[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6102439,"mediaKeyId","2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd","parentId",2804456,"title","Wastewater staff: Painesville plant operating below design capacity, Red Creek connection will increase flow but not exceed peak capacity","audioSeconds",1203,"startMs",5183000,"endMs",6386000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd&start=5183&end=6386","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd/thumbnail_5183000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6102439/Ohio/Wastewater-staff-Painesville-plant-operating-below-design-capacity-Red-Creek-connection-will-increase-flow-but-not-exceed-peak-capacity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102439-45a4f67ff2e6711c84ca3096fd1548ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679291&Signature=mCDA4ytXXsISI~R2hrI5QYiDi~dsQEXiWoFYv21WW-XHXcHHAeMrk-Dbb84fGt5el00RNrw44RqdK~DGfzTr~Dcj9w3rQYx6xBgQp3G6U5lgQm9CmpH876B0KDVrADwAIb1WU8wsSbbMOkwYqoplooLdAT-KXm9y1QE3aospoEUJXLpgyyiuT7oVkLE3t8Vwjt3LXAyVwC9LDmstao~xstSCiV7jpxcjGqd-3qYwklJ~I4W7zU85-L9iqD8HYCa1~kKdqwy3fHcrRvaUDN0bDnA-P-kxFAiyrXj53j0xV50WXcWZ~aFVeGIAi2a9tmE-pUpFxlrjI~tb~8RF1MS-cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Painesville OH ","date","2025-03-17T00:00:00Z","article","City wastewater staff delivered an overview of the Painesville Wastewater Treatment Plant’s operations, recent accomplishments and planned capacity increases tied to the Red Creek development.

Max Mendoza, lab tech services supervisor, told council the plant was designed for a daily average flow of 6 million gallons per day (MGD) with a peak of 15 MGD; current average daily flow for the city is about 3.62 MGD. Staff are completing a local limits study, have replaced pump-station hardware and are planning several equipment upgrades (HVAC, aeration diffusers, new dump bed, media filter replacement and elevator repair). Mendoza listed staffing (12 total employees, nine certified operators) and recent capital and maintenance work.

On the Red Creek sanitary sewer improvements, staff described a project that will redirect wastewater from Red Creek to the Painesville plant via gravity sewers, a lift station and a force main. Project materials presented to council estimated the project could support approximately 2,300 new residential and business units and cited an estimated 3.2 million (units not specified in the slide excerpt). Later in the meeting a council member said the city had agreed to accept about 1.0 MGD; staff clarified that accepting 1.0 MGD would bring the plant’s average flow to about 4.6 MGD — under the 6 MGD design average and well under the 15 MGD peak capacity.

Staff said the project aims to minimize environmental impacts (directional boring for pipe installation), includes public meetings and a 30-day comment period, and will require design and capacity planning. Councilmembers asked how the increased flows would affect operations and compliance; staff said the plant has capacity for the proposed increase but will continue to monitor and plan upgrades as needed. Staff offered tours and said they will proceed with necessary project design steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Painesville City Council Meeting 03.17.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Wastewater staff reported the Painesville treatment plant is operating below design average flow and that Red Creek sanitary sewer improvements would increase average flow but not exceed design capacity if the city accepts the currently-expected amount.","taxTitle","Painesville City Council, Painesville, Lake County, Ohio","taxId",71206,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6102456,"Painesville council hears legal concerns about amended Cuyahoga subgrant as staff outlines larger solar-plus-battery plan",616,839000,1455000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd&start=839&end=1455","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd/thumbnail_839000.jpg","/articles/6102456/Ohio/Painesville-council-hears-legal-concerns-about-amended-Cuyahoga-subgrant-as-staff-outlines-larger-solar-plus-battery-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102456-30e8fb35ede40c2fca0da0be100d99de/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679291&Signature=kDnudmJZFcQjXSrDOTa9~K2bWY2tYUOB1jLUAO1uRdk2qH6bNd3FKcjhOs2nri4lVNAr8vgu7iKqmrFwnoCWCRhlbgxr3uPPITQ9iyd4gVjber~jc9t0EHnQBlsCgsHBvKp7679qRnM6q2cILxGTai5RuMVN6nWpl6fg3HUBM1B2u7tIlfnY5tdAOrzKVu9KfDFVyTgD7gmvf-~yy-ji41MN3j0yUeJa~3iqlBhktGJ788hKBu41ZeERF2kobg2jw-HcFozRgze5wNmesIjaJV999bwOK3xp97rrFI4QAJsVPc65vN~NwWmnLZhTQ7ofDDjBjGAVKwIZ6J4Nb9V73g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Painesville City Council on first reading reviewed an amended subrecipient agreement from Cuyahoga County tied to the EPA CPRG grant and heard a detailed update on the city’s proposed solar and battery project, including a consultant recommendation to increase battery capacity.

