SALEM — The utilities commission accepted the upcoming resignation of one of its members in its meeting Thursday.

Commissioners approved the resignation of Commissioner Randall Malmsberry effective Sept. 30, a resignation that Malmsberry attributed to an upcoming relocation outside of Columbiana County. Malmsberry has served on the commission since October 2015 when he was appointed by then-Mayor John Berlin to fill the seat which was left vacant when Bennie Funderburg passed away. Malmsberry is a Salem High School alum and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kent State University. As his resignation is not effective until the Sept. 30 Malmsberry will still serve on the commission for its Sept. 18 meeting. While not officially appointed yet, Craig Fehr is expected to succeed Malmsberry.

The commissioners also discussed the status of the department’s ongoing building projects, with Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Dean Stokes saying that phase three upgrades at the wastewater plant were “nearly complete” and that work was primarily focused on startups for the plant’s new systems. He also said that the sludge dewatering building “was up and running” but having some communication issues which were currently being resolved.

Commission Chairman Bob Hodgson asked what the status of a final punch list for the project was, and Stokes said that he was collaborating with Project Contractor Stanely Miller Construction to compile one, and that the list should be completed by the end of the following week. Hodgson also asked what the next steps should be in communicating with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to have the department’s consent decree finalized as the project draws to a close, and Project Manager Bob Schreiner said that in his experience working on similar projects that typically the OEPA is alerted that the project has been completed, and a walkthrough is conducted followed by a one-year checkup.

Schreiner also said that the East Cold Run Rip-Rap Repair project was also nearing completion and was currently waiting for feedback from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources about any issues found with the facework before the contract is closed out. The next phase of work for the dam still requires authorization from ODNR but is ready to begin the six-month monitoring period. Hodgson asked what the status of the fence to be installed around the property was and Assistant Superintendent Chad Hess said that J and J Fence Company were working on the fence and that the gate scheduled to arrive that day.

Project Engineer Drew Paul said work on upgrades at the water treatment plan had been progressing more smoothly since their most recent meeting with Project Contractor A.P. Ohoro, and that he had received 32 shop drawings from A.P. Ohoro and was reviewing the last one. He also said that Ohio Edison had visited the plant and that power would be shut down to the plant for a few hours while a new roof is installed due to the proximity to power lines.

Other matters discussed included approval by the commission to discharge a $238.81 sewer and water bill for 2370 Lexington Avenue for a chapter seven bankruptcy which was terminated on April 24.

The utilities commission will meet next at 3 p.m. Sept. 18.

mahart@mojonews.com