NEW WATERFORD — Council on Tuesday passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to seek funding for the second phase of its water project.

Fiscal Officer Dave Slagle said the village is trying to obtain $1.1 million in Ohio Environment Protection Agency money but so far there is no principal forgiveness included in the loan.

Slagle said the village was advised it stood 11th behind the first 10 applicants for the money and that as the procedure winds on, there is a chance one of those applicants will drop out.

So far, the village has secured $1 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and $499,999 for Phase II and is hoping to secure the $1.1 million loan with the forgiveness provision.

The village produces treated ground water for approximately 500 customers and distributes it through 9.88 miles of main waterlines that are all being replaced during a multi-million dollar upgrade.

In a related piece of legislation, the village authorized the mayor to apply for, accept and enter into a second revolving loan agreement for design of Phase III water systems improvements.

Slagle explained the village will continue working to obtain $2.1 million for the design work and by the end of the year “hopefully there will be more money available.”

In other business, Councilwoman Kim Dickey submitted her resignation because she is moving out of the village. Her resignation is effective on June 30.

Anyone interested in filling the remainder of her four-year term can contact Mayor Shane Patrone, P.O. Box 287, New Waterford, OH, 44445. Slagle said there have been a couple of applications for the position already submitted.

In other business, Councilman Tom Cresanto asked Slagle how the ongoing state audit was moving along. Slagle said that after making a start on the village records, state auditors returned to Mahoning County. He said he expects the auditors to return to the village on July 1 or 2.

“So far, so good, there are no stainless steel bracelets,” he joked.

Cresanto, as park committee chairman, advised council he observed a little poison ivy in the park.

“But with this rain,” he said, “so be it.”

He also brought up the house the village owns that has had activity with people getting inside of it. He said it was an FYI for council.

Also Chad Hess, a water and sewer plant operator, gave Village Administrator Jason Gorby’s report for June. He said water plant production was good with two new filters and pipes installed and the Hatcher Road tower mixer is ready to become operational.

He also said the Kona software is now online and they have been doing yard work regarding Phase I of the water distribution system upgrades.

lshields@salemnews.net