Friday, February 12, 2010

Unfunded Mandates Kill Small Community

Unfunded Mandates Kill Small Community

The Council meeting last night, Feb 11th, was attended by several people from the community in regards to the recent property tax assessment which will be used to pay for the EPA mandated sewerage upgrades. Even though this is a recent topic, the discussion for these improvements began in 1999. They began with an initial engineering review of the current Wastewater Plant and system. After much delay and lack of results in repairing minor issues, the EPA sent a notice of Violation in August of 2005 due to plant overflows, and it escalated from there. In, 2008 when litigation seemed eminent against Lynchburg for violations outlined in EPA Findings & Orders. The Village agreed to the EPA documents, and they were approved.
Lynchburg soon began on a mandated time line to upgrade the Wastewater facilities in two phases. Phase one included a pumping station or head works project, and Phase two which is currently underway, contained the clarifiers. The overall project was estimated at $4,039,283. This did not include an earlier 2008 project, which was the Glenavy Subdivision Sewer Rehabilitation Project which cost $114,500.
The Glenavy Project was instituted in 2007 to reduce I/I or inflow into the sewerage plant, which was determined as a factor causing plant capacity problems and raw sewerage overflows. This project was part of the overall repair to stop future system inflow and to assist in gauging the capacity of upgrades that will become a new plant.
On January 24th of 2009, the first Public meeting was held to discuss financing and payment options for Phase Two. Prior to that there had not been any arrangements made for long term debt repayment on Phase One, Two, or the Glenavy Rehabilitation Project. That was the start of a year long open discussion about debt repayment for these projects. Over the course of the year the Council discussed ways to pay for the project(s) which included property tax assessment, income tax (Lynchburg still does not have an income tax like most other Cities/Villages), grants, add the amount to the monthly utility invoices, pay it in full (with no money), or do nothing and let another government agency (Probably State of Ohio) come in and take over the mandated projects.
Over the course of the year, and even thus far in 2010, Lynchburg received ARRA (Stimulus) monies, and grants to reduce the project costs. The amounts that have to be paid back at this point by the local community are $114,500 for Glenavy Project, $580,332.40 for Phase I Sewerage Plant Project and $1,894,300 for Phase II Sewerage Plant Project.
After final Public Hearings advertised in August and held in September 2009. Council decided the best option was to guarantee repayment and secure the 0% loans for the balance of the project, was to do an assessment over all properties within the corporation. The two end options were the assessment over 900 plus properties or adding the same amount over an average of 600 utilities customers. Neither way was a clear cut and fair way for anyone involved.
To overview the project had to be done and was mandated by the EPA. If it was not completed Lynchburg would be assessed fines by the EPA and the project may have even been completed by another government agency, which still would have left the local community bearing the costs. The project has to be paid for by someone. Lynchburg did apply for grants and funding, and did receive $1,729,475.50 in monies that do not have to be paid back, which is large portion of the project.
The project had to be done, and it was important to stop raw sewerage overflows which were potential health hazards to the community. The reason it was important for the local government to take on the project instead of an outside agency is because of the overall cost. The local government did apply for many types of funding and so far has kept under budget as much as possible. An outside government agency, may have came in and built the plant and charged as was necessary with administrative costs. There would have also been fines, and litigation brought upon the local government by the State. So it makes sense for the local government to take on this large burden of the waste water plant project. The fact is, that there is not a way to repay the outstanding debt that is fair to everyone. Any course of action for repayment would have created higher rates for someone in the community.
Small communities need help and assistance through partnership from other government and non government entities. The Village of Lynchburg has been awaiting its “Bailout” for 30 years, not just the last 3 years. What makes this so hard to swallow, I believe, for the community and myself, is that everyone is still burdened with the long term debt from the original wastewater treatment plant built in 1983. I think we can all agree that sewerage overflow is bad, and unhealthy. It does make sense to repair that problem. What doesn’t make sense is the timing of this debt for the Village of Lynchburg. It doesn’t seem to be anyone’s fault, just a bad run of luck that has lasted since the first fish were found dead in Turtle Creek in 1965.
This letter doesn’t stop the fact that the debt must be repaid, and it is still an unfunded mandate. It doesn’t help the fact that the area is at an all time high in unemployment. It does not help the fact that property taxes are higher than they used to be. I hope what this letter does do is give a brief overview of everyone’s frustrations regarding this matter. The local elected officials did not intend to harm anyone, and made the best, open decision as they probably could. It is frustrating and would seem to anyone that the community cannot get its break. I welcome any assistance to resolve the plight of our community.

Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Village of Lynchburg

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Lynchburg Receives More Stimulus Funding & Completes Drinking Water Protection Plan

The Village of Lynchburg recently completed a Drinking Water Source Protection Plan. This is an action plan that identifies possible contaminants to the Lynchburg Drinking Water System and provides protective strategies. This plan was developed by the Drinking Water Protection Team which was composed of the Village Administrator Nicole Oberrecht, Water & Wastewater Supervisor Mark Suitor, and Scott Brown of the Ohio Rural Water Association.
I received a letter from Michael Eggert, Manager of the Ohio EPA Division of Drinking & Ground Waters. This letter commended the Lynchburg for “recognizing the importance of protecting its valuable ground water resource.” The letter formally endorsed the plan by the Ohio EPA. In addition, the Village received a framed certificate from the Ohio EPA.
I thank Nicole, Mark, and Scott for their hard work and continued efforts to keep and maintain our drinking water system in the Village of Lynchburg. Safe drinking water is very important to the health and quality of life in our community. The Lynchburg Drinking Water Source Protection Plan is available to review at the Lynchburg Municipal Building.
On, January 28th, I signed a revised disbursement schedule for ARRA (Stimulas) funding for the Village of Lynchburg. It increased the original amount of $1,602,000 by $127,475.50, to a new amount of $1,729,475.50. This simply means Lynchburg received more stimulus funding in January. The stimulus money is given to Lynchburg to offset the cost of the Wastewater Treatment Plant project Phase II, which is currently underway. This funding does not have to be paid back, and is in addition to the 0% loan monies given by the EPA – DEFA to complete this project. I spoke with Ken Timko, with Burgess and Niple Engineering, and the project is currently under budget. The project cost should be around 2.8 million, which is down from original estimations, which were around 3.5 million
This is good news to the local taxpayers, and I will continue to work to keep the local costs down as much as possible, as we continue toward completion of this unfunded EPA mandate. The bottom line is that the upgrades will provide us with a new sewerage treatment facility, and it will stop raw sewerage overflows during peak rain fall and flow times throughout the year. When the project is complete it will have a positive affect on the health and welfare of our community, as well as the area in and around the East Fork of the Little Miami Watershed.

Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Village of Lynchburg, Highland Co.,Ohio

Friday, February 5, 2010

New Playground Underway - Shelter House Coming Soon!














Pictured Above: Connie Resibois, Marvin Resibois, with the Lynchburg Are Recreation Committee. Jeremy Shaffer, Mayor. Chris Wilbanks, Council Member & Chair of Parks & Recreation




February 5, 2010

The Village of Lynchburg partnered with the Lynchburg Area Recreational Committee, in 2009, to apply for a nature works grant that would allow the community to receive funding for a playground. Lynchburg was awarded the ODNR grant in the amount of $23,515. The proposed site has been prepared for excavation and the Playground Equipment is on its way. The proposed completion is April, and the project is on schedule.

On January 29th, Lisa Kiley, with Clinton Co Regional Planning, met with Village Officials to begin the application process for 2010 Nature Works funding. Lisa, assisted in the application process for the previously awarded grant. Lynchburg will be requesting $14,200 for a proposed Shelter House, which will be situated near the corner of Pearl and Sycamore near the New Playground. Community donations of money, time, knowledge, and labor from the local citizens and groups have been greatly appreciated and helps drive the continued success of local projects like this.

Jeremy Shaffer, Mayor
Village of Lynchburg, Ohio

Monday, January 25, 2010

1,000 Dollar Reward to Stop Criminal Activity














Reward $1,000 for Information Leading to Arrest and Prosecution of Breaking and Entering. Any Criminal Activity should be reported to assist Law Enforcement in keeping our community safe. This reward extends to all crimes.

