New water main will connect to existing lines, eliminate deadendsNew water main will connect to existing lines, eliminate deadends

SALEM -- A proposed water main on Goshen Road will connect to existing lines from Salem Parkway north to Colonial Drive and to the existing line on Beechwood Road, eliminating deadends in the water distribution system.

City council's Public Services Committee agreed Tuesday to send proposed legislation to council to allow installation of the water main outside of the city limits.

City Utilities Superintendent Don Weingart explained that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency wants to eliminate deadends in water systems, which can lead to stale water, but hasn't made the suggestion mandatory yet.

By extending a new line along Goshen Road which connects with the line at the Salem Industrial Park and the line on Colonial Drive, along with installing a new leg on Beechwood to connect to the existing line on Beechwood, the water will better circulate.

The new line can't be extended outside of the city without city council approval. This is a first step in the process. Once approved by council, the city Utilities Commission will take it from there.

Weingart also noted that any new customer who would connect to this new line would have to include a deed restriction on their deed stating that if their property ever becomes contiguous to the city, they will annex into the city.

He said a grant was sought to connect the three water mains at Beechwood, Colonial and Salem Parkway via Goshen Road, but the application was denied. Weingart said he's suggested the Utilities Commission go ahead with the project anyway. The original estimated cost was $480,000 but he said that may be higher with recent inflation.

From Allen Road, Weingart said a single water line feeds the northeast area in the water system, serving 140 homes. If there's a water break, those customers are without water until repairs are made.

"This line on Goshen Road will allow us to have a secondary water feed for that area," he said.

Both Councilman Dennis Plegge and Councilwoman Sara Baronzzi, who chairs the committee, expressed concerns about the cost, but Baronzzi also said she could see the need to get rid of the deadends in the water distribution system.

Councilman Ron Zellers asked if all the people who are tapped in have to get annexed, but Weingart said not at this time. The requirement for the deed restriction would come into play for new customers. He pointed out that a number of housing developments outside of the city have that same restriction. He also said in the future, they'll probably look to put in a circulation line in the area of Oak, Kennedy and Tanglewood.

Baronzzi asked if any homeowners in the deadends had complained about water quality, but Weingart said he had not heard of any, except one complaint on Edgewood regarding chlorine byproduct several years ago.

In other business, the committee agreed to forward proposed resolutions to city council for placement of a 1-mill recreational levy renewal on the November ballot. City Parks Director Shane Franks made the request, explaining that two resolutions each were needed for Columbiana County and Mahoning County. The levy expires this year, with a five-year renewal being sought. The renewal won't cost taxpayers any more than what they're already paying.

mgreier@salemnews.net