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Commission approves multiple storm sewer and resurfacing contracts; engineers describe combined‑sewer strategy
Summary
The commission passed ordinances awarding contracts for storm sewer and resurfacing work, and heard a detailed staff briefing on combined‑sanitary/storm sewer system challenges and EPA targets for overflow reduction.
Sandusky commissioners on Feb. 24 approved several contracts and a financing agreement tied to storm sewer and street resurfacing projects, and staff described how the work reduces flow to the wastewater treatment plant and addresses sewer overflows.
The commission adopted ordinances to contract with Great Lakes Demolition Company (Venice Road relief storm sewer), Precision Paving Inc. (2025 Camp Street resurfacing and reconstruction), and Spear Brothers Inc. (West Monroe Street resurfacing, EID 113957). The body also adopted a cooperative agreement with the Ohio Water Development Authority to finance the storm sewer and sanitary portion of the West Monroe project. All motions were approved under suspension of the rules in accordance with section 14 of the Sandusky City Charter.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the projects will divert stormwater from the combined sewer system, lowering treatment costs, reducing overflows to Sandusky Bay, and reducing basement backups in affected neighborhoods.
Technical context from staff
Mr. Klein (staff member) told the commission about the city's combined system and how the projects reduce flow to the wastewater plant. "We have a portion of the city, a large portion of the city, about 60% of it is a combined sewer system," he said. Klein explained that separation projects divert stormwater back to local streams so the wastewater plant does not have to treat that water, producing savings on chemicals and pumping and cutting down on overflows and basement backups.
Klein outlined the city's progress to date and expected performance: he said the city has achieved "well over 90%" reduction in overflow volume since early-2000s projects and that, with the Mills Higher Aid Treatment Project and current separation work, the city expects to reach roughly the mid‑90s percentage range in overflow reduction. He also cautioned that EPA accounting treats any remaining overflow events as counts rather than volumes, and the agency expects a small number of overflows going forward; Klein said fully eliminating overflows would require hundreds of millions of dollars and extensive property-level work.
Commission questions and programmatic notes
Commissioners asked whether property owners are required to disconnect downspouts and foundation drains from the sanitary system. Klein said the city "encourages" disconnection and requires storm tie‑in for new construction or substantial reconstruction where separated systems exist, but there is no city ordinance requiring disconnection of existing private connections; he said no state law requiring it was known to him.
Multiple commissioners emphasized the role of Ohio Public Works funding (OPWC) for filling gaps on resurfacing and utility projects; one commissioner suggested a local advocacy effort if OPWC funding were up for renewal.
Ending
All listed contracts and the Ohio Water Development Authority financing agreement were approved by roll call. Staff said additional storm sewer projects will be presented during the year and be listed in the capital plan.