Lukas Pharmacy Was broken into during the night. If there is any information, please let the Lynchburg Police Dept or Highland County Sheriff Dept know. 937-364-6659. The call came in around 1:00AM Jan. 25th 2010.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Jeremy R Shaffer, Mayor
Lynchburg Ohio

Friday, January 22, 2010

Streets and Drainage in Disrepair

I have posted the minutes of the Public Safety and Street Committee meeting below.
Thank you Denise for Starting the year off running. Other committees have also been meeting and I am very excited for all the Council members and the community. I will post other minutes as i receive the or check the community voice for updates.
Jeremy Shaffer , Mayor
Lynchburg, Ohio





PUBLIC SAFETY AND STREETS COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES 01/21/10

IN ATTENDANCE: DENISE VILVENS, CAROLYN HASTINGS, SANDY WEST, ROGER SHAFFER, DICK VILVENS, RICHARD VILVENS


Meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M. on Thursday, January 21st. All committee members were present along with Dick Vilvens and Richard Vilvens of Vilvens and Son Excavating. Vilvens and Son Excavating has done the Village’s pavement related work for the past two years and have in depth knowledge of the current condition of streets, drainage, etc. in the village.

The committee discussed short term and long term goals, considering current infrastructure issues and funds available. The group had extensive conversation on possible goals in relationship to the village’s comprehensive plan. Possible steps in completing a PMP (Pavement Management Plan) were explained by Denise Vilvens. Using the binders provide by Denise Vilvens, the committee reviewed 2009 revenue from the Street Construction Maintenance Fund (2011), the Street Construction Levy Fund (2012) and the State Highway Fund (2021).

Dick Vilvens and Richard Vilvens identified for the committee serious street and drainage problems in the village requiring the most immediate attention. They explained options the village has in these projects, approximate costs and future preventative maintenance. Clearly, the village of Lynchburg has many drainage and pavement problems, which are continuing to deteriorate. Listed below are some of the areas of identified concern (not in any particular order):

GLENAVY – Wexford and Limerick (open ditching needed), Glenavy Drive from Schatzmann’s to Allen’s needs open drainage and catch basins, Glenavy
at Shannon Drive (pavement), Hastings Drive (ditching and final seal), Glenavy entrance drainage issues and culvert pipe problems
BROADWAY – most highly traveled street in need of pavement repair or resurfacing
SR. 134 – at water plant and laundry mat, culvert needed
WATER TOWER – corner of Pearl and Sycamore – serious water ponding and drainage issues
PEARL TO BAYLESS – many drainage issues causing street deterioration, Church of Christ on Pearl to east side of Sycamore to Broadway – drainage
WASHINGTON – curve needs culvert and street blacktopped to prevent loss of previous structural repair
TEXAS – pavement needs
WASHINGTON AND DANA ALLEY- needs stone and bushes trimmed
CLINTON SPRINGS – Swain’s & Slack needs catch basin, drainage behind Fittro’s in need of work, Sherri Richmond needs a culvert
ALLEY BEHIND THE COMMONS – pavement needs
COVERED BRIDGE B CHRISTINE BARKER – needs catch basin

This is by no means a complete list. The committee is aware of many drainage and pavement issues beyond those listed above. Another problem discussed relates to car parking on the streets and the problems this creates for water drainage. The committee is going to make an effort to focus on identifying and improving alley conditions so home owners have the option to park off of alleys rather than in front of their homes on the street.

The committee agreed that records need to be kept on water line and drainage locations and structures. Currently, there is not an accurate map of underground drainage structures. Denise Vilvens is going to contact Mark Suiter to possibly have Ohio Rural Water meet with our committee and discuss any services they can offer the village related to water line locations.

Lastly, the committee discussed Ordinance No. 2010-2 (making Washington from Broadway to Main Street a one-way-only street and Ordinance No. 2010-3 (pertaining to creating a parking schedule).

The committee will be meeting with Vilvens and Son within the next week to go out and actually look at some of the problem areas.

