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City manager outlines $5.56M sewer replacement project; council adopts county hazard mitigation plan and advances pool‑rate ordinances
Summary
City Manager Lance Willard told the council the sewer replacement near Joshua Dixon is estimated at $5,558,233 with a $100,000 grant and a $346,585 low‑interest loan; the council adopted an emergency resolution to adopt the Columbiana County hazard mitigation plan and advanced two pool‑rate ordinances to first reading.
Columbiana — City Manager Lance Willard updated the council Jan. 6 on capital projects and department activity, highlighting a sewer replacement project estimated at $5,558,233 that has secured a $100,000 grant and a $346,585 low‑interest loan, both expected to be available July 1.
Willard said the city discovered the sewer line in need of replacement and submitted funding applications; although a requested gap‑funding application for West Railroad Street was not awarded, the city expects to bridge remaining needs with a low‑interest loan to complete the project by year’s end. The manager also reported ongoing coordination through a local hub of business and civic partners, an upcoming final report from Elevate and the Sod Center, and an effort to scale back the Garden of Eden project with a target of completing visible improvements by July 4.
Council took several formal steps during the meeting. It adopted an emergency resolution (Resolution No. 26‑R‑680 Emergency) adopting the updated Columbiana County Hazard Mitigation Plan developed by the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). The council also advanced two ordinances on first reading: Ordinance No. 26‑O‑3321, which sets rates for the Firestone Park swimming pool, and Ordinance No. 26‑O‑3322, which outlines rental rates and policies for the pool’s first zone and VIP lounge area.
Public comment included a Zoom inquiry from Joyce McBride asking for an update on Beverly Drive storm‑drain construction; Willard said crews would mobilize on the 19th, start with stormwater work near the trailer park and postpone major road replacement work until spring.
Why it matters: The sewer estimate and the confirmed grant and loan numbers represent a significant capital expenditure and will affect the city’s construction calendar and financing. Adopting the county hazard mitigation plan is a procedural but important step for disaster planning and federal/state grant eligibility.
Next steps: Staff will begin procurement and scheduling for the sewer project when funds are available (July 1) and return to council as project milestones and permitting timelines are set; the pool‑rates ordinances will return for subsequent readings and possible adoption.
