Harrison council approves wastewater rule changes, awards sewer and bridge contracts and authorizes electric aggregation

Harrison City Council on April 7 approved several measures intended to update environmental limits and fund local infrastructure work.

The council passed an ordinance amending section 9 35.23(b) of the city's codified ordinances to revise discharge limitations for the Harrison wastewater treatment plant and declared the ordinance an emergency to match recent Environmental Protection Agency adjustments. "The EPA made some adjustments to our discharge requirements, and all we're doing is adjusting those numbers in our legislation to meet what is being set by the EPA," the mayor said. When asked whether the standards were being tightened, the mayor replied, "Actually, our tolerance is higher. We're allowed a little bit higher tolerance on a couple ... It's because our crew down there does an excellent job." The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote (recorded as seven yes, zero no, zero abstain).

Council also approved a resolution to award a contract to replace a damaged siphon on State Street. The mayor described the sanitary sewer segment to be replaced and said the work will address the failed section running under State Street. That resolution passed by roll call.

The council authorized the mayor to enter into an electric aggregation agreement with a supplier recommended by Energy Alliance Inc., preserving residents' right to opt out if they prefer individual service. The mayor said the program has been in place for roughly 15 years and staff rely on Energy Alliance to procure the lowest-priced supplier and to present contract-term options. Council members asked about term lengths and whether the same supplier would be used; the mayor said Energy Alliance evaluates quotes and recommends the best option.

Finally, council voted to award a contract to mill and repave the approach to the New Haven Road bridge to smooth a bumpy transition. The mayor said crews will mill the existing surface and lay new blacktop to create a smoother transition onto the overpass. That resolution passed on roll call.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of March 17, 2026 minutes: Passed (6 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain). - Ordinance amending wastewater discharge limits (Section 9 35.23[b]): Passed (7 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain). - Resolution awarding contract: State Street siphon replacement: Passed (recorded yea votes in roll call). - Ordinance authorizing mayor to enter electric aggregation agreement (Energy Alliance Inc.): Passed (recorded yea votes in roll call). - Resolution awarding contract: New Haven Bridge approach payment: Passed (recorded yea votes in roll call). - Motion to enter executive session under ORC 121.22(g)(2) (property): Passed by roll call.

What the council said and what happens next

The mayor framed the wastewater ordinance as a technical update to align local limits with EPA changes; council discussion did not produce amendments and the mayor emphasized staff performance at the plant. Contracts awarded for sewer work and the bridge approach will move forward to procurement and scheduling; start dates for some projects were not specified in the meeting. The electric aggregation authorization lets the mayor sign contracts only when projected savings exist and maintains opt-out rights for residents.

The council approved an executive session to discuss property under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(g)(2); no details were disclosed in open session. The meeting then adjourned to the executive session.