The next meeting is on February 18th at 7P.M.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

2010 Lynchburg Ohio Village Council Commitee Appointments

2010 Standing Committees


Public Safety and Streets
Chair – D. Vilvens
C. Hastings
S. West

Public Works – Utilities
Chair – R. Shaffer
D. Vilvens
C. Wilbanks

Finance
Chair – R. Shaffer
T. McConnaughey
D. Vilvens

Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery
Chair – T. McConnaughey
S. West
C. Wilbanks

Planning
Chair – C. Hastings
C. Wilbanks


Lynchburg Village Council 2nd Thursday of Month 7:30 PM

Contact:

Jeremy Shaffer 728-6052 shaffer@lynchburgpd.com
Tim McConnaughey 364-6766 mcconnaughey1@msn.com
Roger Shaffer 364-2011 roger.shaffer@wpafb.af.mil
Denise Vilvens 513-313-1818/364-6907 dlvilvens@verizon.net
Sandy West 364-2162 / 579-5193
Carolyn Hastings 364-2579 dhastings3@cinci.rr.com
Christine Wilbanks 364-2640 cwilbanks@cinci.rr.com
Kim Walker 763-6800 walker3858@yahoo.com


Committee Information: The Chair will be responsible and required to submit a yearly meeting schedule and Monthly reports if the committee met and business was discussed. The committee Chair is required to submit a written report to be entered in council meeting minutes
2010 COUNCIL MEMBERS

CAROLYN HASTINGS
P.O. BOX 454
LYNCHBURG, OH 45142

TIM MCCONNAUGHEY
P.O. BOX 667
LYNCHBURG, OH 45142

ROGER SHAFFER
P.O. BOX 508
LYNCHBURG, OH 45142

DENISE VILVENS
509 SHANNON WAY
LYNCHBURG, OH 45142

SANDY WEST
P.O. BOX 419
LYNCHBURG, OH 45142
CHRISTINE WILBANKS
P.O. BOX 300
LYNCHBURG, OH 45142

Proposed 2010 COUNCIL MEETING DATES

JANUARY 14
FEBRUARY 11
MARCH 11
APRIL 8
MAY 13
JUNE 10
JULY 8
AUGUST 12
SEPTEMBER 9
OCTOBER 14
NOVEMBER 11
DECEMBER 9

Dance Night - Meeting Notes for The Neighborhood Watch

The Neighborhood Crime Watch group is asking community members to check on the
elderly and housebound during inclement weather. These people may not be able to
get to a store for basic necessities.

The Neighborhood Crime Watch is planning another Teen Dance in March with more
details to come later.





JANUARY 9, 2010 - CRIME WATCH MEETING NOTES
PRESENT AT MEETING: Virginia Rhonemus, Don Hastings, Frank Rosselott, Randy Sannes,
Jean Radcliffe, Denise Vilvens
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jean Radcliffe reported that the Neighborhood Crime Watch currently has $384.56 in
the account.

The next Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting is scheduled for February 6th, 10:00 A.M.
at the Municipal Building.

The group discussed having another Teen Dance for the kids in the community. Denise
is going to contact the middle school to see if we could use their facilities for
the dance. We are hoping to have the dance either March 5th or March 12th. Frank
Rosselott is going to speak to Terry McGinnis to see if Terry's would be willing to
donate towards a dj for the dance.

It was also reported that the food pantry truck has been scheduled for three more
dates with the next visit being in March. Denise is going to contact her sister,
Michelle Truman, who is the Student Council Advisor at the high school to see if
high school students could receive community service hours and assist at the food
pantry. Future food pantry events will occur on Thursdays at the Fire Station. It
was also suggested that high school students could be teamed up with the community
in service projects. This is going to also be pursued further.

Concern was raised about the elderly citizens in our community in the inclement
weather. The group felt community awareness needs to be raised to check on the
elderly and housebound in Lynchburg. A message will be placed on the sign in town
and in the Village Voice, for everyone to do their share in making sure our elderly
have what they need during this bad weather.

No crime or suspicious activity in the community was reported. It seems the cold
weather has played a role in keeping even the criminals indoors.

Meeting was adjourned.