 million to significantly upgrade the water plant. The rates were increased to pay back a loan for this amount based upon a low interest 2.75% loan from the OEPA. If we get the 0% grant/loan, that will mean that we can begin to lower water rates. You have the pledge of the Mayor, Council and Administrator that we will only charge that which is absolutely necessary to get this job done. Any unnecessary excess revenues will result in a reduction of utility rates.

WW Cordes

Rumpke; Taking cans out to the curb

Over the past few years more and more residents are taking their garbage cans out to the curb for Rumpke to pick up instead of leaving them at the rear or side house. We believe that about 35% are now doing so. A Rumpke employee recently told us that the number is closer to 50%. Mayor Todd and Council are aware of this trend and will study the matter this Fall in Committee. Issue; We pay almost 50% more ($160,000 per year vs. $85,000 per year for the special rear house pickup of your garbage cans). This is a premium of $75,000 of which we may be overpaying $26,000 (35%) and possibly up to $37,500 (50%); depending on how many residents are not using the premium service.

Some possible remedies;

1) Go to curb side collection for everyone and save $75,000
Issues: Some would not care and some would not be pleased by this reduction in service.
All of the Village would have cans at the curb, however, the 3 day Village wide collection could be consolidated to 1 day per week.

2) Offer optional side of the house for only those that wish it and have Rumpke adjust the bill.
Issue: Rumpke may not split out the service and lower their contract.

3) Mandate that no garbage cans would be allowed at the curb (only trash to be placed at the curb).
Issue: Difficult to enforce