Gambier reviews water-system resilience as Mount Vernon plans 7% rate hike

At the Feb. 2 village meeting, Gambier officials reviewed multiple water-system matters as the village prepares for an EPA sanitary survey and for a Mount Vernon water-rate pass-through.

Administrator Courtney DeCosky told council the EPA will be onsite for a sanitary survey beginning March 2 and will observe water treatment and distribution operations. DeCosky said the last sanitary survey had recommended a backup power source and enhanced security at the chlorine booster station; she is seeking quotes for a generator and structural/security enhancements and plans to pursue potential grant funding.

Council and staff also discussed repeated freezing of the water-tower instrumentation this winter (the tower froze four times since Dec. 14). DeCosky recommended installing a permanent enclosure at the base of the water tower to protect the pressure gauge and data equipment; council approved the DeZign Unlimited quote to proceed.

DeCosky reported Mount Vernon’s planned 7% rate increase will be reflected on utility bills due April 15 and noted Gambier’s ordinance provides for an identical pass-through. She said she will meet with Mount Vernon officials to discuss rates and contracts and will report back to council on comparative rates.

Streets & Utilities committee members also discussed longer-term infrastructure items, including planned replacement of nine water meters requiring excavation, the Kokosing Drive sewer grant project anticipated to break ground in early February, and proposals for permanent speed humps in place of temporary devices.

Council directed staff to pursue generator quotes for the chlorine booster station, request security improvements where appropriate, and provide updates at subsequent meetings. No new rate-setting action was taken by Gambier at the Feb. 2 meeting; the 7% increase is a pass-through tied to Mount Vernon’s action.