Progress continues on wastewater project

Portland Board of Works on Thursday approved the latest pay request for the ongoing project at the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Board of works members Jerry Leonhard, Steve McIntosh and Mayor Jeff Westlake approved a $382,500 pay request from James S. Jackson Company of Bluffton for work completed thus far. The project involves construction of a wet weather pump station at the wastewater treatment plant. (Jutte Excavating of Fort Recovery will put in an equalization basin.)

The board also approved a change order with Jutte for slight changes to the scope of the project that resulted in a $1,980 cost reduction.

Jeff Hersha of Fort Wayne’s Jones and Henry Engineers told the board about plans to bring in three backup generators for the project. He explained that using three smaller units as opposed to one unit would result in quicker delivery and better energy efficiency.

Hersha also noted that he is continuing to work with the contractors, Waste Management and Jay County Humane Society toward removal of the former humane society building that is located adjacent to the wastewater treatment facility.

“It’s going well so far,” he said of the overall project.

In other business, the board:

•Approved a lease agreement with SCUS, doing business as Save the Children, for the city-owned building at 406 E. Arch St. It is a five-year agreement with rent at $1/year. Save the Children will be operating Head Start in Portland.

•OK’d the purchase of a salt spreader for the city’s street department from Kalida Truck Equipment of Kalida, Ohio, at a cost of $12,300. Street department superintendent Matt Shauver requested the purchase as part of an effort to put new equipment in a rotation.

•Tabled a request from rural Portland resident Kyle Love for a waiver of his sewer bill after his house was significantly damaged in the Sept. 22 tornado. Love explained that it may be up to a year before his house is inhabitable again. Clerk-treasurer Lori Phillips noted that by ordinance, anyone who is connected to the sewer system must be charged. Portland Mayor Jeff Westlake suggested Love seek reimbursement from his insurance company. After a discussion, during which Love suggested the ordinance be amended for natural disasters like a tornado, the board tabled the issue.

•Approved the purchase of a 2018 Jeep Compass from Gas Capital Motors of Dunkirk for $18,112 to be used as a vehicle for the mayor. Portland City Council previously approved up to $25,000 for the purchase.