Council authorizes application for OPWC funds for West Clinton Street sewer renewal

Council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute documents to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission State Capital Improvement Program and Local Transportation Improvement Program funds for projects the city engineer deems necessary, including the planned West Clinton Street sanitary sewer renewal. Laurie, a city staff member, told council the application would allow the city engineer to seek OPWC funds typically used for sanitary sewer projects and said the application would support the West Clinton Street renewal project prepared in 2025 and planned for 2026. “This is the funding that's typically used in the city for sanitary sewer projects,” Laurie said. Why it matters: OPWC and LTIP funds can partially offset capital costs for infrastructure projects; applying ahead of the OPWC deadline positions the city for possible grant or loan assistance for the sewer renewal. Action: the resolution (029-25) was moved forward and recorded to go to third reading; the roll call recorded votes of yes from Tom; Doctor Dave; Britney; Ross; Ken; Bobby; and Jordan. Next steps: staff said the application deadline is in September and that authorization will let the city engineer submit required materials on the city's behalf. If awarded, funds would be used to defray the West Clinton Street project costs; council did not vote on any appropriation at this meeting.