Council members pressed staff and the law director on contract language that would make county payments contingent on the EPA’s continued funding, and asked what would happen to money the city already spent if federal payments were withheld. City staff said the city has submitted reimbursement requests (about $10,000 submitted to date) and has been told those submitted reimbursements will be paid, but acknowledged uncertainty about longer-term funding timelines and legal risk from recent federal actions. Law Director Doug described the change as a protective clause requested by Cuyahoga County legal counsel; county officials told the council they would not approve the subrecipient agreement without that language.

The discussion shifted to the scope and timing of the solar-plus-battery project funded through the same federal grant. Electric Superintendent Joe Price and other staff described a consultant (Courtney and Associates) analysis comparing configurations of solar and battery capacity. The consultant recommended a scenario with about 25 megawatts of solar and 20 megawatts of battery as the best technical balance; staff proposed proceeding first with the battery portion the grant currently approves (10 megawatts) and soliciting bids that include alternates for 15 and 20 megawatts to preserve options and pricing leverage. Councilmembers and staff discussed the need for engineering design, impact studies with the regional utility (FirstEnergy), and the timeline for purchasing and siting equipment at the Richmond Street substation, Northridge, or at the plant.

Council members repeatedly asked whether the agreement and project should be reviewed by the Utilities Commission before returning to council. Several members said they preferred the commission’s input because its members are end users of the utility; others said council has already reviewed earlier versions of the agreement and that the county and Cleveland had requested the specific language change. City staff and council agreed not to vote on the amendment at first reading and to schedule a second reading; staff said Cuyahoga County planned action on its side the following day, prompting council to consider a special meeting if needed to align approvals.

Council members asked staff to return with options that limit financial exposure absent a firm federal guarantee, and to coordinate next steps with county partners. No final approval of the amended subrecipient agreement occurred at this meeting; council took the item to second reading.

The discussion included multiple reminders that the grant is a federal reimbursement grant (the county is the prime recipient), that reimbursements are tied to invoice-by-invoice disbursements, and that larger project phases (for example, procuring tens of millions in equipment) would return to council for explicit approval. Staff described plans to spend under $50,000 on next-phase engineering work (which staff said would not require procurement under federal rules) and to issue solicitations for the first 10-MW battery with alternates for larger capacity.

Sources and speakers in the meeting included Law Director Doug, Joe Price (electric superintendent), Council President Mario, Councilmember Lori, Councilmember Jim Saas and other council members, and county/city staff working on the grant. The discussion merged legal and programmatic questions: contract language intended to protect Cuyahoga County as pass-through recipient, and technical recommendations to prioritize initial battery procurement while preserving the option to expand capacity later.

