Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public works reports downtown sewer near completion; city announces equipment arrivals and staffing changes
Summary
Public Works Superintendent Tim Castle reported downtown sewer and storm-drain progress, a recently repaired sinkhole, delivery of a new dump truck, a street-sweeper order with possible delivery delay, durapatching work starting in Ward One, and upcoming staffing changes including a resignation and new hires.
KENTON, Ohio — Public Works Superintendent Tim Castle told council on April 22 that the downtown sewer work is nearing completion, crews repaired a collapsed sewer tile that created a sinkhole, and equipment updates and staffing changes are planned in the coming weeks.
"The sewer line is near completion," Castle said, describing remaining work on Columbus Street and an alley behind the Price Funeral Home. He credited contractor HSX and city crews for responding quickly to a collapsed sewer tile and sinkhole between Center and Glendale, noting the excavation, trench-boxing under gas lines, repair and burial were completed within days.
Castle said the city received a second new dump truck and is processing registration and insurance before placing it in service. A street sweeper has been ordered from MTech; Castle said delivery may slip to mid–late May because of supplier add-ons and a facility move but that Kenton has been allocated a machine on the second production run.
Durapatching began in Ward One and is planned to proceed through Wards Two, Three and Four, with a goal of completing each ward within about a month, weather permitting. The department is onboarding a new truck-driving employee next week and coordinating with Ohio Means Jobs and Lifeworks to recruit additional workers.
Staffing changes: Castle announced the resignation of long-time employee Tirey Latham (last day April 29). Safety Service Director Cindy Murray added that Water Treatment Plant operator Theron Hogan has accepted another job and will leave at the end of the week, increasing vacancies the department is working to fill.
Chief Donnelly also announced hydrant-flowing in the northeast section the week of May 13, which will be completed before the next council meeting.
Next steps: The public works department will continue downtown construction oversight, proceed with durapatching across wards, place the new truck into service once documentation is complete, and continue recruitment efforts to replace departing staff.
