Utilities Director Tim Clark told the Board of Public Utilities that he has had several conversations with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the violations the EPA has issued regarding the city’s water problems.

Clark said the EPA has tried to be helpful in giving them several ideas and they are working toward solutions, and they have had several Teams meetings to not only address the violations but also solutions where the EPA has made several recommendations about several nominations they should make on some of the projects and suggested some funding sources the city could possibly tap into.

Clark said he feels the city is on its way to getting in better graces with the EPA.

Clark also noted that he had to notify the EPA to report an issue that occurred between April 5 and 7 where the Turbidy at the water plant was too high, and he suspects the EPA may issue a violation for that.

Clark requested approval to spend approximately $4,900 to do repairs such as a new roof and fix the siding on the pumphouse at the water plant. The board approved the repairs.

Clark also requested getting the fence repaired at the Pope Street tank as they will need to protect the generator that will be in use there while the tank is being painted.

Clark, Water Superintendent Paul McCarthy and Mayor Bobby Smith discussed the cause of the original fence being down, which part of it was due to Scout Solar taking it down to work on a solar structure at that location. Scout Solar was supposed to replace the fence and clean up the area, which McCarthy said they failed to do. No decision was made on the fence as the board wants to request Scout Solar repair/replace the fence and clean up the debris left near the location. Clark noted that a portion of the fence was taken down by the city to fix a broken water line.

Clark suggested increasing the after-hours call out for turning water service on or off from $60 to $125. Board members want to look at the rates and tabled the matter for a future meeting.

Clark and McCarthy said the city needs new trucks for the water/sewer departments. Two of them are needed for the meter crew the EPA requires the city to have.

The water department is facing a staff shortage with one employee leaving and another employee off for four months due to a worker’s comp issue.

Clark also said that the $1.50 sewer rate increase was approved by city council and will go into effect next month. Due to some employment issues, the Civil Service Board is requesting a meeting regarding water/sewer employees.

The board approved Clark’s request to hire a mowing service for one month at the rate of $1,150 while they try to find someone who can do it at a better rate.

There was discussion over the previous administration failing to charge for new meters or meter parts and the board will be looking into establishing payment plans for new meters if needed.

Clark requested an executive session to discuss personnel matters. No action was taken

The Board of Public Utilities meets the third Thursday of each month at 2 p.m. in council chambers at East Liverpool City Hall. The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 15.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com