Swimming Pools Should have Fence for Safety

Public Hearings:
July 29, 2009 10 o’clock AM, Highland County Commissioners Office, Application for Annexation of Certain Properties on Sharpsville Rd

Sept. 5th, Public Hearing on Certifying Payment of Wastewater Capital Debt by Guaranteed Manner or Assessment, Phase I 11AM, Phase II 12 Noon.

Street Maintenance and Improvement Action Plan Ready to Be Implemented

Sewerage:
Council and myself are working diligently to meet the criteria for funding of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase II. There have been several meetings, and phone conversations over the last month to fast track the construction. The project is being bid immediately, and is expected to be under construction by late Fall.
Mark Suiter, Assistant Wastewater Superintendent, has recently been accredited with a certification for Class I Water and Class II Wastewater. These licenses, along with his experience and credentials make him a valuable asset to the Village of Lynchburg utility operations. These certifications are required by the EPA, to continue operating our utilities in compliance with the law and in a safe manner for public health. I want to congratulate him on his hard work over the last year, and an excellent job. I believe he will do an excellent job as our new Superintendent at the end of the 2009.

Street Update
Road and storm drain repairs have been moving forward around the entire town. It is expected, that there will be two small streets paved by the end of the Summer. At this point, the preparation has begun to repair the burm/edge and drainage around the areas to be paved so that the improvement will stand the test of time, and cost less to maintain. There is a draft of the first ever, Street Maintenance Program. This document provides us with the information if Street widths, lengths and conditions. Right of Way access and other needed information to assist in providing for street upgrades and paving in the years to come. This action plan will still start this year with two paving jobs mentioned previously.

Swimming Pools
There have been many questions regarding pool installations. Swimming Pools are regulated within Ordinance 2006-8, known as Subdivision Regulations, Section 162.045 A-B.
“(A) Al swimming pools within the Village shall now be completely surropunded by a fence of not less than four feet in height entirely constructed upon the owner’s property sufficient to restrain infants and toddlers from gaining access to the swimming pool.”
“(B) This section shall not apply to a container which is designed or used for wading which will not permit the filling with water to a depth of 2-1/2 feet and which may be dismantled, stored, or moved to one place or another without the use of tools other than what is normally found in a household workshop. Penalty, see 162.999”

In my opinion, clarity could be better within the Section, and is open to interpretation. The interpretation and advice of the Lynchburg Solicitor Fred Beery, is what I must take into consideration though. I hope this clears up any misunderstanding or question. It is important to comply for the safety of the community.

Finances
After paying the first half of 2009’s long term debt, and after all monthly bills are paid. The Village of Lynchburg is current and in the Black. In the months to come it will be very tight, however the current fiscal care and responsibility has brought the finances to a much better standing. There is quite a way to go, but it is on a positive course and turned around 180 degrees.

Lynchburg Finances Looking Better

I'am happy to report that the Lynchburg Village Government is up to date on paying it's long term and short term debt. At the first of the month the first half of the years long term debt payment, for capital improvements on past water and sewer projects was payed totaling more than $80,000. After all operations and monthly invoices were payed, the fund balances were still in the black. They were very close, and money is still very tight, however it is looking like things are getting better. On the current course, I sincerely believe that monthly utility invoices on the local wastewater, sewer, should decrease drastically in the next 5 years.

The Council and myself discussed the EPA,s request to guarantee the upcoming long term debt for the phase one and two of the current capital improvements at the wastewater treatment facility. The Council did decide to start a process to assess certain properties affected by the upgrades. Many scenarios were looked at, for instances, not doing anything, adding the amount to the current monthly utilities invoice, pay off the debt,add an income tax, assessment to certain properties.

Burgess and Niple was chosen as the Engineering firm for phase two of the sewer plant project. This project is being fast tracked, due to the fact that Lynchburg will be receiving stimulus and other grant monies

The project plans for phase one and two are at the Municipal Building, along with the contracts, for anyone's review.

The Council passed the first comprehensive plan in the history of Lynchburg. This plan has been more than a year in the making. It is also available for review.

Right Runner: Only In Wilmington

Right Runner: Only In Wilmington

First Comprehensive Plan

The Village of Lynchburg has finished the first Comprehensive Plan in its history.
This Comprehensive plan explains the geographical location, history and statistics. In addition, it outlines the various Village services and will act as a guideline for future growth, and upgrades for the area infrastructure. The plan will assist with governing the Village in the future and meet requirements for certain funding opportunities.
I thank the Planning committee, and Chris Shock with Clinton County Regional PLanning for there assistance over the last year and, a special thank you to David Alpern, who organized, researched, and arranged the Comprehensive Plan.