Council directed staff to continue coordination with Cuyahoga County, the Utilities Commission as appropriate, and to report back at second reading with options that clarify timing, reimbursement risk, and the scope of work for the immediate engineering phase.","Painesville City Council on first reading considered a county-requested change to the city’s subrecipient agreement under an EPA CPRG grant and heard staff present consultant findings that favor more battery capacity for the city’s planned solar-plus-battery project.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6102435,"Votes at a glance: minutes, agenda, excusals, bidding authority and executive session",0,37000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd&start=37&end=37","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd/thumbnail_37000.jpg","/articles/6102435/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-minutes-agenda-excusals-bidding-authority-and-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102435-54116b01f25c5698282da11ba979f111/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679291&Signature=SLFlZ-EAk0xs7riSBgep-uiTLNqf-F9aW5KW7-rOB0Vv6g0e~E2jj~B8BCxPesXs6uGdpiY0MdB3IAvQ1uEWxgUASBco90xW2jDx8oDNGsG1nDbOLhSiAGw4V3PfX36YUYwyOr06e3iocct2HFHgKWAk4tHaAxpSNOqjLqzR~g~jOdVUM9nt5XCBm03APtpq5B0HAoWngZMvLY6pNxllKno~40WKE5tEC8ONs0zughZCOYjV8EqPUEaEIJQIxdcXLbSvpUWqJtlE~5gdEcu3VJsI0IyKKby0d6QKH6sw4QHZjDMVDnMV1f~2sSZZWM~AoOqllPaIq4BvDjrnEZM9AA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the meeting the council recorded several formal actions and roll-call approvals and also read ordinances that will return for subsequent readings.

Key votes and outcomes

- Motion to excuse Councilman Hack and Councilwoman Schuch from the evening’s meeting — Passed (voice vote recorded as “ayes have it”).
- Motion to amend the agenda to add a closed-session item (purchase/lease of property under Article 2, Section 6.2) — Passed (voice vote recorded as “ayes have it”).
- Motion to approve the amended agenda — Passed (voice vote recorded as “ayes have it”).
- Motion to approve minutes of the March meeting as submitted — Passed (voice vote recorded as “ayes have it”).
- Motion authorizing and directing the city manager to advertise for bids for two 4x4 electric utility trucks — Passed (roll-call recorded yes votes: Rodriguez, Abney, Augustine, DiNalo, Fodor; two members excused).
- Motion to move into executive session under Article 2 Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 (personnel, property and pending/potential litigation) — Passed by roll call (affirmative votes recorded for present members who were polled).

Readings and referrals

Council read several ordinances on first reading (or as required for emergency declarations) including amendments to the Painesville Code chapters referenced in the agenda (illicit discharge and illegal connection control; stormwater utility and stormwater management; erosion and sediment control; and sidewalks provisions). Council stated that because only five members were present, ordinances requiring suspension of rules or final passage would be returned to a future meeting for additional readings or votes. The subrecipient agreement amendment with Cuyahoga County was presented for first reading and moved to second reading.

Votes recorded in the transcript were transcribed as spoken; in some cases a voice vote was noted as “the ayes have it.” No ordinance was adopted on final passage at this meeting.","At the March meeting, council approved meeting minutes, excused two members, approved an amended agenda, authorized bidding for electric utility trucks, and moved into executive session; several ordinances were read but not passed because the council lacked six members.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6102444,"Council debates expanding sidewalk clearing to 2-inch threshold; staff outlines equipment and labor constraints",1041,3999000,5040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd&start=3999&end=5040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd/thumbnail_3999000.jpg","/articles/6102444/Ohio/Council-debates-expanding-sidewalk-clearing-to-2-inch-threshold-staff-outlines-equipment-and-labor-constraints","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102444-f2cc4f922acfc38979d42d3528cdfd60/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679291&Signature=kMUEfyHAsnD96MkFOydJT5hwpK0OotXXjop-OnQ6~FA4DukbienO6dK4OBCESxXDkjD9YZKQyqqq3OwOFzRZltcb0VTQnXjYZy5Snn1oKoNjFCEFqTJIDffVaXH3PxstF9Bk4i1O4HdFGxwc3Yq94QE7ceKh-~fD0ZdnamJJqoQJ75AO8szEING1zkHLP5uBRyZ4NDKbgnayI1liIhsB0AgVflOloynTUruxxvZQud3OwVyBah4HwxPi77SjEe~cJ-yrsFPfuZN34oAzwyDRsP8L90JMJWQHp~AVpjJsahrK3b4LNd~tGGcWmuU5FgQ5yaPX5W-oz8XcWcr7xIkkmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Painesville City Council debated whether the city should plow sidewalks citywide when snowfall reaches 2 inches rather than the current practice of a 2-inch downtown threshold and a 4-inch threshold elsewhere.

