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LISBON -- Village council members agreed unanimously to set money aside for the survey stage of the Pritchard Avenue bridge replacement project after hearing assurances from an Ohio Department of Transportation spokesman.
"I'm never going to leave the local with a bill they cannot pay," ODOT spokesman Dan Lorenz said.
Lorenz spoke to council members during a recent council meeting, reviewing the need for the project and the funding already set aside, including $200,000 for the design phase provided by ODOT and 100 percent of the construction cost, now set at $691,349 from the municipal bridge fund. Lorenz said the construction cost could go up as high as $1 million and said it's likely the difference will be covered by the state.
He estimated costs for the village at $30,000 for the survey stage as soon as possible, another $30,000 needed in 2024 for environmental services and an estimated $40,000 for the right of way phase, likely in late 2024 or early 2025. The project construction is set for fiscal year 2026.
Councilwoman Melissa Hiner expressed concern over water and sewer lines having to be relocated and what that cost will be to the village. Lorenz said that would be reimbursable and could be included in the cost of the bridge. He was going to check on that.
Councilwoman Dawn Thomas, council president, asked about the Grant Street bridge rating and the Pritchard Avenue bridge. Grant Street was worse. Mayor Peter Wilson noted the Pritchard Avenue bridge had a house under it when the floods came. It was built in 1930 and rehabbed in 1966, with nothing done since.
"I think we have a really good opportunity to fix a problem bridge. We have the funds," he said, noting the bridge is heavily traveled and needs replaced. "I think it should be a priority for the village."
Thomas said her concern is the increase to the construction cost of nearly $300,000 and what if the state can't cover that. The village can't afford it, she said.
"We're not going to leave you on the hook for that," Lorenz said, adding the state would look for more funding.
Councilwoman Linda Donnalley commented that the bridge will have to be replaced at some point. If they wait, the cost could be 10 times the amount by then. Wilson said it's a matter of public safety.
Lorenz also said that at this point, the funding for construction is 100 percent and that's only guaranteed through fiscal year 2027.
"My opinion is we should move forward," Hiner said.
In other business, Wilson reported the electric aggregation was moving forward and residents not already on a plan with a provider will get letters soon. The rate isn't set yet, but he said the going rate was at 6.5 cents per kilowatt hour, which is half of what Ohio Edison is charging.
Wilson gave a brief update on the Grant Street bridge replacement project, saying construction is set to begin in June 2024.
Other topics discussed included LED lights for the lamp posts at Cedar Park, changing the format for guest speaking during meetings, such as a signup sheet and time limit, and having students possibly paint the snow plows. Nothing was decided.
Donnalley reported the pool made $32,801 for the summer with passes, daily admissions and snack shack sales, but the budget was still minus $29,000 for the year.
The next council meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26.