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Commissioners press developer on Sunset sewer ownership; deny payment for incompatible generator
Summary
Athens County commissioners told Sunset Development to resolve major-subdivision status with the City of Athens and signaled a county preference to own new sewer systems; they also refused to accept a newly purchased generator without compatible cables or vendor remediation.
Water & Sewer Superintendent Oscar Carson told the Board of Athens County Commissioners on Nov. 25 that a new portable generator purchased for Route 50 pump stations arrived without compatible cables; the vendor indicated the required connector is no longer manufactured. The board instructed staff not to pay for the unit and to return it unless the vendor either supplies usable, compatible cables or covers the full cost to modify station hubs at 29 sites. The board asked staff to explore local fabrication of a compliant cable if the vendor offers a price concession.
Later in the meeting, developer representatives Dave Funk and consultant Roy Lowenstein asked the county to allow private ownership of a force main and pump station for the Avenel Crossing (Avenel/Hooper area) to avoid a major-subdivision review. Planner Connor LaVelle and the board said the City of Athens had already indicated the project would be a major subdivision because of required improvements to Donna Lane and installation of a force main in a public right-of-way. The board reiterated county policy favoring county ownership of new sewer infrastructure to ensure reliable operations and to control inflow-and-infiltration; if a developer insists on private ownership, the county said it would require metering and monitoring paid for by the project and asked the developer to seek a formal subdivision determination from the City.
Commissioner Lenny Eliason announced the board's EDU calculation for a Country Club matter, setting the EDU at 10 and rejecting retroactive adjustments. Planner LaVelle also briefed commissioners on an ODOT Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application to resurface the remaining county-owned segment of the bike path; staff reported no local match expected (TAP 80% + 20% safety funds) and a working cost estimate near $450,000. The board authorized submitting the TAP application unanimously.
LaVelle reported remaining work on the Chauncey Bridge — railing installation by Alan Stone, barriers to keep traffic off while concrete cures, and 'No Motor Vehicles' signage — and said the grand opening is postponed until early December pending completion and coordination with ODOT public relations.
Next steps: Oscar Carson will re-contact the generator vendor after the holiday and report back on cable supply or mitigation options; Sunset Development must clarify major-subdivision status with the City and, if it seeks private sewer ownership, propose metering/monitoring that protects the county system.