Public Works staff (Michelle) explained the current operational policy: when 2 inches of snow falls the downtown sidewalks and other high-priority pedestrian routes are plowed early to be ready for businesses; full-city sidewalk clearing is normally triggered at 4 inches. Staff said the downtown and specified routes are cleared first, that sidewalk crews work shifts that can extend up to 12 hours for a route, and that the city currently has two large sidewalk machines; doing the entire city on a 2-inch trigger would require additional equipment and more overtime, increased maintenance on aging machines, and staffed shifts that are difficult to sustain.

Councilmembers said sidewalks are critical for walkers, school routes and safe access to services and asked for additional information before changing the standard: number and estimated cost of additional sidewalk machines, overtime and repair costs, a dollar estimate of the impact on the general fund, any recorded injuries or collisions tied to uncleared sidewalks, and comparative policies used by comparable jurisdictions. Staff agreed to collect data on equipment cost, labor hours and complaints and to return with that analysis. Members also suggested expanding outreach to contractors who place snow and to explore registration/education steps to reduce blocked sidewalks.

The council did not change policy at the meeting but requested a follow-up report with quantitative cost and impact estimates that would let members decide whether to reduce the citywide threshold to 2 inches.","Councilmembers asked whether the city should lower the sidewalk clearing threshold from 4 inches outside downtown to 2 inches citywide. Public Works described current priorities, staffing patterns, equipment limitations and additional costs; council asked staff to return with cost data, equipment needs and complaints or injury records.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6102451,"Council authorizes bidding for two 4x4 electric utility trucks; unanimous roll call",424,622000,1046000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd&start=622&end=1046","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2804456-2ab26bf81a843a659e3ce912663319fd/thumbnail_622000.jpg","/articles/6102451/Ohio/Council-authorizes-bidding-for-two-4x4-electric-utility-trucks-unanimous-roll-call","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6102451-5b8fb3659cf2a3b9821d7a86f4f2ecb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770679291&Signature=LPXS90-LPUKeMPLKXqckHE5ejWe5ZBsc8FDrEVOLosU4K-x1MdUGtqSQuxGNZeN~9o7wJSY5Cwa4MxgjTHjWCFuy8PzMiOam8~T1fjKVriGiICX7rKfmSp~cQAWHzNBQpvbGWPE3BrAFsPmGSlUSO6ctDny-t57xOFUEY2PtwT30B7tn8C3ceK7xsV6wwp0EHcDQurwqadzOVnwvbqUnuqH2UDkjQ1Poc0QyTpj4~vFry36p8x90ZsynoeqlrhxNu6DLG9pB~b5Z0biIZ-0vuUaA74KOQGUMp4IcgcuwG3uEan4wVfBFLToBg5KpqEtf7RnSv-URfBnUDJIKAzghMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Painesville City Council voted to authorize the city manager to advertise for bids for two 4x4 electric utility trucks for the electric distribution department, a purchase included in the 2025 budget.

Joe Price, electric superintendent, told council the vehicles were budgeted for 2025 and would replace older trucks. Staff said procurement documents had been reviewed by legal and were ready to go out for bid. Council discussed authorizing bidding now to advance the queue and allow the city manager authority to accept a budgeted bid when responses are received; staff said the manager would only purchase within the appropriated 2025 budget and would return to council if a bid exceeded budget.

Council approved a motion to advertise the purchase by voice/roll call. The roll-call votes recorded in the meeting transcript were: Mr. Rodriguez — Yes; Mr. Abney — Yes; Mr. Augustine — Yes; Mrs. DiNalo — Yes; Mr. Fodor — Yes. The motion passed.","Council voted to authorize the city manager to advertise for bids for two 4x4 electric utility trucks, a purchase included in the 2025 budget; legal review completed and staff said the manager could award within budget once bids arrive.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wastewater staff: Painesville plant operating below design capacity, Red Creek connection will increase flow but not exceed peak capacity

Painesville council hears legal concerns about amended Cuyahoga subgrant as staff outlines larger solar-plus-battery plan

Votes at a glance: minutes, agenda, excusals, bidding authority and executive session

Council debates expanding sidewalk clearing to 2-inch threshold; staff outlines equipment and labor constraints

Council authorizes bidding for two 4x4 electric utility trucks; unanimous roll call