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Committee asks staff for high-level cost estimates for five sewer projects to serve 17 water-only properties
Summary
The committee directed staff to prepare high-level cost and benefit estimates for five potential sewer extension projects that would pick up about 17 properties currently served by city water but private septic systems. The committee emphasized environmental need and asked staff to coordinate with the health department.
The Findlay City Water & Sewer Committee asked staff to produce high-level cost and benefit estimates for five potential sewer projects intended to serve properties that now use city water but rely on private septic systems.
Staff told the committee they had identified 44 water-only customers within city limits. Of those, 19 appear to have sanitary sewer available within the city’s proximity thresholds, five likely would require pumps or grinder pumps to connect, and three are single-property outliers that are difficult to serve with a public main. Committee members said they wanted staff to prioritize projects driven by environmental need or failing septic systems.
Jeremy (staff member) outlined five target areas for possible projects: an area off Route 224/212, a cluster around Flannister and Strong avenues, a project near Tappan (actively in development plans), a small grouping south of Emery Adams Park near Yates, and a West-of-Main (Hobart) area near Birchaven. Staff cautioned that some areas would require pump stations or force mains because of grade constraints; pump stations can substantially increase capital cost. Jeremy cited example project ranges: a small mainline project could cost on the order of $200,000 to pick up two to four properties; a pump station could run several hundred thousand dollars (the Spring Lake example was cited as about $750,000).
Committee discussion noted tradeoffs: running mains for a small number of properties creates long-term maintenance obligations for the city; gravity connections are preferable but are not always possible because of grade; force mains and deep sewers introduce additional cost and technical complexity such as outside drops. The committee repeatedly emphasized environmental considerations and asked for coordination with the Hancock County/Findlay health department to identify failing systems or imminent public-health concerns before prioritizing capital work.
The committee directed staff to return with high-level cost estimates and environmental assessments for the five potential projects so members could decide which, if any, to place in the capital plan. A motion requesting the cost/benefit estimates passed with members saying “aye.”
Next steps: staff will develop high-level estimates and coordinate with the health department to identify failing systems or environmental priorities; the results will be brought back for committee review and possible inclusion in the capital plan.
